How to repair multifunction switch for fog lights (fog lights that won't turn off)

Chris

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Here's an alternative write-up (though almost identical) to the one @bobthetj03 posted:

My 2003 Jeep Wrangler started magically turning on the fog lights while I had it parked. This issue kept getting worse until I could not get the lights to stay off without touching the switch. At first I was able to put my left turn signal on and this was just a temporary fix. I went to the dealer and they told me the switch would cost me $260 this is why I wanted to fix the existing switch. I want to keep my jeep nice and running another switch somewhere else would just bug me.

This write up includes removing the switch from the steering column.

Tools Needed
First you need to remove the steering the column plastic cover there are two screws in the holes closest to the steering wheel. Phillips

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Now you can remove the two T20 screws on top of the multifunction switch. There are two harness plugs going into this switch which both have a red tab that need to be pulled out (but not completely) in order to be unplugged.

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Now the entire switch assembly can be removed.

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Next you need to remove the relay, two T10 screws, and the wire plug which has two black wires on it.

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Now you need to carefully used a small flat head work your way around the piece being careful not to break any plastic.

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Once this is done your switch is exposed and you should be able to see your problem.

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A closer look will show you this.

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Under the cover you can see what all is happening and why your fog lights will not say off. The white plastic piece has worn down and can no longer lift the metal piece far enough to stop the circuit.

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If this seems to be your problem then your fix will be easy. Next you need to remove one more T10 screw. This will now lift out easily but before you do this remove all the pieces on top that are not secured down.

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Now you will see the the lifter completely exposed. Pull it up and lightly press it down so you can remove it. I had to slide mine to the left.

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Now you are ready to put some JB Weld on the part to build it up to its original length. (I used JB quick Weld but either will work) Before this step you might want to clean the part to ensure the glue will stick. I used side cuts to clean the part up from where it had actually smashed/melted down.

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After the glue has dried you can now put it all back together and test it out.
 
Nice write up! More detailed. Only part that's a bit vague is he doesn't show exactly where the glue should be applied. It's pretty obvious where the wear mark is, so I guess it doesn't matter much.
 
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I did something similar after reading about it somewhere. The old style ink pen cartridge fits perfectly over top of the plastic pen that gets worn. I cut a piece of the pen cartridge the right size, and it's worked great for about 1.5 years.
 
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I wish I was joking but it works. I fought with this a couple of years ago and that was the only fix till I found a thread that detailed what the issue was. It only works for so long though. Eventually that won't keep them off anymore and then you're down to pulling fuses if you haven't fixed your multi-function switch or replaced it.

I went the aftermarket replacement and, while the stalk functions are A-OK, I turned on the emergency flashes one day and it took me 5 mins to get them to turn off.
 
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So I found this stuff, its a resin that is cured with a uv light, sets up instantly, the JB weld took 6 hours to dry, 24 to cure.

The funny thing it I was always looking for something like this for tying flies (I'm a fly fisherman) but it was called bug bond, I used it to fill in the wear and now I can use it to tie flies.
rapid fix.JPG
 
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Yep, all you need is something like that. Fill in the worn area, let the stuff dry, file it down, and then you're back in business. Now you can proceed with cursing the a-hole who came up with such a stupid design in the first place.
 
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yup, worked like a charm, now only getting 12v at the wire when the switch is pulled out, indicator light on the dash is no longer on.

Now I can get some aux lights hooked up on the front.

Not even that big of job really, I was looking at our pictures and thinking yeessh but once you get into it its not that hard.
 
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I had every intent on doing this fix but then I found the MFS for $144 and it was a MOPAR item so I went that route instead. Still an easy fix, and now my fog lights only come on when I turn them on......
 
Doing this as we speak. Took the wife out to dinner and the fog lights came on, and I couldn’t turn them off without touching the end of the switch. Thanks to the OP for the guide, they should be working like new by morning.

Success!
 
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Thanks for the information! Today I replaced my left turn signal/ hazard with the Napa Echlin. The wiring harness into the turn signal was heat damaged and some chipped off. The only thing is, even with the new one, if I pull slightly outward on the turn signal switch, the fog lights still come on? Before they were coming on themselves, and for a little while, the left turn signal trick was working...
 
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