I need to replace the multi-function wiper switch on a 2003 Chev express van, what type of screw driver is needed to remove the steering column housing that contains the switch?

wiper and washer switch in steering column you more likely need to remove steering wheel to get to switch two mountings screws on the right side.disable airbags before replacing switch. first turn off radio ignition switch off then disconnect negative battery cable. wait 20 minutes before removing steering wheel and remove steering column.

The turn signal switch or in Ford terms "multi-function" switch is easy to replace if you are mechanically inclined. Lower the steering column "tilt" adjustment for easier access. Remove the lower panel (below the steering column). Remove the three screws from the plastic column covers that surround the multi-function switch. Turn the key to the run position, then from the bottom side of the column, use a very small pocket screwdriver, allen wrench or similiar tool to push up on the ignition cylinder release pin. The hole is located just below the cylinder. With the pin pushed, pull out on the key and cylinder. Next seperate the two cover halves and you will see the complete multi-function switch. remove the two attaching screws, remove the electrical connectors and replace the switch. Replace all removed components and you're done! You can purchase the switch at most auto parts stores, ford dealers or ebay. Feel free to ask if more information is needed and I appreciate a vote of four thumbs up. Good luck!

Warning: 1995 and later models are equipped with an airbag. Always turn the steering wheel to the straight ahead position, place the ignition switch in Lock and remove key, then remove the airbag fuse and unplug the yellow Connector Position Assurance (CPA) connector at the base of the steering column before working in the vicinity of the impact sensors, steering column or instrument panel to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury. The yellow wires and connectors routed through the instrument panel are for this system. Do not use electrical test equipment on these yellow wires or tamper with them in any way while working under the instrument panel.
Caution: On models equipped with a Delco Loc II anti-theft audio system, be sure the lockout feature is turned off before performing any procedure which requires disconnecting the battery.

• The turn signal switch function is incorporated into the multi-function switch, along with the wiper/washer and headlight dimming controls.
  
• Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the steering column covers and the drivers knee bolster.
• Remove the two Torx screws securing the multi-function switch to the top of the steering column.
• Clip the wire-ties securing the multi-function switch harness to the other steering column wires.
• At the bottom of the steering column, remove the bolt securing the large bulkhead electrical connector to the firewall.
• Separate the two multi-function switch connectors from the large bulkhead connector.
• The multi-function switch and its harness must be replaced as a unit.
• Installation is the reverse of removal
  

There are just (3) possible reasons for this:
(a) your headlight switch has failed, or
(b) your headlight relay has failed.
(c) Fuse 1 (25 Amps) has blown

The headlight relay and fuse 1 are located (I think) in a fuse/relay block under the hood.
The headlight switch is part of the "Multi-function Switch" on the steering column.

Here's how to replace the 2001 PT Cruiser multi-function switch:


Multi-Function Switch Removal & Installation
1. Open the hood.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Remove both upper and lower steering column shrouds.
4. Disconnect both posi-lock harness connectors at the rear of the multi-function switch.
5. Remove multi-function switch mounting screws and remove switch from vehicle.




To Install the new multi-function switch:

Note:
If replacing the multi-function switch, the combination flasher and windshield wiper/washer switch
must be transferred to the new multi-function switch.

1. Remove the two Torx(R) screws retaining the wiper/washer switch, place next to the new
multi-function switch and install two screws.
2. Place switch into place and install mounting screws. Torque multi-function switch to column
retaining screws to 27 inch-lbs. (3 Nm).
3. Connect both posi-lock harness connectors at the rear of the multi-function switch.
4. Install both upper and lower steering column shrouds.
5. Connect the battery negative cable.
6. Close hood.
7. Verify vehicle and system operation.

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable

1. Remove the steering column shroud
   

1. Remove two self-tapping screws that attach the multi-function switch to the steering column tube casting. Disengage multi-function switch from casting.

1. Disconnect the two electrical connectors, using caution not to damage the locking tabs. Do not damage PRNDL cable.
   

1
Steering Column 2
Screw 3
Multi-Function Switch 4
Wiring to Multi-Function Switch A
Tighten to 2-3 Nm
(18-27 Lb-In)


Installation

1. Install the two switch electrical connectors to full engagement. The wiring for the switch is to be routed under the PRNDL cable.

1. Align the mounting holes on multi-function switch with the holes in the steering column tube casting. Install two self-tapping screws making sure to start the screws in the previously tapped holes. Tighten to 2-3 Nm (18-27 lb-in).

1. For automatic transmission (7003), verify that the PRNDL adjustment is correct.

1. Install the steering column shroud.

1. NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module (PCM) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more for powertrain control module to relearn the strategy.
   
2. Connect the battery ground cable.
   
3. Check the steering column tube for proper operation.
   

I hope this helps, if you have any questions just ask

Multifunction Switch -I suspect this switch or the connection at the harness is bad or contaminated. Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
3. Disconnect wire connector from the back of the multifunction switch.
4. Remove screws holding multi-function switch to steering column adapter collar.
5. Remove the multi-function switch.

To Install:

1. Position the switch on to the steering column and install the mounting screws.
2. Connect the electrical connectors to the switch.
3. Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
4. Connect the negative battery cable.

Disconnect and Isolate Negative Barrety cable. Remove screw in bottom of steering column shroud cover. ( bottom side of steering column between wiper switch and turn signal switch) Unsnap shroud halves and remove from column. Disconnect wireing harness connector from multi function switch. Remove 2 screws securing switch to mounting housing. Install in reverse order.

• Headlamps Inoperative

• Fuse.
• Headlamp switch.
• Headlamp relay.
• Circuit.
• Bulbs.

Section 11-05: Steering Column Switches 1996 Escort, Tracer Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Multi-Function Switch
Removal

1. WARNING: THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT NECESSARY FOR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS POWERED DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE MUST BE DISCONNECTED PRIOR TO SERVICING OR REPLACING ANY AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
   Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait one minute for the backup power supply to be depleted.
   

1. Remove the steering wheel (3600). Refer to Section 11-04 for the removal procedure.
   

1. Remove the four screws from the lower steering column shroud (3530).
   
   
   
   
   

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder illumination lamp socket from the lower steering column shroud.
   

1. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
   

1. Remove the upper steering column shroud.
   

1. Disconnect the three multi-function switch electrical connectors.
   

1. Remove the multi-function switch screws.
   

1. Remove the multi-function switch electrical connectors and the multi-function switch (13K359).
   

This is for a 97 but it may give you some help...

MULTI-FUNCTION WIPER SWITCH
REMOVAL
Tilt the column up and remove the six screws holding the lower column shroud.
Tilt the column down and remove the upper shroud Upper Shroud Removal
Tilt the column up and remove the one steering column tilt lever screw at base of lever. Remove tilt lever and lower shroud.
Using a screwdriver in place of the lever, tilt the column down. Remove the two mounting screws on the switch and remove the switch. Remove the wiring from the hooks and disconnect the two electrical connections on the multi-function switch. Remove the multi-function switch.