Johnny Atomic
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2019
- Posts
- 83
- Reaction score
- 201
- Location
- Little Rock AR
- First Name
- Johnny
- Truck Year
- 1983
- Truck Model
- Sierra Classic 1500
- Engine Size
- 350
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Must be an '84 since it shows the dreaded multi function switch. Why GM could not have made that easier to change, I don't understand. I had to replace it on my Dodge Intrepid (with a tilt column, and Saginaw makes the tilt columns for Mopar or at least they did then) and it was a five minute job. No airbag removal, no steering wheel removal, just take two screws out of the column clamshell and two more out of the switch mount, and unplug the connectors. I actually did the second replacement in the parts store parking lot, after I'd had to exchange the first unit because it was defective (I suspect it might not have been properly labeled as a defective return unit and got reshelved).Back page of an early 80’s sale brochure.
Must be an '84 since it shows the dreaded multi function switch. Why GM could not have made that easier to change, I don't understand. I had to replace it on my Dodge Intrepid (with a tilt column, and Saginaw makes the tilt columns for Mopar or at least they did then) and it was a five minute job. No airbag removal, no steering wheel removal, just take two screws out of the column clamshell and two more out of the switch mount, and unplug the connectors. I actually did the second replacement in the parts store parking lot, after I'd had to exchange the first unit because it was defective (I suspect it might not have been properly labeled as a defective return unit and got reshelved).
They're good... until they quit working.While I do also really like a floor dimmer, I have always liked the GM multifunction switch. No gripes from me.
They're good... until they quit working.
If they're made cheaply enough...90s GM interiors are made of rather cheap and lightweight plastic especially in the cars. Even the trucks are not that great....I've actually never had one fail. I've had a couple issues with the high beam switch and the linkage rod before, but never the multifunction switch itself.
Although, somehow my mother broke them completely off in her '93 Bonneville and then later in her '95 Trans Sport as well. I still have no idea how she managed that.
If they're made cheaply enough...90s GM interiors are made of rather cheap and lightweight plastic especially in the cars. Even the trucks are not that great....
We have a cheaper multi function switch on Burb, because it failed when we didn't have much $$ so we bought what we could afford. It's lasted, but it feels like it might crack if you got too heavy handed with it.
Maybe the Southern heat/humidity is not good for them? Dad and I replaced the one on the '84 Burb, '90 Burb, other '99 Burb, and the Dodge. We also rebuilt the tilt columns in the '84 and '90 Burbs, once on the bench and once in the truck on the '84.No no, she broke them OFF the column, lol. The column in the Bonneville was damaged bad enough that I just replaced it with a used one. On the Trans Sport, I somehow rigged it up where it could mount and be used again, but it's been too long now and I can't remember what I did.
I grew up in a GM family and have myself owned maybe 40 (I'm too lazy to count right now) of them with the multifunction switch and have never had one go bad. Maybe I've just been lucky, I dunno. I have replaced some stalks though, simply to replace chrome with black.
I can't even remember having to replace one in a customer's vehicle when I worked at the shop.