D.I.Y.: 1995-1998 Silverado Multifunction Switch Swap

Get your Silverado wipers, cruise control, turn signals and high beams working with this detailed DIY thread.

The multifunction switch of the 1995 through 1998 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck puts the controls for many of the vehicle functions in one convenient location. The problem with this approach is that when the multifunction switch goes bad, the truck may lose the windshield wipers, the cruise control system, the turn signals and the high beam headlights. The other problem is that it has become common for these switches to fail, but forum member and Chevrolet Forum Super Moderator Northey87 put together a detailed DIY showing how to replace this part without spending a fortune.

Project Introduction

When the OP first began his Silverado multifunction DIY thread, he began with a basic warning followed by a list of the items needed to perform this project.

*Disclaimer* This “How To” was created for the sole purpose to help those who need to replace their turn signal multifunction switch (See pic below). This is in no way a replacement for an official repair manual and should not be treated as such. Please read through the entire guide before starting, and if you feel that you can cannot complete the installation properly, then have a professional do it. This installation will take you about 2hrs to complete, so please plan your time accordingly.

Tools needed:
Nut drivers or Sockets: 4mm, 7mm, 10mm
A letter “V” Torque driver (this has a star tip)
A wench to disconnect battery (this may vary depending on your battery)
A mechanical pencil (’95 models only)
A small headed standard screw driver
A pair of scissors

He also included the image above of his multifunction switch after it had been removed, making it clear what you will be replacing during this project.

The Tear Down

The hardest part about replacing the multifunction switch in a 1995 through 1998 Chevrolet Silverado is getting to the area where the switch connects to the steering column assembly. To do so, you have to remove the air bag assembly from the steering wheel, the upper and lower dash face panels, the plastic cladding around the steering column and the ignition switch. Really, the majority of this project is removing all of those items to access the point where the multifunction switch bolts up and plugs in.

The DIY starts with some safety measures – disconnecting the battery, removing the airbag fuse and removing the air bag module – with the OP showing us where every bolt and fastener is along the way. In fact, he details the location of everything that might slow down this process, making it a whole lot easier to dismantle the dash of the Silverado. Once the airbag is removed, he removes the lower dash face, followed by the upper dash panels, accessing all of the wiring and connections for the multifunction switch.

continued…

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

Facebook   Twitter