How do you replace the multifunction switch on a Ford Windstar?

Answer 1

Procedure

• Best to disconnect the negative battery cable for this project - many of the wires involved are 'hot' all the time.
  
  
• remove the lower column dash-cover from under the steering wheel
  
  
• remove the bottom of the column cover - a few screws hold it to the bottom-side of the upper column cover
  
  
• Upper Cover - you may be able to twist the upper cover away enough to get at the multi-function switch - otherwise, it too will have to come off.
  
  This will require removing the ignition key cylinder (See "Related Questions" below)
  
  
• unplug the wiring harness connections
  
  
• remove the 2 torx mounting screws and remove the old switch.
  
  
• mount the new switch and plug the wire harnesses back in ( they only fit where they are supposed to )

Removing the lock cylinderIf you have the key and can turn the cylinder

• Turn the ignition to the run position
  
• Push a long 1/8" diameter pin (drill bit?) up into a hole located on the underside of the steering column in the lock cylinder area.
• • Up in the hole there is a little release pin you are trying to depress to allow easy removal of the cylinder.
    
  • If you have trouble locating the hole, remove the lower steering column shroud.
    
• Once that pin is pressed the cylinder should pull out fairly easy.

Replacing a Not-Working Lock Cylinder

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
3. Insert a 0.125 drill bit in the hole at the top of the cylinder housing and drill out the retaining pin.
   NOTE Be careful! Don't drill anything but the pin hole straight in
   
4. Remove the lock cylinder
5. Clean out all the metal shavings
   

To Install:

1. Turn the new lock cylinder to accessory position
2. Press and hold the retainer pin in, insert the lock cylinder into the housing.
   Test it out and put everything back together - don't forget the battery cable too.
   
3. Turn the key to the OFF position the release the retaining pin and lock it in