I am happy to report it fixed my issue too! Thanks!

My switch was much worse than the photo at the top, I could not even see any copper at all, it was just a green/black blob in there. I scraped away what I could and then used a wire brush wheel on a bench grinder to really shine it up - worked great. I used a little bulb grease to make sure the contacts on the white sliders moved up and down freely again, they were stiff and I was afraid if I removed them I would lose the spring and be stuck. I agree there is no need to remove the arm from the assembly, it has no bearing on the process. Much better than the $150-$330 they want for new ones!

 

Thank you for this wonderful write-up!

Now I have the steps to address my wiper issue

Al G
'03 D2 SE7

 

Thanks for the write-up. I have this issue and looked in the rave manual. It showed about a 15 step process that included pulling the air bag, steering wheel, ect. You just made my day!

 

Same concept and removal on the other side of the column with the headlight control arm/lever. I took care of that one when turn signals would not work on one side. I think I may tackle this as preventative maintenance when I run out of other things to do.

 

Great write-up!! I pretty much knew what my problem was, but wasn't sure if I should have a spare assembly as a backup in case I messed up the disassembly Now I figure I'll do the blinkers at the same time

 

The weather must be getting cool around the country... Oh yeah, It is mid October and the switch controls will become non-responsive if the grease has not been cleaned out?
If any of you go through and find there is a bigger issue and need a different switch... I have one that I bought prior to fixing mine
Paid $70...
Yours for $40.

 

Hi CaNam

I attempted this fix and am having a very hard time removing the switch

It feels like it's stuck.....

Did you put the flathead screwdriver in between the switch and the black plastic holder?

Thanks

 

Sorry everyone - disregard previous post. I figured it out.

See p.84-26 of Rave workshop manual. It reads:

"5. Remove 2 screws securing switch, carefully
raise edge of switch bracket to clear location
peg and remove switch."

What worked for me is I looked for two flathead screwdrivers with the thinnest blades I could find. Then I inserted each blade right where the screw holes were. Insert each one very carefully, just enough where you get a 1/16" clearance and leave the screwdriver there. Then pull out the wiper switch. If you did it right, the switch will come out very nicely.

As the author suggested, skip step #3 - with the same screwdrivers, remove the bottom of the switch, guiding the screwdrivers over the 4 indented plastic clips.

There will be two white plastic pieces - take a picture of them to remember how they were. Wipe off all the gunk you can, and spray the parts with degreaser. Blow dry.

Tip: Sand any metal that is rusty or has build-up. Do this for all contacts you can see.

Tip: Then apply a thin film of di-electric tune-up grease. You can get this from your auto supply store. Reassemble using steps backwards.

Tip: When putting back the plastic steering wheel shround, screw in the bottom first using the 3 screws. Make sure you clear the steering wheel column lift lever. Attach the rubber grommet for the ignition key next. There is a correct orientation for this. The snap on the top.

This is very therapeutic! My wipers worked perfectly after this fix!

Thank you very much

Al G
2003 D2 SE7 86K

 

Another switch fixed. Great write up and photos. Solid job!!

Huge thanks!

 

CANAMDiscovery, Thanks for taking the time to write this up. I was about to order a new wiper switch until I found this thread and it worked like a charm on my '03 Disco. Thanks for saving us the time and money on such an easy fix!