Multifunction Switch - Description

DESCRIPTION





The multi-function switch is located on the left side of the steering column, just below the steering wheel. This switch provides the primary controls for the front and rear wiper and washer systems, the turn signals and for headlamp beam selection. The only visible components of the switch are the control stalk (3), the control sleeve or ring (2) and the control knob (1) that extend through the shrouds on the left side of the steering column. The remainder of the switch including its mounting provisions, its electrical connection and the turn signal cancel actuator are concealed beneath the shrouds.





The switch housing (2) and controls (1) are constructed of molded black plastic. Each of the switch controls has white International Control and Display Symbol graphics applied to it, which clearly identify its many functions. A single integral latch feature (3) and slide tabs on the switch housing engage channels and a striker that are integral to the left side of the mounting bracket that is integral to the clockspring housing (5) that is secured to the top of the steering column.

The multi-function switch housing also contains an electronic circuit board and microprocessor that serve as a Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus slave node. The switch outputs are internally connected directly to the LIN slave node. An integral connector receptacle on the back of the switch housing connects the switch to the vehicle electrical system and to the LIN master node and Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus gateway integral to the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) on the back of the clockspring housing through dedicated take outs and connectors of the instrument panel wire harness.

The multi-function switch provides the vehicle operator with a control interface for the following functions:

- Front Washer Control - The multi-function switch control knob provides a momentary WASH position for front washer system operation.

- Front Wiper Control - The multi-function switch control knob provides detent switching for two front continuous wipe switch positions, LOW speed or HIGH speed and an intermittent wipe mode with five DELAY interval positions. The control knob also has a front momentary MIST or pulse wipe feature switch position.

- Headlamp Beam Selection - The multi-function switch control stalk provides detent switching for selection of the headlamp HIGH or LOW beams.

- Headlamp Optical Horn - The multi-function switch control stalk includes momentary switching of the headlamp high beam circuits to provide an optical horn feature (sometimes referred to as flash-to-pass), which allows the vehicle operator to momentarily flash the headlamp high beams as an optical signalling device.

- Turn Signal Control - The multi-function switch control stalk provides both momentary non-detent (lane change) switching or detent switching with automatic cancellation for both the left and right turn signals.

The multi-function switch cannot be adjusted or repaired. If any function of the switch is ineffective, or if the switch is damaged, the entire switch unit must be replaced. The clockspring (with the integral mounting bracket and the Steering Angle Sensor/SAS with the integral LIN master node and CAN gateway) as well as the multi-function switch (with the integral LIN slave node) are each available for separate service replacement.