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Changing Wiper Switch '88 K5

Dirsuper

Dirsuper

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I feel dumber than usual having to ask this, but......following the troubleshooting procedures in the factory manual, I have isolated my wiper issue to the 'Wiper Switch.' Manual has excellent procedures for shorting this, putting 12VDC to that, etc. I have 3 different issues with the wipers, all of which end with, "replace wiper switch." Only one problem, the manual does not even show the location of the switch.
From everything I have read on here, I believe it is in the column. If so, does that mean I have to break the column down to parade rest to change the wiper switch?
Also, LMC has the switch for about $150, anyone have any recommendations for somewhere else to get this switch?
I really appreciate the help.
 
Wiper Switch

Does your Blazer have a column mounted multifunction wiper/turn signal/cruise set up? The switch is inside the column and is what the combination wiper/turn signal/high beam is attached to. I replaced only the post on my 86 and it was a bit of a job. There is also a wiper modulator at the base of the column if you have intermittent wipers. If you need to replace the switch get yourself a lock plate tool and steering wheel puller cause you will need to get a ways down the steering column. Be careful because the cam for the turn signal is hard to maneuver out of the way, and an odd shaped black plastic piece that actuates the high beam switch may fall out of the column while working with the switch.
 
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It is the column mounted multi function switch. Oh boy, this is gonna be fun! Any recommendations for other things to go ahead and replace while I am in there?

I really appreciate the help.
 
I recently replaced the turn signal switch and wiper switch in my 91 Jimmy. The AC Delco part numbers are D6262D and D6393A for a 91. Likely to be the same for the 88 though I'll leave that for you to check. In any case the wiper switch was about $65 and the turn signal switch was about $35, both through Amazon. I believe Rock Auto also had both for about the same price. The LMC switch sounds very overpriced and it's probably NOT a Delco part.

To replace either you'll need to significantly disassemble your column, though it's not that difficult as long as you pay attention, especially during reassembly. You'll need a steering wheel puller, lock plate remover, and a perhaps a pivot pin remover.

Somewhere on the site is a guide to tearing down the column to fix a loose tilt, which if you've got tilt you'll want to take the opportunity to tighten that up at the same time. While that guide is great, I prefer the Jazzman guide... http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/d/d6/Jazzman_Steering_Rack_Rebuild.pdf
 
Dirsuper said:
It is the column mounted multi function switch. Oh boy, this is gonna be fun! Any recommendations for other things to go ahead and replace while I am in there?

I really appreciate the help.
Click to expand...

There are tons of articles on rebuilding these columns.

Search Gm Tilt Column rebuild on google for more.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0908_gm_steering_column_repair/viewall.html

Is your tilt mechanism loose? If you grab the wheel top/bottom, can you move it up/down? If so, plan to get the tool to remove the pivot point, so that you can properly tighten the torx screws in there that hold the column together.

Like mentioned above, you'll need a steering wheel puller, and lock plate tool. Yes, some do it without, but it is NOT worth the hassle, for the small cost of the proper tools.

Its not a hard repair, but it is definitely not fun. Good luck!
 
Awesome stuff guys! Hell, I never knew of Rock Auto, or that I could get parts for my Blazer from Amazon. It'll take me a while to make sure I get the right switch, but it already looks significantly cheaper.

I also appreciate the links to the write-ups.

Thank you all.
 
Dirsuper said:
Awesome stuff guys! Hell, I never knew of Rock Auto, or that I could get parts for my Blazer from Amazon. It'll take me a while to make sure I get the right switch, but it already looks significantly cheaper.

I also appreciate the links to the write-ups.

Thank you all.
Click to expand...

Rock Auto usually has the best price, or at least very close to it, but sometimes their shipping can be high if you're just getting one or two things. Their parts catalog takes a little getting used to but it's one of the best web based ones out there for seeing all of the options.

In regards to Amazon, a few words of warning...

--- Just like most anything on Amazon, it's best to get stuff that is marked "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" or at least fullfilled by Amazon. Otherwise you're dealing with some third party.

--- Often times times the descriptions of the items (especially vehicle parts) are not quite correct, wildly generic, or downright wrong. Also, their "Make sure it fits" tool is not always accurate. It's best to source your part numbers from a reliable place such as RockAuto, the existing part you have, or some other place that you trust and just search for that part number.
 
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