Rob, sometimes the steering column switches get pretty dirty, so that could be the problem too. If you can squirt some contact cleaner inside the switch and "exercise" it, that might do the trick. Also Zs-ondabrain refurbs these switches. He hangs out a lot in electrical.

Contact cleaner wouldn't get the gum out.. it was almost a pine sap consistency

Long story short, brake kleen solves EVERYTHING

Be sure to use some dielectric grease in there to reduce corrosion.