Steering Column Repair: 91 S-10 Steering Column, turn signal switch, windshield wiper

Question
Hey Jay,

I'm trying to replace a Windshield Wiper/Washer switch on a 1991 S-10 P/U. After removing the steering wheel and turn signal switch to gain access I find that the switch is mounted in such a way as to prevent removal without removing the entire housing for the switches. There is a pin that goes through it (the high beam actuation rod goes through this pin) that apparently cannot be removed from the front. I started removing the steering column shroud (for lack of better terminology)but came to a standstill
because of the gear assembly that connects the Ignition Key barrel to the Ignition switch at the lower end of the column. How on earth do you disconnect this? I was having pretty good luck up to this point. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Evan

Answer
Hello Evan,
The dimmer switch is a separate switch from the wiper switch. The dimmer switch rod can slide out from the front though it takes some manipulation to get the rod  to clear the bends it has. Don't force it because the alignment for this part is crucial. The dimmer switch is located at the lower part of the column itself slightly above the brake pedal. You probably won't need to remove this rod though. The wiper switch is the black plastic-like component just below the white turn signal switch.

You are probably at the point shown in this picture:

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/79/torx29gg.jpg

As you can see the turn signal switch is slid out and hanging in the lower part of the picture. This picture also shows removal of one of the 3 bolts that hold the outer bowl and switch on the column. Once the bolts are removed they can both be slid upward and out like the turn signal switch. Once you move the bowl the dimmer rod will come loose from the saddle at one or both ends. It's important you look at the rods connection to the saddle as it will need to go back together exactly as you see. Once you remove the outer bowl you will most likely have a few parts in your hand. Reinstalling this dimmer rod is tricky and will require use of both hands, and if you're like me, your tongue sticking out too. Here is a picture of how the dimmer rod looks. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the saddle. If you move the dimmer handle you will be able to see how this mechanism works.

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/8863/dcp07741tf.jpg

Finally the last picture is of the ignition switch actuator rack and sector gear. If you can't remove the sector gear try removing the lock cylinder. This will allow you enough turn to get the actuator rack out.

Hope that helps.
Have a great day!
-Jay