QuestionI have an 85 Chevy pick up and I need to change the Windshield Wiper switch. I have took everything out behind the steering wheel and the problem is first, I dont know how to take the Wiper switch out, and sencond the wireing assembly fell out of the blinker switch and there is a little spring that I dont know how it goes back in and everytime i re-assemble it only one blinker will work. I was wondering if you could send me a diagram or something that would help me put this back together. Thanks
AnswerHi,
There are several little springs inside the column so it's hard to say which spring you have in your hand. Once you removed the lock plate you should be able to see the three screws holding the switch assembly in place (either torx head or phillips head). You may have to move the blinker arm up or down slightly to see all 3 screws. Then remove the screw holding the blinker arm lever on the blinker switch assembly. Be sure you look closely how it attaches because it will need to go back together the same way. Next remove the emergency flasher knob from the assembly under the key switch by removing the phillips head screw in the center of the knob. Be careful as there may be a small spring with this item too. Pull the blinker arm straight out of the wiper switch assembly (toward the door). It may take a little tug to pull it straight out, but be sure you don't pull so hard that you jerk the wires out of the cruise switch. Hold it close to the wiper switch assembly and pull steady outward away from the column.
Then the blinker switch assembly should pull straight up and out of the column enough to get into the column bowl. There may be a cover remaining over the wiper switch assembly that will also need to be removed. Careful for the mechanisms for the ignition that are connected to the anvil and sector gear. Those will fall out once the bowl is moved. Once you have the wiper switch exposed it's a matter of looking closely at how the components are assembled and then removing and replacing the switch.
On the lower part of the column you should be able to see the wire harness and connector for the switch moving. Look at the color of the wires if you aren't sure which harness needs to be disconnected. Unplug the connector and feed the wire assembly into the column while pulling outward with the switch assembly. The new assembly goes back in the reverse order that you removed the old one.
Here are some pictures you can look at to help you identify how the switch assembly looks. Cut and paste the links in your browser.
Springs:
http://elcaminocentral.com/articles/elkysteering/loose_stcolumn/DCP_0755.JPG
Turn Signal Assy:
http://elcaminocentral.com/articles/elkysteering/loose_stcolumn/DCP_0758.JPG
Removing the screws:
http://elcaminocentral.com/articles/elkysteering/loose_stcolumn/DCP_0770.JPG
Wiper Switch:
http://elcaminocentral.com/articles/elkysteering/loose_stcolumn/DCP_0807.JPG
If you need further assistance please contact me again. Please feel free to leave comments and feedback as I appreciate when I know I've helped you.
Have a great day,
-Jay
