My first indication was that the Instrument Panel lights were out. After fiddling with the IP dimmer switch and almost everything else related, I also found that the Hi-Beams, Fogs, and Taillights were inop. The Lo-beams, DRLs, brake, and interior lights are OK. However, when I use the remote (RFA) to activate/deactivate the security system, the tail lights and fog lights indicate activation/deactivation of the security system as advertized. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks,

 

Same thing happened to me couple of years ago for me it was the turn signal stalk replaced the whole unit. No problems since. The part was about $200

 

Yep. You can however repair that switch your self for free. Theres a post on it. Just do a search.

The fob light activation happens through the BCM and not the multifunction switch.

BC

 

Thanks guys.... I tried repairing my switch, but made it worse (got the lights to come on all the time, and couldn't turn them off). Finally bit the bullet, and replaced the multifunction switch according to the instructions I found on the forum, and it now works purrrfectly.

Here's some notes that others might find useful:

The only thing I would add to the switch removal instructions is that the torx-head screws holding the top part of the column cover were actually black in color vice silver on my '99 coupe. Since I didn't have a torx-head driver, I wound up using a 5/32, 1/4-inch drive socket on a universal nut driver which did the trick.

To remove the hard-to-get-to screw from the front of the switch, I used a short T-25 bit, and turned it with a 1/4-inch open-end wrench.

Another clue that the switch was bad was that the lights worked ok in the twilight mode, as well as with the FOB. That meant that the bulbs, wiring, fuses, ground, and BCM were all OK.

After I installed the new switch, I definitely could feel the difference in the headlight switch. I guess it just wears out after a while. Funny thing is, I haven't used the switch that much. It's rare that my baby goes out in the dark. My ODO just turned exactly 70,000 miles when this happened. Coincidence, or just old age?

I spent about 4 hours overall, and figured I saved $400 in labor. The education, and satisfaction of fixing it myself was well worth my time.

Thanks again to all,

 

hmmmm when I activate alarm through my FOB, the foglights come and and the taillights dont and my instrument lights dont work either.

 

I think some years are different. My 1998 fob turns on the front parking lights (and the fog lights if the switch is on) and the rear license plate lights when I set my alarm. My dash lights don't come on when I open doors either.

 

I have an 02. When I opened the door, the instruments lights used to come on. I think it's the fuse now.