Need help with wiper controls

[84ever]

Hi folks,

The wiper delay on my '84 K5 seems to have stopped working. Wipers work on Low and High but don't run at all with the variable delay. I have the 84 shop manual which has only half a page on the delay controls. It refers to using Chart 8-16 to check out the wiper selector switch but it appears they forgot to put the chart in the manual, or at least I haven't found it yet. According to the wiring diagram the delay controller plugs in to the harness somewhere. Anyone know where to find the actual delay controller? Must be under the dash somewhere. Any ideas on troubleshooting this thing or know where to find the missing chart 8-16? I hope I don't have the chaffing problem in the tilt column that I read about in some other threads. The wiring diragram doesn't show a whole lot but it does show a POT in the selector control. If I can find the delay controller I guess first this to check is the POT since the rest seems to work.

 

[Kjunky5]

The controller is connected inline with the switch I think. It's about the size of post it note pad and black under the dash IIRC. Does the park feature work?

 

[84ever]

Yeah, it parks and squirts and wipes. Just doesn't run on delay. I'll have to look for that controller under the dash tomorrow.

 

[jonathon]

It's real easy.. located right at the base of the column, sorta looks like an amp. I took mine out and just hooked the pigtails together for now since my wipers wouldn't shut off with it connected. No delay, but at least I have wipers and that is VERY important around here, especially this time of the year.

 

[84ever]

So, I know my cruise control module is hanging out near the base of the column. Is the delay controller hanging out somewhere near the cruise control module? Is it mounted to the column itself?

 

[6.2 man]

If your wiper switch is in the dash then the switch is the controller . When mine went it was the wiring leading to the motor . Mine is in the dash .

 

[jonathon]

If it's an 84 it should be a column mounted switch..

The delay module is supposed to be mounted to the steering column, but the tabs break off. You should see it once you get the cover off.

 

[84ever]

I found the controller and disconnected it and ohmed out the delay pot. It would appear the pot in the wiper switch in the column is shot. It measures some low resistance intermittently on the high setting and pretty much goes high impedance when turning to low. Anyone know how hard it is to replace that switch? I haven't found any instructions in the 84 shop manual for replacing that switch, only the turn signal switch and the cruise control lever but not the wiper switch. Looks like the wiper switch comes with the harness that feeds all the way down to the end of the column. I don't know if that switch can be easily replaced without tearing the whole column apart in order to feed the harness with its big connector down to the end.

Anyone know what the R value is supposed to be for that pot (i.e. min-max)? If replacing the switch is a real PIA I might just stick an external pot in the dash and wire it in place of the switch if I can determine what the correct R value is supposed to be.

 

[lectric80]

Can't answer your questions as far as the resistance, but to replace that switch you need to do the following:

1. Remove steering wheel
2. Remove turn signal stalk from switch, it just pulls straight out
3. Unplug the switch connector at the bottom of the column
4. If it has tilt make sure the column is straight, not tilted
5. Carefully pull the old switch and wiring up out of the column
6. Slide the new switch back in and re-assemble

You don't have a choice on tearing the column apart if that switch is bad. The first time tearing into a column can be a little intimidating. The first time you do it, you will find it is far simpler than your mind makes it out to be. Everything fits tight, and it is very easy to do.

Besides, you are registered on one of the most comprehensive sites around for these vehicles, so if you run into an issue just post up and we can find some help for you. At this point, I have rebuilt multiple columns, including replacing the tilt collar, bearings, turn signal cam, and wiper switches, so I can just about do it in my sleep.

 

[Metrodps]

where box is located

 

[84ever]

OK, thanks for the info. I'm assuming it's not too busy inside that column with the turn signal harness, the wiper harness, and the cruise cable (and the horn wire and the ignition rod and the dimmer rod) all chasing down inside in order to fish the wiper harness up and back down again.

Speaking of columns, I've noticed the tilt universal in my column seems a bit tighter over the last year. It no longer flies up by itself when I pull the tilt release, I have to pull the release and lift the wheel. When lifting the wheel it feels a little sluggish. I'm wondering if that's from a gummed pivot (I'm assuming it must pivot on something) or if there's a bad return spring or something. So any idea's what that might be or how hard it is to fix? I don't suppose it could be as easy as pulling the wheel and spraying some WD-40 on the pivot. It's not a big deal, but it would be nice if it worked like it used to. Maybe do the switch at the same time.

 

[lectric80]

It's kind of hard to get to, but you can clean and grease the pivot to make it work better.

 

[84ever]

Well I pulled the wheel today just to peek inside but didn't get too far. I have to make up the tool to compress the lock plate so I can remove the retaining ring and take it out. I'm trying to figure out how much has to come apart to inspect and possibly replace the tilt spring.