Logging this problem for all who own Crossfires.
I noticed after driving my Crossfire for almost a year that the high beams didn't work. Neither did the flashing high beam function.
So, thanks to Paul's YouTube post (I forgot Paul's last name. Sorry) about the combination switch, I decided to tear into it.
Opening the switch is easy. Getting it out, not so much, but not bad. Remove lower dash panel under steering wheel. Remove airbag (Disconnect battery for 15min or so before and leave disconnected until after reassembly). Remove steering wheel. Remove Clock Spring. Remove three brass colored screws. Disconnect combination switch's connector. Remove combination switch by threading cable through steering column cover. A cable tie will need to be cut to free the cable.
Following Paul's instructions, I opened up the combination switch and cleaned the contacts involved in turn signal function and High Beams.
Put it back together, bench tested the combination switch and verified that it was now working.
Reassembled the Crossfire completely. Reconnected the battery and fired it up.
I can now flash my high beams, but cannot turn them on. The electrical schematics imply that I should be able to, but part of that circuit goes through the Illumination Module. One of the modules that the schematics always show as dotted lines, denoting mystery and internal magic.
So, this is why dealers end up replacing the Combination Switch AND many times also the Illumination Module.
So, now to find a working Illumination Switch.

 

I thought I read that removing the wheel and airbag was not necessary after all. Did I get that wrong?
I read it somewhere, but did not record just where. It was here or on Fakebook.

 

Hi CyberCG,
Maybe you shouldn't be so fast to replace the illumination module. The contact pressure might be different when you pull the lever forward to flash the high beams versus in the high beam locked position. When my high beams weren't working, if I recall correctly, my flash still worked for a while before it also stopped. After replacing the multifunctioin switch, everything worked again. Maybe you should measure the resistance at the connector to see if the there's a difference in the resistance or voltage (don't know if this is a grounding pin or a supply pin, check the schematic, or first measure voltage to be safe) between when you flash the high beams or turn them on. As far as I can tell, the high beam is on pin 2 of the multi function switch connector so it should be easy to tell if the switch is working. (I realize you took it apart and fixed it, but if the contacts aren't bent just right, there could be a difference.)
-Jerry

 

Unfortunately, it is necessary to remove the airbag and steering wheel to access and remove the combination switch. It makes me feel like I'm handling a grenade whenever I must deal with the airbag.

 

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If your going by the service manuals instructions, I believe it says to do that BUT, there was a post recently where a member stated the steering wheel and associated did not have to be removed. Pizza is correct about that post regarding removal the steering wheel. Someone else might know where the post is, and what it says exactly. Sometimes, the service manual has extra steps to justify a higher labor cose/time, might be in this case?


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It just isn't physically possible. The clock spring and steering wheel completely cover the three screws that secure the Combination Switch AND the Cruise Control. After removing the screws, the Combination Switch lifts up and off the steering column. The Combination Switch also has a collar that surrounds the steering column shaft.


Here's a pic.

 

I stand corrected! Is there a possibility the design changed for either earlier/later model years cars? Just asking the Q since I hadn't seen what model year XF you own. If they are all the same I sure would like to find that post I read that Pizza mentioned (I do not do FB but maybe once a month, and never went to a Crossfire FB page(s). I also am skittish when it comes to airbag modules, which is why I advocate the removal of the Neg Cable and wait at least 20 or so minutes (although most say 15 minutes). Rather add a few minutes than risk getting smacked anywhere from a discharging airbag.


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I have pulled the steering wheel from both a 2004 and a 2006 Crossfire and noticed that both were identical to each other. Neither of those model year designs would permit removal of the combination switch without first removing the steering wheel and clock spring.
What a mystery.

 

I do know the 07/08 model years have the recalled Takata airbags, maybe this is where they could have changed the column design? Might just be a red herring as well...


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Are you sure the post wasn't about not dropping the lower dash cover? I've seen latter model multifunction switches that have connectors so they can be removed from the column without dropping the lower dash and snaking the harness out. Otherwise, to remove the multifunction switch without removing the steering wheel would mean a major redesign of the column which I doubt they would do for a discontinued design (R170 was discontinued, crossfire was really a body mod).

 

At this point, I'm not sure of anything... LOL


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The reason for the dotted lines is that the diagram does not show all of the circuits in the module, on one or more other sheets you will find only the circuit inside the module pertinent to the diagram on that page.

 

Maybe this will help. Shows the whole hi beam headlight circuit from battery to bulb. You can see the high beams will only work with the illumination control **** in the park or on position. Shows that you apply voltage/current through the multifunction switch and what fuses are inline with the headlights.