Turn signals don't work, make gauges go crazy when activated

I repaired a friends Dodge neon that had similar sounding electrical issues. The turn signal assembly (they call it the "multifunction switch") in the steering column has a lot of different circuits running thru it including headlights and hi-beams, and the wiring/connectors can't handle the amount of current. The electrical connector was melted pretty bad, causing a short circuit. When I went to a junk yard to try to get a replacement, out of 4 cars in the junkyard with the matching part, all of them had melted connectors (but apparently not bad enough to cause the short yet).

I've seen reports that other dodge models besides the neon had the same issue, so the multifunction switch assembly would be my first bet.

In my friends case, it got even worse because it blew a fuse, so they replaced the 5 amp fuse with a 25 amp. That caused the main wiring harness in the steering colum to melt, shorting out all sorts of fun stuff.

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Originally Posted by DenverGP

I repaired a friends Dodge neon that had similar sounding electrical issues. The turn signal assembly (they call it the "multifunction switch") in the steering column has a lot of different circuits running thru it including headlights and hi-beams, and the wiring/connectors can't handle the amount of current. The electrical connector was melted pretty bad, causing a short circuit. When I went to a junk yard to try to get a replacement, out of 4 cars in the junkyard with the matching part, all of them had melted connectors (but apparently not bad enough to cause the short yet).

I've seen reports that other dodge models besides the neon had the same issue, so the multifunction switch assembly would be my first bet.

In my friends case, it got even worse because it blew a fuse, so they replaced the 5 amp fuse with a 25 amp. That caused the main wiring harness in the steering colum to melt, shorting out all sorts of fun stuff.

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Wow...newsflash !!

Never "up the amp rating" on a fuse just 'cause. Fuses blow for a reason, get it fixed.


Good info in here for ya, OP. .......... FWIW, Dodge isn't the only O.E.M that had problems with multi-function switches over the years.

I fixed it. It was a small amount of corrosion on the positive post and ground. When I popped the hood I looked right at the posts, dismissed the small amount of corrosion as inconsequential, and went straight to the 1. fuse box, 2. youtube, 3. worldwide web, 4. a mechanic friend in San Antonio who has been a Dodge mechanic for almost 30 years ( I haven't heard back from him yet but I want to see what he says) and 5. the DIYer's here. Then I cleaned the posts. So, I guess there is a lesson to be learned here, and I learned a lot more from the post anyway. Danke.

And best of all you admitted to owning a minivan!

j/k, no judging, especially since there is a chance I will have one some day

As long as there are kids involved mini vans are OK. Might be one of the best vehicles for hauling the little rug rats around in.

Yes indeed. Four small ones. Still looking for a newer suburban though, but the mini ain't to shabby as a traveling play pen.

Lead is in the IVA group on the periodic chart. Pretty much any metal can become a semiconductor,when corroded or oxidized.

http://sciencenotes.org/wp-content/u...ableCharge.png

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Originally Posted by ray1970

As long as there are kids involved mini vans are OK. Might be one of the best vehicles for hauling the little rug rats around in.

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Whatever happened to the days of just herding the rug rats into the back of the pickup and off you go ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFoN3gAswBI

I was just going to say that I know Chrysler made a turbo 5-speed van, and an AWD van, and I bet they'd be sweet together.