Multifunction switch failures

[UAV]

My multifailure switch started acting up again this morning, ie. the blinkers flash erratically or opposite of the direction I move the stick or just don't work at all. This has been a recurring problem since I bought the truck new in 2006 with 33 miles on it. I'm currently on my 3rd unit (2nd replacement) and it was last replaced in August and almost exactly a year earlier the time before that. I've heard these can be problematic, which is also evident by the fact the dealer always has the part in stock. My question is if anyone else is having as much trouble with this damn thing as I am? With this track record I'll be putting in a new switch every 6-12 months. #@$%!

 

[Tinman]

i replaced mine once about a year ago. So far all is good.

 

[MoparDave]

Call your Dealer, I received a letter from Chrysler back in October that on 2006 models

the switch is now covered for 10years or 150K.

 

[UAV]

Good to know, thank you.

 

[hearingyourlies]

I would love to get a copy of that letter.



My dealer said it doesn't apply to my truck because it's a 2500, not a 3500.

 

[UAV]

I guess it was too good to be true. I know a service writer at one of the local Dodge dealers, I will inquire about that and let you know what they tell me.

 

[UAV]

The only thing I was able to find out is that based on my VIN there is no recall for this part. Not very helpful, I know.

 

[hearingyourlies]

Does anyone know the part number and where I can get it online? 97 freakin' bucks!!!

 

[EDankievitch]

It blows my mind that we have this problem still. My 89 Ram had these same problems with this same switch. The best is when the wipers don't want to work on that nice stormy day. I've owned 4 Dodge trucks over the past 21 years and all of them have had this switch fail at least once. I've also owned 2 very used Toyota trucks and NEVER once had an issue with any switch in the trucks, they just work. And Dodge Gmc and Ford wonder why they are almost out of buisness????

 

[MoparDave]

I can scan the letter if you like, this about sums it up NHSTA Notice

 

[UAV]

I can scan the letter if you like, this about sums it up NHSTA Notice

The ODI report says Ram 3500. I don't know how it can not apply to 2500 trucks as they appear to have the identical problem. I'm willing to bet your letter says the same thing.

 

[sag2]

This is from the customer letter in the warranty bulletin. There is a new PN CNH3X200AA that retails for $35. 00 to ease the pain of those that do not get it for free. You also no longer have to pull the steering wheel to change the switch. See TSB 08-11-09 for details.

This letter is to inform you that the warranty period on your truck's turn signal multifunction switch has been extended to 10 year or 150,000 miles, which ever occurs first.
This turn signal multifunction switch extended warranty coverage applies only to certain 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 trucks.

 

[UAV]

I finally brought my truck in to the dealer (Lithia Dodge of Renton, WA - I will never go back) to have the switch replaced again. After a huge fight with the service writer they finally replaced it free of charge and said they would not do it again. The part was still under the Mopar 12m/12k part warranty from the last time it was replaced however the dealer decided they did not have to honor this.



The point for my post, however, is to advise any 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 owners to call and report the safety defect of the multifunction switch to the NHTSA (1-888-327-4236 open till 10pm Eastern). I called them yesterday and they were surprisingly helpful. Advise them of the problem(s) you have encountered with the switch and that the NHTSA already has an action number (Defect Investigation Results : ODI - Office of Defects Investigation) for the 3500 model trucks for the same reason on the identical component. The NHTSA investigates each individual complaint but the more complaints they receive the better. Here's the link to my complaint Complaint Results: Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

 

[gtobey]

Tsb 08-11-09

This is from the customer letter in the warranty bulletin. There is a new PN CNH3X200AA that retails for $35. 00 to ease the pain of those that do not get it for free. You also no longer have to pull the steering wheel to change the switch. See TSB 08-11-09 for details.



This letter is to inform you that the warranty period on your truck’s turn signal multifunction switch has been extended to 10 year or 150,000 miles, which ever occurs first.

This turn signal multifunction switch extended warranty coverage applies only to certain 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 trucks.

What does this TSB say about not removing the steering wheel and airbag? Does it describe how you can get to the multifunction switch? Can you get to the screws to remove the switch with the steering wheel still intact? I still think you would have to remove the battery cables and wait a couple of minutes for the capacitor to discharge before attempting anything...

 

[B.G. Smith]

Mine has been replaced twice, I did get the letter about extending the coverage on the switch for ten years, it was not a TSB though. bg

 

[TGVET]

Mine as well. Even on my Suburban. They are made to fail. Mine went wacko over 100K ago, I've just been dealing with it. My peculiarities as follows: Wet days- Will intermittent delay for short period then has a mind of its own. Dry days-- wiper swipes one time all by itself. Now that's a weird one. . Sitting stopped--- engine off, key on, works like new in all delay modes. There must be some relationship as to when the rig is running in "normal ops" and the overall electronic system function, otherwise, why in hell would the darn thing work perfectly in key on mode only ??

Rule number one. . NEVER take your rig to the stealership.
Rule number two. . NEVER EVER take your rig to the stealership. .

As many, I have my own horror stories "after the fact"
Find a very good indi shop with the latest test equipment if you must take your rig in.

Just my . 2

 

[Regcabguy]

It blows my mind that we have this problem still. My 89 Ram had these same problems with this same switch. The best is when the wipers don't want to work on that nice stormy day. I've owned 4 Dodge trucks over the past 21 years and all of them have had this switch fail at least once. I've also owned 2 very used Toyota trucks and NEVER once had an issue with any switch in the trucks, they just work. And Dodge Gmc and Ford wonder why they are almost out of buisness????

My '85 Toyota's heater controls fell apart on warranty. Toyota denied coverage due to "offroading". Bid was over $400 total. The part was $99. 00. I had an independent shop do the work. Entire dash had to be removed and the bill came to $250. Caca pasa.

 

[sag2]

What does this TSB say about not removing the steering wheel and airbag? Does it describe how you can get to the multifunction switch? Can you get to the screws to remove the switch with the steering wheel still intact? I still think you would have to remove the battery cables and wait a couple of minutes for the capacitor to discharge before attempting anything...

Disconnect the battery, remove shroud, position steering wheel to get screws out, disconnect wire connector, pull hard to remove, snap new one into place.

 

[TGVET]

Thanks Sag2, I would have probably done that but now that you posted, have no reserve about it.

 

[gtobey]

Changing the multifunction switch

Disconnect the battery, remove shroud, position steering wheel to get screws out, disconnect wire connector, pull hard to remove, snap new one into place.

That's what I thought, as I looked at the column and turned the steering wheel, I envisioned the ability to reach beside the wheel and remove the two screws holding the switch in, unplug it and replace it. It just seemed a bit labor intensive to have to remove the steering wheel, but I have seen crazy before! Thanks again for the advice!