Well I finally got tired of watching my wipers on a beautiful summer day, so i picked up the replacement switch (funny thing, on the way to the parts store and back I got more wipes than I ever have before, like the demons knew it was their last chance). My question is, how deep in the steering column is the switch? I've watched buddycraigg's video for removal of the ignition cylinder, but that doesn't go far enough. If I follow those procedures will I eventually get to the washer/wiper switch or should I being going at it a different way? I've read a couple of posts that say it's best to take the column out of the car, but I'd rather not unless it's really necessary. Any advice is appreciated.
Well i have my steering column in about 1,432 pieces (approximately). Now I can see the switch, but not sure how to remove the pivot pin. Can it just be punched out? Also, does the shroud have to be removed or can the wiring harness for the switch be pulled through without taking it off?
Here's where the switch I replaced was hiding. Would have liked to get more pictures but was pressed for time
[This message has been edited by NetCam (edited 07-25-2012).]
I'm a little confused... You say you're replacing a switch for the phantom wiper problem but it sounds like you're tearing your column apart to replace the turn signal and emergency light switch assembly. On my 86GT I replaced the wiper control stalk by pulling it outward IIRC and unplugging a small plug located along the steering column but underneath the intrument cluster. Then I was able to fish the small diameter wire out and in without removing or taking apart anything as I recall. I am pretty sure the new wiper control stalk just pushes back in.
he is not replacing the stalk he is replacing the switch in the column. i am not sure how far you need to go down into the column but i know it is a pain to do. the pivot pins have treads in them that you can use a screw and then pull them out. i think that you can feed the wires though without removing anything but i am not sure. while you have it that far you might as well tighten the torx screws that can give you the wobbly steering column.
[This message has been edited by dudewithoutfiero (edited 07-25-2012).]
Yes, the stalk does just pull off, and the small diameter wire you fished out is for the cruise control. The switch I'm replacing is the one the stalk plugs into, which I understand is the most common cause of the phantom wipe when using your turn signals. Getting at it requires pulling the steering wheel off and lifting the turn signal switch. I found that the pivot rod just slides out, and the small harness can be fished through the shroud quite easily, even though it doesn't look like it would. I'm in the midst of putting everything back together, so at this point I'm keeping my fingers crossed
Edit: There are two types of pivot pins, the ones that crashyoung mentioned are for the column itself, and need either a tool or a screw to extract, luckily I didn't need to remove them. The one for the wiper switch itself is a very small rod that can be pushed out with a small screwdriver.
[This message has been edited by NetCam (edited 07-25-2012).]
Thanks for the correction guys. It's all coming back to me now. It was the cruise I was working on when I pulled the stalk. I was one of the lucky ones that fixed the phantom wipe by replacing the capacitors on the wiper control board... sorry about that. Good luck!
I tried the capacitor board fix but all it eliminated was the wipe when I turned the car on. I have everything back together and will be taking it for a spin shortly to see if I was successful. One of the trickiest things was the high beam switch, it fell off and i wasn't sure how to put it back on right. I think I got it on the second try. Looks like a PO had it apart and plastered it will grease to hold it in place during re-assembly. Couldn't have pulled this off if I hadn't seen buddycraigg's YouTube video he did for the cylinder replacement.
If anybody hears a scream, that's me finding out all this didn't fix the problem
It appears the phantom wipe is a thing of the past for me. However, it looks like I didn't get the high beam switch hooked up properly... which doesn't really matter now, because my right side headlight motor won't shut off!
Oh, and while I was out testing the switch install, it started to rain for the first time in a month
It appears the phantom wipe is a thing of the past for me. However, it looks like I didn't get the high beam switch hooked up properly... which doesn't really matter now, because my right side headlight motor won't shut off!
Oh, and while I was out testing the switch install, it started to rain for the first time in a month
There's a metal rod that has to be lined up properly with a groove in the piece that you mentioned had a lot of grease on it, that's what gets pushed into the high beam switch to turn on the brights.
