First, use hand signals, that'll keep you legal. Next, it sounds like the multi switch in the column is crapping out. Take it out, clean the contacts, see if that helps. Use some contact cleaner (electrical parts cleaner), maybe some real fine emory cloth, take it apart carefully, making mental notes or physical drawings of how it goes back together. Or, just buy another one to throw in there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Fasteddy's advice is occasionally sound...