Replacing intermittent wiper switch and turn signal

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Bob - 04 Jan 2005 04:48 GMT

Good Day all,

I have a very touchy intermittent wiper switch on a 1997 Explorer.
When in any of the intermittent wipe positions, it will work if I
barely move the switch arm forward or back (takes just a bit of
movement) to make the wipers operate.

How difficult is it to replace this mechanism? Doesn't seem too tough
but after talking with the local Ford rep he stated you can do
substantial damage to the air bag system etc. etc. He also wanted
several hundred dollars to replace the switch.

Thanks,
Bob

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Captain Coleman - 05 Jan 2005 19:44 GMT

Forget the dealer for this one. This happened to my 97. There's a way to
pop off the end of the wiper stalk and clean the contacts inside. I used a
contact cleaner solution from Radio Shack. A little fresh dielectric grease
and she works great. You can probably find the procedure using Google
groups to search the archives or find something with pics at
explorerforum.com Just watch out for those springs when you take the thing
apart. They tend to come flying out.

> Good Day all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> Bob

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Bob - 06 Jan 2005 13:30 GMT

Thanks -- Looks like taking the steering wheel covers isn't as bad as
it appears. Once I get it apart I'll give the cleaning idea a try. Did
you disconnect the battery etc. or have any issues with airbag stuff?

Thanks,
Bob

>Forget the dealer for this one. This happened to my 97. There's a way to
>pop off the end of the wiper stalk and clean the contacts inside. I used a
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>> Thanks,
>> Bob

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Captain Coleman - 07 Jan 2005 00:12 GMT

no no
You don't have to touch the steering column. There is a way to remove the
end of the wiper stalk. There is a cap on the end that you should be able
to pop off with a small screwdriver. Underneath the cap is a screw that
once you remove will allow you to disassemble the part of the stalk that
rotates for wiper function.
No need to disconnect battery or anything. I did it while parked on the
street (engine off and key removed from ignition of course) in front of my
house. It didn't take me very long, maybe 10-15 minutes. Once you figure
out how all the pieces go back together, it shouldn't take too long. Again,
watch out for those springs when you loosen the screw under the cap.

> Thanks -- Looks like taking the steering wheel covers isn't as bad as
> it appears. Once I get it apart I'll give the cleaning idea a try. Did
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>>> Thanks,
>>> Bob

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Bob - 08 Jan 2005 22:00 GMT

Thanks Capn'
Got it repaired!! Works great now -- Found a pinched/cut wire inside
the switch assembly itself. Had to have been there the entire time
since it was assembled that way. --Thanks again,
Bob

>no no
>You don't have to touch the steering column. There is a way to remove the
[quoted text clipped - 38 lines]
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Bob

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Captain Coleman - 08 Jan 2005 23:00 GMT

Glad you got it fixed. Its been several years since I fixed mine but I
remember it being annoying as hell. Another tip I remember from my
electronics days is that you can clean contacts with a pencil eraser. I
think I had to clean mine twice before it began working properly.

CC

> Thanks Capn'
> Got it repaired!! Works great now -- Found a pinched/cut wire inside
[quoted text clipped - 47 lines]
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Bob

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