97 Ford Taurus: ATTN: ds549, Tom, Bob Urz, Scott

Sorry I can't find the original thread (was some time back), but you all
replied with answers and I said I would get back to you. The problem was the
signal lights, and hazard lights didn't work. Put in a new flasher, signal
lights worked for 3 weeks, hazard not at all. After 3 weeks signals went out
again, put in 2 new flashers, each clicked once and nothing after that.

Following your advices:

Replaced fuses (for multifunction and signal lights). No change.

Checked (tested with meter) all light bulbs. Cleaned all contacts.

Cleaned all sockets prior to putting bulbs back in.

No change, still no flashers or hazard.

Checked wiring. No noticeable breaks or corrosion anywhere. Checked
connections were snug. No change.

Waiting for last suggestion to change multifunction switch because it is
going to run me over $200 (with taxes) and Ford dealers around here would
have to special order. I may go to a junkyard.

The big surprise. Yesterday in -32c (with wind-chill) I get in the card.
Driving down the road for the heck of it I try the signals, guess what?
After several weeks of having none there they are. They are still working
today (also very cold out).

Do you suppose this means for sure it is the multifunction switch?


Oh PS: Anyone using the Chilton's Ford Taurus/Sable 1996-99 repair manual.
It isn't just 3 retaining screws holding in the headlamp unties, it is 3
plus a long (4inch or more) screw located in the top left corner. If you
don't remove that before you pull the lamp out (as the book suggests) you'll
crack the plastic casing.)

Pah

"ScottM" <no DeleteThis @no.com> wrote in message
news:479b19dc$0$17324$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
>> "pahtoot" Hi Scott, glad you saw this post.
>>
>> Do you suppose the GL (not SE) has different parts than what you refer
>> too? The reason I ask is that the flasher relay (flasher) and is the
>> electronic version not the old 2 prong mechanical mechanical version. The
>> flasher relay is completely sealed, blue, 3 prong, plastic cube made in
>> UK. I have not had the multifunction switch out yet, but having seen a
>> picture on the web it too looks electronic. Is it safe to put oil on
>> electronics?
>>
>> Thank you,
>> Pah
>>
> NOT the relay, the switch on top of the steering column, the hazard switch
> (push on/off) It is part of the multifunction switch. The MFS is the one
> under the steering wheel with the turn signal lever sticking out of it.
Whew, glad I asked first. Thanks so much Scott. Some time mid week coming
the temp is suppose to go above 1c so I'll give your suggestion a try then.
After I get it done I'll let you know if it was successful. I have a good
feeling about this one. Fingers crossed.

Thank you again,
Pah