I have a 98 DI and need to replace the wiper switch. I have read several posts which indicate the steering wheel needs to be removed, is this correct?

I have removed the top and bottom plastic covers and have access to the switch which seems like it should just be able to be slid out but it won't budge.

thanks

 

I do not know if you need to remove the steering wheel or not.
Once you get it figured out let us know.

 

Hi,

I'm in need of doing this as well. Did you have to remove the steering wheel?

 

Need to do this is as well.

While on the phone with the local stealership, the tech said that it can be done without taking the steering wheel off. Just remove the upper and lower covers. Takes him about 30 minutes, he said...

Can't help beyond that, but I'll be trying it this weekend.

 

Finally received and replaced my wiper switch yesterday evening.

For the record...I *was not* able to change it without removing the airbag and steering wheel.

I think it's possible if you engineer an incredibly short screw driver, though.

Once you remove the upper and lower cowling from the steering column, you have about 1" clearance between the back of the steering wheel and the screws that hold the wiper switch in place. I made a special trip to the parts store to buy a 90 degree screwdriver, but it was too big to sandwich in there. One could conceivably cut off the tip of an old screw driver and use a set of pliers to turn it, I suppose. But realizing what a headache that would be, I opted to remove the entire wheel.

It's only a 10-15 minute job once you have the tools on hand (long, slender T30 Torx bit needed..which required yet another trip out as my Torx sockets were too short and fat).

 

I would think you should not need to remove the steering wheel if you have the correct tools. an offset screwdriver or a Skewdriver should work, if you don't know what a skewdriver is look it up and then buy one, it is a wonderful tool to have in your collection, and now that walmart sells a cheap one for about $15 or something it is worth getting!