Hazard Warning Lamps: Description and Operation

GENERAL INFORMATION
Multi-Function Switch

Multi-Function/Exterior Lamp Switch:

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAG, SEE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR AIRBAG REMOVAL PROCEDURES.

The multi-function switch contains:
- Turn signals
- Hazard warning
- Headlamps
- Headlamp beam select
- Parking lamps
- Panel dimmer
- Fog Lamp
- Headlamp optical horn
- Windshield wiper
- Pulse wipe
- Mist wipe
- Windshield washer switches

The multi-function switch is mounted center of the steering column. There are two levers, one on each side of the steering column. The left side controls the signaling and lighting. The right side controls the windshield wiper and washer system. When the driver wishes to signal his intentions to change direction of travel, he moves the left lever upward to cause the right signals to flash and downward to cause the left signals to flash. After completion of a turn the system is deactivated automatically As the steering wheel returns to the straight ahead position the turn signals are canceled. A canceling cam is molded to the clockspring mechanism which comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the multi-function switch. The canceling cam lobe pushes on the cancel actuator and returns the switch to the off position.

If only momentary signaling such as indication of a lane change is desired, the switch is actuated to a left or right intermediate detent position. In this position the signal lamps flash as described above, but the switch returns to the OFF position as soon as the lever is released.

When the system is activated, one of two indicator lamps mounted in the instrument cluster flashes in unison with the turn signal lamps, indicating to the driver that the system is operating. The windshield wiper and wash system is covered in Windshield Wipers and Washers.

SYSTEM OPERATION
Combination Flasher
The turn signal flasher and the hazard warning flasher are combined into one unit called a combination flasher (combo-flasher). An inoperative or incomplete turn signal circuit will result in an increase in flasher speed.

The flasher is mounted to the back side of the multi-function switch.

Exterior Lamps
To turn lamps ON:
- Parking lamps, using left stalk turn headlamp switch to the first detent
- Headlamps, turn switch to second detent
- Headlamp beam select, from low beam to high beam or high to low, pull left stalk towards steering wheel. The ignition switch must be in the RUN position for the instrument panel high beam indicator to light.
- Headlamp optical horn, pull left stalk towards steering wheel, headlamps will stay ON as long as stalk is held.
- Fog lamps, pull switch outward with headlamps on low beam
- Panel dimmer, rotating dimmer switch regulates density of the instrument panel illumination. There are nine detentes (steps) of density. Detent 1 is full brightness and each detent thereafter is lower. Testing the dimmer switch using the continuity test, the resistance value is measured for each detent. Detents 3 through 8 are measured in equal graduations, up or down and referred to as linear. Example: if detent 3 was 5 ohms and detent 4 was 7 ohms detent 5 should be 9 ohms.

Hazard Warning System
The hazard warning system is actuated by a push button located on the top of the steering column between the steering wheel and the instrument panel. The hazard switch is identified with a double triangle on top of the button. Push and release the button to turn the hazard function ON or OFF The button will move out from the steering column in the ON position and will remain in toward the column in the OFF position.

Headlamp Switch
The headlamp switch is part of the Multi-Function Switch. Refer to Turn signal and Flasher for the Multi-Function Switch Test, Replacement procedures.