Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Service Procedure

The following procedure describes how to inspect and replace the hazard warning flasher switch, OR inspect and replace the multifunction (turn signal, headlamp dimmer, and windshield wiper/washer) switch assembly. The part that you replace will be determined during the inspection portion of this procedure. Do NOT replace any parts until after performing the inspection procedure.

Inspection Procedure

1. From inside the vehicle, depress the hazard warning flasher switch located on the top of the steering column.

2. Depress the hazard warning flasher switch again.

^ If the hazard warning flasher switch did not stick in either the up or down position, proceed to the section titled "Replacing the Hazard Warning Flasher Switch". Do not order any replacement parts until instructed to in the additional inspection procedure included in that section.

^ If the hazard warning flasher switch is sticking in either the up or down position, replace the MULTIFUNCTION switch. Proceed to the section titled "Replacing the Multifunction Switch".

Replacing the Hazard Warning Flasher Switch

This procedure describes how to replace ONLY the hazard warning flasher switch assembly. The procedure includes information on how to remove the original switch, where to apply the lubricant on the new switch, and how to install the new switch.

DO NOT use this procedure if the inspection above indicates that the multifunction switch requires replacement.

Contained in this procedure are unique steps to address features or options, such as cruise control, standard or tilt column, and a column mounted automatic transmission lever.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

2. Remove the fuse block cover from the end of the instrument panel (I/P) on the driver's side and remove the SIR fuse.

3. Remove the screws attaching the driver's side sound insulator underneath the I/P and reposition the insulator panel out of the way.





4. Locate the driver's side yellow 2-way air bag electrical connector at the base of the steering column and remove the connector position assurance (CPA) from the connector.

5. Disconnect the yellow 2-way electrical connector.

6. If equipped, remove the tilt steering column lever.

Important:
Do not disconnect the courtesy light or hood release cable in the next step.

7. Remove the screws that attach the knee bolster trim panel to the I/P and lower the panel.

Important:
Some of the illustrations included in this procedure show the steering column removed from the vehicle. Those illustrations are for reference purposes only. DO NOT remove the steering column from the vehicle to perform this repair procedure.

8. Remove the screws attaching the lower steering column cover to the steering column.





9. Remove the lower steering column cover by tilting the rearward portion down and then move the cover forward to release the hooks as shown in the illustration.

10. On vehicles equipped with a column mounted automatic transmission shift lever, remove the shifter boot from the upper column cover.

11. Remove the screw attaching the upper steering column cover to the steering column and remove the upper cover.





12. Inspect the part number (1) on the multifunction switch at the location shown in the illustration.

^ If the part number is 26100837 or 26100838, no repair is required. Proceed to the section titled "Reassemble Vehicle".

^ If there is NO part number or barcode on the switch, or if the part number is 26083635 or 26083636, proceed to the next step and replace the hazard warning flasher switch using part number 15174447.

^ If the part number or barcode on the switch is 26090641, 26090642, 26096832, or 26096833, proceed to the next step and replace the hazard warning flasher switch using part number 15177379.

Important:
Carefully review the above illustration to determine the exact location to insert the screwdriver in the next step.





13. Insert a small, pocket-sized, flat bladed screwdriver (2) into the small space between the hazard warning flasher switch housing (1) and the multifunction switch (3).

14. Carefully tilt the screwdriver handle towards the instrument cluster. This will cause the blade of the screwdriver to pry open the space between the hazard warning flasher switch housing and the multifunction switch.

Important:
When removing the hazard warning flasher switch in the next step, the horn may sound momentarily.

15. While the space is pried open, pull the hazard warning flasher switch out of the multifunction switch. Discard the hazard warning flasher switch.

Important:
Do not touch the three triangle-shaped electrical contacts (1) on the side of the switch when removing the protective packaging, handling or applying grease to the new hazard warning flasher switch in the next steps.





16. Remove the rubber band and protective plastic wrapping from the new hazard warning flasher switch.

Important:
The electrical contacts on the new hazard warning flasher switch require a special lubricant, which is included in the kit. Only apply this special lubricant as instructed in the next step. Do NOT use any other type of grease or lubricant.

17. Open the container of special grease included in the kit and apply it to the surfaces of the three triangle-shaped electrical contacts (1) on the side of the new hazard waning flasher switch. When properly applied, the surfaces of the three triangle-shaped electrical contacts must be completely covered and there should be no grease left in the container. Do NOT put any grease in the opening that contains the small metal return spring.

Important:
When installing the hazard warning flasher switch in the next step, the horn may sound momentarily.

18. Insert the hazard warning flasher switch into the opening of the multifunction switch and press down until it locks into place.

19. Remove any excess grease that may appear around the base of the hazard flasher switch. Proceed to the next section "Reassemble Vehicle".

Reassemble Vehicle

1. Install the upper steering column cover and attaching screw.

Tighten

Tighten the screw to 1.5 N.m (13 lb in).

2. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission shift lever that is mounted on the steering column, install the shifter boot to the upper column cover.

3. Install the lower steering column cover and the screws.

Tighten

Tighten the screws to 3.5 N.m (31 lb in).

4. Position the knee bolster trim panel to the I/P and install the attaching screws.

Tighten

Tighten the screws to 1.9 N.m (17 lb in).

5. If equipped, install the tilt steering column lever.

6. Connect the yellow 2-way electrical connector at the base of the steering column and install the CPA.

7. Reposition the driver's side sound insulator panel underneath the I/P and install the attaching screws.

Tighten

Tighten the screws to 1.9 N.m (17 lb in).

8. Install the SIR fuse and install the fuse block cover.

9. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.