GM Multifunction Switch Replacement Instructions
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The vehicle used in this example is a 1995 Chevrolet Pickup. This section will detail the disassembly and re-assembly of a multifunction
switch used on most cars today. The example used is of a
General Motors vehicle. This particular design is used on most GM
vehicles from 1995 through today including many truck models.
Tilt and non-tilt designs use the same design, so these instructions
work for both styles
HereDISASSEMBLY
1) Set the wheels in the straight-ahead position before beginning. Then disconnect the battery. The example vehicle has an airbag. On some models, it may be necessary to remove the airbag and steering wheel to gain access to the bolts. This particular truck does not require that step.
2) Remove the lower dash covers, supports,
knee bolsters and any brackets to allow
yourself access to the large wiring bulk
connector.
3) Remove the steering wheel tilt lever
by pulling straight out and away from
the column.
4) To remove the lower steering column
cover. There are usually 2 - 20 torx bolts on
the bottom. Some models use a more
rounded cover design. Those covers have 1
bolt on the bottom and simply snap apart.
5) Remove the lower cover. Carefully maneuver it from behind the steering wheel back cover.
6) Looking from the bottom, with the lower cover removed, you will find a small torx bolt securing the right side of the upper cover. Remove this bolt.
7) Remove the other torx bolt exposed on the left side attached to the long plastic stud...the stud can remain but the cover should now be loose. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER YET.
8) In order to remove the upper cover, the ignition lock cylinder needs to be removed. This task can be very challenging...be patient.
9) Raise the cover slightly, being extremely careful not to break the 4-way flasher button!!!
10) If you are not replacing the switch, but accomplishing another task, you do not want to cause any additional damage. I cannot emphasize this enough!!!! This switch will snap and cost you hundreds of dollars if you break it.
11) With a small right angle pick, locate the 1/8” hole on the top of the lock housing. Rotate the ignition lock cylinder to the “Start” position. Then depress the pick in the access hole to release the lock cylinder. The cylinder will not move freely due to the pressure of the cover, and it only releases in the “start: position. Once you depress the spring loaded release through the hole, the lock should slide out slightly.
12) Remove the lock cylinder.
Now you are free to remove the upper
cover, but once again, be extremely
careful not to break the 4-way flasher
button!!!
13) Remove the 2 screws securing the
multi-function switch to the ignition
lock housing.
14) Disconnect the bulk connector under the
dash. There is a 7 mm red bolt in the
center of the connector holding the connectors
together.
15) Separate the multi-switch connectors
from the bulk connector. These are snapped
into place and can be gently wedged out of
position.
16) Locate the wire harness leading to
the brake-shift interlock solenoid. Remove
the green safety clip and then disconnect
the plug from the solenoid.
17) Remove the switch from the vehicle
RE-ASSEMBLY
1) Route the wires for the new switch through the column and dash area.
2) Secure the switch to the lock housing.
When you do this BE SURE TO ALIGN
THE HORN CONTACT BEHIND THE
HORN CAM.3) Secure the bulk connector and brake-shift interlock wire harnesses
4) CAREFULLY INSTALL THE UPPER COVER. THIS IS WHERE THE DAMAGE TO THE NEW SWITCH OCCURS!!!
6) Install the remaining components in the order you removed them
7) Lower column cover
8) Tilt lever
9) Lower dash panels
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