I think I know the rod you're talking about, I wiggled it around to make sure it was in the right spot on the nylon piece further down the column, I could hear it clicking when I pushed it up and down.
Any idea how to make sure it gets engaged when I replace the top piece of the column? Is there a metal piece involved other than the rod? I thought I heard something fly off when I was working on it but didn't find anything.
[This message has been edited by NetCam (edited 07-25-2012).]
Found the metal piece that flew off under the seat. It was the clip that goes on the 'key presence switch' which I didn't bother putting back in 'cause I found it annoying.... I found an old doc that has the instructions for complete assembly of the column including the high beam 'follower'... got my work cut out for me on Saturday.
I think I'm setting a new record for the most replies to my own post
The term "phantom wipe" I believe is supposed to be in regards to the circuit board needing repair. Isn't that usually when the capacitors fail in the board, or it's shorted because it's wet or something? I've had my wipers stuck "on" during heavy downpours with the switch off. This is the "phantom wipe" if I'm correct.
There are other things like the turn signal switch, and the turn signal stalk that also need to be looked at to try and pin-point the problem if the above doesn't occur.
For instance: my wipers turn on when I go to use the turn signals, either left or right. I believe it's my turn signal stalk that needs replacement.
I've got a copy of Jazzmans steering column manual (with pics). Not sure how to host it.
I had to replace both the in column switch (NOT the stalk although I replaced that, too) AND the pulse wiper board. Haven't had a single phantom wipe since. It's a bit time consuming but I'm less than mechanical and I did it without issue.
I know I am late on this but thought I should mention there is a really easy way to fish that long wire down the Colum, when replacing that, not that it has anything to do with this problem but hey, he had trouble fishing that wire right.
Any way any time you have a wire already run threw a pipe, that is basically what the steering Colum is right with all sorts of crap in the way.
That's why I unplug the plug from the bottom of the column and tape about 4' of mig wire, but if you don't have any of that, any craft store or Chinamart sells thin wire in their craft department as well as I am sure a local florist would probably give you 4' of what they have. But tape one end of the wire to the plug end and pull the plug, wire, and wire you taped to the plug end right up threw. make sure you take as much as you can to the original wire so it doesn't come loose, to pull the old wires out and run the new wires down and plug her in. I have replaced this wire in under a min every time using this method. Just a tip for anyone about to do this or may do it in the future.
Dam I hate autocorrect ! I had to go back three times to fix an already fixed by autocorrecting with the wrong dam word
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 01-31-2016).]
I consider the JAZZMAN probably the finest download I have made in motorsport. I paper- copied it and would share it if I can find it in my archives AND could either scan or afford to make and mail copies. The thing is about 1"" thick of 8x 11. When I stand back and look at the GM steering wheel design I even forgive the phantom wiper action (uncured) in my 85 GT. Such a design must have been evolutionary. I went in on mine past the switch and stalk and had a hell of a time with positioning of one part- I remember using grease. Part art part patience. Regarding scan I guess I should study this in my dummy manual and try try again. This document is worth a $25 paperback price if it were available in book form. (No I would not charge fellow enthusiasts).
PS Re my phantom wiper action. They never stuck straight up. It was always intermittent action. Sometimes on initial ignition switch turn on. I probably should not say this but this phantom action is rare now-old age?
[This message has been edited by hobbywrench (edited 01-31-2016).]
Got wiper switch installed. Used S10 replacement Put back together Lights go bright and back Turn signals work Wipers work. Will see if I have cruise now...keep fingers crossed
With switch of dash- dash lights are a pretty red glow Right turn dash light works now Heat gauge did not go wonky when lights turned on I didn't run it long enough to heat it up - in basement and fumes rise. Plan on pushing out soon and letting it warm up to see if temp gauge works. Going to replace ebrake sensor soon Find oil drip I suspect drain plug
BIG THANKS to these resources and your advise. Buy Cliff a beer an keep this forum alive.
Love fixing my car. Soon to be lost art.
------------------ 86 5 speed 2.5 Iron Duke Notchback.
