Replacing the multifunction switch on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee

By | October 12, 2011

This was my process. Your mileage may vary.

You can get this switch at Amazon.

Tools needed:

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • T-20 torx bit
  • Flashlight

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Optional: Belgian Malinois

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Step 1: Remove the three Phillips head screws from the bottom of the steering column cover.

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Step 2: Realize you can’t quite get to the last screw while the lower dash panel is attached.

Step 3: Remove the lower dash panel.

Step 4: Get the dog a chew toy to keep her from stealing the screws you just removed.

Step 5: Fight with the housing for a while until you get it off.

Step 6: Remove the two torx screws holding the bracket down. You’ll then need to put the hazard switch in the ON position and the turn signal in the right turn position to remove the bracket entirely.

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Step 7: Figure out why the dog is attacking the window blinds.

Step 8: Push up on the bottom of the switch to pop it out of place.

Step 9: Unplug the two connectors while cursing Chrysler engineers for not including any slack in the wires.

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Step 10: Connect the new switch and put it in place.

Step 11: Admonish the dog for licking your head while you are trying to figure out how to put the steering column housing back on.

Step 12: Decide the steel panel (pictured above) needs to come off in order to put the housing back on.

Step 13: Hand the dog off to the wife so you can continue unmolested.

Step 14: Put the steel panel back on.

Step 15: Put the lower dash back on.

DONE!

You can get this switch at Amazon.

9 thoughts on “Replacing the multifunction switch on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee

  1. Kurt

    Thank you very much. This is exactly what I needed. It worked out well – even without a dog!
    Thank you

    Reply
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  4. Sam

    This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I realize you wrote this years ago but I had no clue how to do this and I just got the old switch out in less than ten minutes. Just need to warm up and get the new one on. Thank you so much for putting this out there!

    Reply
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  6. RottenGirl

    The post that keeps on giving – even years later.
    Great instructions. I just replaced mine with ease, thank you. My only difference was that I used a Rottweiler instead of a Malinois – pretty much the same outcome though.

    Reply
  7. Chris Anderson

    Just wanted to let you know that this is still the post that keeps on giving!
    Thank you for taking the time to put it together, hope you and your dog are doing well.

    Reply

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