Wiper failure-Combination Switch?
 

82 300D-Turbo

My windshield wipers just stopped working. (Would like to get them fixed before next rainstorm). Up until this time I have only been able to operate wipers on "fast" and occasionally on "intermittant". Pushing lever forward for bright lights sometimes causes all lights to go out, a jiggle causes lights to come back on. I believed the problem to be the combination switch on the stalk, but would like other opinions before jumping in to such a project. Could the problem be fuse/relay related and not the turn signal switch? What should I check before ordering new switch?

I already know I cannot remove my steering wheel.. cannot loosen retaining screw (on too tight). So if the switch needs replacing I'll need to take it to mechanic and hope they can get steering wheel off without damaging anything. I'm going to remove the under dash panel and check the multiplug to see if connection is strong but any other ideas for me to check will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

No need to remove the wheel if its the same as my '85. I Just had mine out yesterday, remove the rubber boot, remove the two screws holding it to the column, loosen the two screws holding the horn wires (thin ones coming in from above), disconnect the two plugs from the harness and slide it right out.
On mine I found one wire needed resoldering, sprayed it out good with contact cleaner and all is well. Even if you cant repair it save yourself some money and diy, if you can operate a screwdriver this is an easy job :)
Good Luck, James

Thanks James.

I've been away from home with a friend who is off today (Columbus Day) and haven't done anything with vehicle. glad I haven't because your directions about DIY give me much courage. The Haynes book I have shows the steering wheel removed, and I just glanced at where the lever goes into column, but if I don't have to remove wheel I know I am capabale of doing it myself. Thanks again for the reply.

Ad Finitum
 

My Combination Switch had a combination of problems. Just to summarize.. I had sprayed WD40 on Sat. into the column where the stalk goes and sprayed with "electronic equipment" cleaner on Sunday. The lever operated much crisper, not spongy, so the gunk was part of the problem. Couldn't get in touch with friend who lives nearby and has 3 soldering irons and all the tools one would want for just about any job, so went to BigK and bought gun kit in case I had to solder like James did. As any good DIYer should do, I first checked the fuses.. seemed OK, but knowing the fuse could look alright and not be making good contact I removed the Red one for the wipers.. still looked OK.. but then I took a finger and gently pulled at the bottom point and the metal fell apart and off the ceramic. WOW! Good chance it might just be the fuse. I had to rob a red one from the rear defroster in order to try out the wipers and VOILA, wipers work on all three settings, bright lights work without cutting all lights off, even the "flash" bright works.. so, removing gunk and changing a fuse solved my problem.

I will, however remove the harness and check all connections at a future date, especially knowing how simple it is to do thanks to this forum and especially James. But right now I'm satisfied with wiper and lights operation since we are expecting rain later tonight and tomorrow.

The End.. for now.

Good catch on the fuse!! sometimes I myself skip over the basics and overlooking the simple fix. another good thing to keep in your toolbox is a small bottle of Penetrox, its an electrical joint compound that helps prevent corrosion between copper and al connections, the number one killer on electrical connections on these and other euro cars. as corrosion builds the connection becomes weaker and draws more amperage, thus more heat until it fails. A little dab 'll do ya on all connections.

James