Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Steering Column Switches - The steering column switches include the ignition switch (electrical) and the multi-function switch (headlamp dimmer/flash to pass, hazard, turn signal and windshield wiper). The ignition switch is controlled by the lock cylinder key. When the lock cylinder key is turned to the selected position, mechanical linkage allows the ignition switch to send voltage to specific components. The multi-function switch controls the various components electrically. The headlamp dimmer/flash to pass switch (part of the multi-function switch) sends voltage to the headlamps. The flash to pass switch is a momentary switch used to send voltage only to the high beam headlamps. The headlamp dimmer is used to switch voltages between the low and high beam headlamps while the headlamps are on. The hazard switch (part of the multi-function switch) is on the top of the steering column. When this switch is pressed it allows voltage through the flasher causing the turn signals to flash simultaneously. The turn signal switch lever (part of the multi-function switch) operates the left and right turn signals. When the desired turn signal is pressed, voltage is allowed through the flasher and to the selected turn signal, causing the turn signals to flash. The windshield wiper switch (part of the multi-function switch) uses a ground signal to activate the various wiper modes.