Multifunction Switch Advice

[JDMSUBARU10]

So here is my problem, i have a 95 legacy l sedan, an the multifunction switch on the column that controls the wipers, some how quit working, i have no windshield wipers but my turn signals work fine. I went to a local junkyard that has about 5 to 6 legacy and impreza, problem is they tell me that the multifunction switch will work but will make the airbags deploy. I need the part but wanna make sure that the switch wont cause more problems..what do ya'll suggest?

[98outbackpdx]

uhhh the blinker stalk is on the left along with your headlight switch, and your wipers are on your right, towards the center console,(LHD models) two completely different stalks, you sure you are not using the wrong one? maybe are you driving when you should not be? also there is a circuit board that controls the wipers, i had to replace the one in a Chevy, was able to get it at napa, i would try to see if the circuit board is the problem.

[mike-tracy]

When mine stopped working, I grabbed a stalk off of an LSI which had an intermediate wiper function. But any 90-96 (possibly thru 99) will work.

1.Don't fret the airbag warning, just unplug the negative lead on the battery and step on the brakes for a few seconds to discharge any remaining electricity.

2.For the 95, you'll need a "torx t-30 security bit" to remove the two screws on the airbag. Unplug the airbag and horn plugs from the steering wheel and put the airbag module somewhere safe.

3.You'll need to borrow a steering wheel puller (from an autoparts store like O'Reillys or Autozone) most likely since your steering wheel has been on for over a decade. Make sure the car's wheels are perfectly straight.

4.You'll need to remove the lower plastic part of the dash on the drivers side (4 or 6 philips screws) to get to the plug of the wiper stalk. Also you'll need to unscrew the plastic trim on the steering colum and pull the bottom piece down or off.- After finding the wiper stalk's plug under the dash and unplugging the connectors, I cut the plug off so I could simply pull the cable out.

5.Snake the new cable in and plug it in. At this point (with the airbag module still off) I connected negative lead on the battery, and verified the new wiper stalk actually worked. Then unplug negative and step on the brakes again "just in case."

6. Put the lower dash panel back on.

7. VERY IMPORTANT!!! Before you put the steering wheel back on, turn the clockspring (the yellow thing underneath it with the warnings) all the way clockwise till you feel resistance. Then turn it the other way however many times the label says (in my case 2.65 turns).

8.Put the steering wheel on completely straight (this is why it's important to have your wheels pointed straight, otherwise the steering wheel will be cocked to a side). Be careful that the clockspring's the plastic tabs stick through the steering wheel and the horn and airbag wire fit through the rectangular part they came out of.

9.Plug in airbag and horn and screw it in.

10. After you reconnect the battery, if the airbag light is on and the horn doesn't work, you'll need to take off the airbag and steering wheel and align the clockspring again (being careful to unplug battery and step on the brake of course!). I had to do this one additional time to get mine to work.

Did I miss anything?

[JDMSUBARU10]

thanks mike, i'm in the process of get the switch that i need..an 98outback, problems do occur an maybe you should think about that happening before you start to insult people..

[mike-tracy]

Insults weren't my intention, but instead what I wrote was for Newbies searching how to do this in the future. For all I know, you could be a master engine builder.

[JDMSUBARU10]

no mike i was talkin to you..i was talkin about the other guy above you..thanks for the help mike once again

[98outbackpdx]

i am sorry it wasn't meant as in insult. i am just used to drunk people doing stupid thinks like emailing texting and driving, but i promise you it was not my intention to insult you.

2.For the 95, you'll need a "torx t-30 security bit" to remove the two screws on the airbag. Unplug the airbag and horn plugs from the steering wheel and put the airbag module somewhere safe.



its very easy to strip these bolts too, i'd either heat it up or use a penetrating catalyst (carefully)

theres also 4 of these bolts in the 95's 2 on either side

[mike-tracy]

[quote="mike-tracy":2ov6g42b]
2.For the 95, you'll need a "torx t-30 security bit" to remove the two screws on the airbag. Unplug the airbag and horn plugs from the steering wheel and put the airbag module somewhere safe.


its very easy to strip these bolts too, i'd either heat it up or use a penetrating catalyst (carefully)
theres also 4 of these bolts in the 95's 2 on either side[/quote:2ov6g42b]

^Use heat on the airbags?

disconnect the battery and heat up the bolt and you should be fine, im not sayin use a blowtorch...using a hairdryer has worked on all the steering wheels i've removed

but there's thread lock on the 95's airbag bolts so betwixt that, being there for 15years, and being stupid security bolts, its a pain