Just to double-check terms, is the "wiper switch" the mechanism that the turn-signal stalk sticks into? Can I take the wiper switch from my '84 and put it in the '86? Does the wiper switch from the '84 absolutely need to be from a "non-pulse" system to use in the '86? If I can use the '84 wiper switch in the '86, do I also need to use the '84 wiper motor?
Sorry if the answers might seem obvious, but I don't want to be pulling steering columns apart unless I'm sure that the swap is possible.
Yes, the wiper switch is the thing in the column that the stalk plugs into, not the stalk itself.
The non-pulse 84 IS identical to the later model. Only the 84 pulse models are different and use a separate module and a lot of extra wires. The 85-88 pulse wipers use the same 4 wires so they are interchangeable with the 84 non-pulsed.
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04:35 PM
topcat Member
Posts: 5486 From: Charleston SC Registered: Dec 2001
I had the ghost wipe on my 86 from the day I bought it - 2003. I changed the circuit board, and it seemed to fix it, only to come back a short time later. I finally bit the bullet and bought a wiper switch for an 88, put it in and it works great.
I got the switch for an 88 because the one for an 86 was over a hundred bucks... something like 180.00. the switch for an 88 was 35 bucks.
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04:43 PM
Patrick Member
Posts: 38376 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
Yes, the wiper switch is the thing in the column that the stalk plugs into, not the stalk itself.
I've always associated the switch that the stalk plugs into with the turn signals. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't another switch (for the wipers) hidden somewhere in the steering column connected to the turn signal switch with mechanical linkages or something. Okay, it's all in one. Great!
quote
Originally posted by jscott1:
The non-pulse 84 IS identical to the later model. Only the 84 pulse models are different and use a separate module and a lot of extra wires. The 85-88 pulse wipers use the same 4 wires so they are interchangeable with the 84 non-pulsed.
Gotcha, thanks very much!
For now I'll be able to use my workaround mentioned in my previous post, but it's good to know that I can use the switch from my '84 parts car when I've got a bit more time to start tearing down steering columns. Thanks again!
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-22-2008).]
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04:44 PM
Patrick Member
Posts: 38376 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
I've always associated the switch that the stalk plugs into with the turn signals. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't another switch (for the wipers) hidden somewhere in the steering column connected to the turn signal switch with mechanical linkages or something. Okay, it's all in one. Great!
Actually you have it backwards... the stalk plugs directly into the wiper switch, but the turn signal switch is a separate switch connected through mechanical linkages. The turn signal switch is right under the canceling cam/ Horn ring nearer to the steering wheel. That's how the turn signals can turn themselves off. the wiper switch is deeper in the column towards the firewall.
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01:52 AM
Patrick Member
Posts: 38376 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
Not a surprise. It's only going to make sense to me when I take a steering column apart and have a look in there for myself. Thanks for trying to clarify the situation for me though!
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02:32 AM
Jun 26th, 2008
Patrick Member
Posts: 38376 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
One more bit of info - When I first had a look at the wiper switch wiring in this car, I noticed the purple wire had been disconnected from the wiring harness. The purple wire is part of the high speed wiper control circuit. Not realizing why it might be disconnected, I reconnected it. Well, it turns out if I disconnect it again, that a switch on the white wire (which I had tapped into a couple of days ago) will now eliminate all phantom wipes. The only drawback is lack of high speed wipers, unless of course I tap a switch into the purple wire as well.
Dang it...
Cut me some slack because I'm not actually driving this car yet (just working on it), but the single phantom wipe still occurs when the car is first started if the car has been sitting for awhile. If the car has been recently started, it doesn't give the single phantom wipe. Yes, it’s probably the capacitors that are responsible for this particular nuisance.
Splicing in the switch on the white wire wasn't a total waste of time though, because at least there are now no phantom wipes when the turn signals are used. Thank goodness for small mercies.
Not a surprise. It's only going to make sense to me when I take a steering column apart and have a look in there for myself. Thanks for trying to clarify the situation for me though!
