Flickering Speed Control Switch/Backlight/Horn (G001/96)

Publication date: 1996-06-27
Reference number: G001/96

FLICKERING SPEED CONTROL SWITCH/BACKLIGHT/HORN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): CAT. G, NO. 001/96, Date of Issue: June 27, 1996

FLICKERING SPEED CONTROL SWITCH/INTERMITTENT HORN WHILE TURNING

Model(s): 1995 Mazda B-Series

Category: G-Engine Electrical System

Bulletin No.: 001/96

Date: June 27, 1996

DESCRIPTION

A flickering speed control switch back light or intermittent horn operation may occur while turning in cold weather. When the vehicle is cold, the electrical ground in the steering column (which passes through the steering shaft bearings) can become intermittent while turning. This is caused by the bearing grease freezing and forming a thin barrier that reduces electrical continuity.

An updated wiring harness which adds a ground through the steering column to the steering wheel switches is available to correct this concern.

Customers complaining of this concern should have the vehicle inspected and if necessary, have the harness installed.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Record all preset audio stations.
Disconnect and isolate the battery terminals.
Remove the driver's side air bag according to the procedure.
CAUTION: After disconnecting the battery terminals, wait one minute before servicing or removing any air bag system components. This precaution will prevent accidental deployment.
Remove the speed control switches.
To remove the steering wheel. See Fig 1 .
- Remove the retaining nut.
- Remove steering wheel using a two (2) jawed puller.
  
  Fig 1: Two Jawed Puller
Remove the air bag sliding contact assembly from the steering column.
Install a new air bag sliding contact assembly onto the steering column. Refer to section N of the workshop manual.
Remove the wiring harness from the steering wheel and install a new wiring harness.
- For vehicles with speed control, refer to section Q of the BETM.
- For vehicles without speed control, follow the same procedures as the horn harness, except for the speed control switches.
  NOTE: The new wiring harness assembly has an added ground eyelet located approximately 4 inches (1 cm) from the black 5-pin connector. PRIOR TO STEERING WHEEL BACK COVER ASSEMBLY, the eyelet must be attached to the steering wheel as described in steps 9 and 10.
Drill a 9/64 inch (3.6mm) diameter hole from the back side of the steering wheel armature. See Fig 2 .

Fig 2: Location of Drill Hole
Attach the eyelet with a 8-18 x 1/2" screw. See Fig 3 .

Fig 3: Location of Ground Eyelet
Assemble the back cover to the steering wheel and route the harness according to the procedure. See Fig 4 .
Install the steering wheel with new retaining screw. Tightening Torque: 25-34 ft-lbs. (34-46 N.m)
Install drivers side air bag.
Verify that speed control switch back lighting and horn are operational.