What the dealership says makes no sense to me if your codes are tranny related take it to a tranny shop to see what they say. From having bulb/ignition switch issues to saying you need intake gaskets and a power steering pump idler arm and fuel filter? what does that have to do with it? I can see maybe a vacuum leak..I would Get another opinion! But what do i know..LOL

 

Yes, that was quite a can of worms I opened by taking it to the dealer. I think maybe they were trying to get one last sale in the cash-for-clunkers program. In their defense, the dealership did not claim that any of those problems (aside from the multi-function switch) would solve our ignition/blinker/brakelight problems.

Needless to say, we took the car home without letting them make any repairs.

So, we will first try to replace the multi-function switch. That will at least get it back on the road...hopefully...I still don't see how the multi-function switch will fix the brake lights and the fact the car doesn't turn off, but what to I know?! The dealership said it was shorted. They said the ignition switch was a-okay. From there we will probably tackle the idler arm and fuel filter since they appear to be easy (and I've found how-to directions). The gaskets and power steering pump may require extensive research and a six-pack before my husband has the nerve to tackle those.

So...off to pull apart a steering column...there's a first time for everything.

Biting my nails,
AGirelli

*Combining Consecutive Posts*

Don't dessert me now!! We are SOOO close...I am working on replacing the multifunction switch. The bulkhead electrical connector is off, and we have the gray and black connectors removed from it. We have lowered the steering column, but are stuck on how to remove the little green connector that goes from the multifunction switch to the switch on the column. It's just two wires in a plastic housing, but I can't figure out how to release the locking feature and don't want to brute force it. Help?!

 

Please be patient and wait for others to respond. No one here gets paid to give advice so your patience is key to getting those responses or you could pay...

Before you replace the whole multifunction switch, I would look at replacing just the hazard switch which is available separately. The PN can be found by searching for "hazard switch" (keep the quotes). That can be done without pulling much of anything apart in the truck. There is even a how-to around here somewhere.

And the hazard switch has nothing to do with the transmission codes. Funny the dealer didn't mention anything about that...

 

My apologies. No impatience was intended. I have nothing but gratitude and awe for the information available in this forum. Thank you for your suggestions.

 

With your help, guidance, and tremendously detailed instructions, we successfully replaced the multi-function switch and it fixed all the original problems: brake lights staying on, blinker not working, car not turning off until brake pedal released. The information in this forum is simply amazing - so clear and detailed and thorough. Thank you for all your help, suggestions and patience. It is so empowering not to be at the mercy of the dealership mechanics who make more in an hour than I make in a day. Thank you for all you do - woo hoo!!

 

Glad you got it fixed!