Questionhow do get at the switch arm. where do i start. do i need to take off the steering wheel?
Answer
GM multi switch
Hi richard...
Are you sure you want to tackle this one. It's a big job for someone who isn't experienced in the column. The lever you are talking about is part of the multifunction switch. I've enclosed a picture of it here. Before you go ahead and remove it, you may want to price out a new one...they're very expensive. Are you sure the switch is the problem? Often the circuit board in the wiper motor is the problem, not the switch. If it broke off, that's another story.
To answer your question directly though, yes, the airbag and steering wheel should come off to do this job properly. Here is how to remove it.
The top cover on GM vehicles is the tough part of this job, unless you know what you are looking for. The most critical thing is not to break the red 4-way flasher button on the top of the column. That's a $300 mistake.
First, remove the lower cover (2 20 torx screws).
Then, removed both 8mm inverted torx bolts holding the upper cover in place. The one on the right side is hidden way up next to the lock cylinder...you will need a flashlight to see the head. The one on the left is very visible on the lower left side of the cover.
Now, there are 2 ways to get the top cover off. The first way is to force it off over the lock cylinder carefully avoiding the 4-way button.
The second and best way is to remove the airbag and steering wheel to release that ridge that goes under the wheel. Once the wheel is off and the bolts are out, the only thing left is the lock cylinder. You can force the cover over the lock cylinder and gently break off the ridge behind it, or you can release the lock cylinder, remove it and the cover comes off easily. Releasing the lock cylinder can be challenging as well.
The release pin for the lock cylinder is a small 1/8 hole in the top of the housing about 3" in from the black bezel. You will not be able to access it easily because the cover is blocking it. You will need a long right angle probe to reach in and depress the pin. However, you must rotate the lock to the 'start' position in order for the pin to be in position to be released. The lock will be very hard to turn as the cover will be rubbing it and you won't have much room to both see and do what you need to do under the cover. You will also need to disconnect the battery so you do not repeatedly engage the starter while trying to hit this pin. Once the pin is pressed properly, the lock will come out about 1/2 inch. Then release the lock to the 'run' position and slide it straight out.
Once you get the covers off, you can remove the 2 20 torx bolts that secure the switch to the column housing. After that, you will need to remove the harness form the bulk connector under the dash, separate it and then you can replace the switch.
I hope you understand all this
Good luck
Doug
