Replacing windshield wiper/jet control arm - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

slobjones · 09-11-2009, 10:09 AM

1996 Camry V6

Not even sure what this thing is called, but it's the control arm attached to the right side of the steering wheel that operates the wipers and windshield jets.

Anyway, the cap popped off the control arm and a spring inside came out and got lost. Wipers still work, but can no longer spray the windshield, as without the spring, there is no tension on the button.

A local mechanic says we should take it to the dealer. On hearing description over the phone, dealer service dept. says they'd have to replace the multi-function switch at a cost of $300.

Is there any simpler repair? I'd really appreciate any assistance.

Thanks.

abew330 · 09-11-2009, 12:38 PM

can you take pictures?

***LynchburgCSI*** · 09-11-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

A local mechanic says we should take it to the dealer. On hearing description over the phone, dealer service dept. says they'd have to replace the multi-function switch at a cost of $300.

WTH. No. Pictures would be helpful. It sounds like you may just be able to get an entire replacement shaft off of another camry. I'm not sure if they are plug and play, but i'm sure someone will chime in before I get a chance to look.

slobjones · 09-11-2009, 02:13 PM

I'll try to post a picture this evening.

However, it's nothing unusual -- just the shaft or arm that you move up and down, twist or press to manipulate the wipers or washer jets.

Can I actually unscrew the shaft so it will disconnect at the steering wheel? I considered that but was afraid I would break it.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 09-11-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

I'll try to post a picture this evening.

However, it's nothing unusual -- just the shaft or arm that you move up and down, twist or press to manipulate the wipers or washer jets.

Can I actually unscrew the shaft so it will disconnect at the steering wheel? I considered that but was afraid I would break it.

I'll try looking into it...

slobjones · 09-13-2009, 11:20 PM

As promised, here are images of the windshield washer control arm/shaft.

Note the end cap in picture 2. This is the cap that popped off, and the spring beneath (now lost) with it. First mechanic says he looked inside, can't fix it by simply inserting a new spring.

As previously mentioned, wipers still work. Just no jets. I'm wondering if there's any way to replace the shaft without removing the steering wheel.

PortugalFocus · 09-14-2009, 08:41 AM

Go to the salvage yard and get a new/used one. Probably less than $20 used.

slobjones · 09-14-2009, 10:05 AM

[Go to the salvage yard and get a new/used one. Probably less than $20 used.]

Please read the thread. I'm asking for instructions on how to replace the part.

DxElite · 09-14-2009, 10:20 AM

That is the "wiper and washer switch" and it seems that there is not just a simple connector for the wires to plug into it. Looks like it has hardwired wires that run to a harness of wires to a connector under the dash. The whole wire harness is called the "Combination Switch" that's connected to all the switches on the steering wheel.

I'm not 100% sure on this ...
It looks like if you can find a replacement with the wires attached, you can cut the old switch off and splice the wires from the replacement switch, matching the colored wires.

As for how to remove the switch, I'm not sure. Looks like you'll have to atleast remove the steering wheel column covers to gain access. Possibly you can just turn the steering wheel and not have to take it off.

Before you do anything with the wires, disconnect the battery.

slobjones · 09-14-2009, 10:59 AM

Thanks, Dx.

Just to be clear, does the "wiper and washer switch" have a connector that can be unplugged from the "combination switch"?

DxElite · 09-14-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

Just to be clear, can the "wiper and washer switch" be unplugged from the "combination switch"?

Unfortunately no, the wiper and washer (w&w) switch has wires attached that runs with a wire harness collectively called the "combinatoin switch" (all the switches on the steering wheel) to a connector under the dash. Basically there is a single connector that has wires that connect to all the switches on the steering wheel and is hard wired, Not Plug-and-Play.

If you don't want to cut and splice the wires, it looks like you can remove the entire harness and replace the whole length of the wires from the w&w switch to the "combination switch" connector.

But that seems like too much work, that's why I think it's possible to splice in the wires from a replacement w&w switch onto the original wires from the old w&w switch.
Before doing so, double check that the replacement switch has the same number and colored wires.

slobjones · 09-14-2009, 08:16 PM

DX, if the wires can't be spliced, what's the alternative? Replace the combination switch (or multi-function switch, as the dealer service dept. described it) and everything attached to it, including the turn signal arm?

Now, assuming I can find a replacement wiper switch, how do I get to the old one? There appear to be five screws in the lower portion of the steering column. Could this possibly provide access to the wiper switch?

Note: A helpful toyotanation reader pointed me to a link on a competing site (unfortunately, link won't display here) for a DIY that shows an easy plug-and-play Corolla wiper switch replacement. It's a shame the Camry doesn't offer a similar solution.

Thanks again.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 09-14-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

DX, if the wires can't be spliced, what's the alternative? Replace the combination switch (or multi-function switch, as the dealer service dept. described it? and everything attached to it, including the turn signal arm?

that would seem the most logical thing and cost effective thing to do. Personall'y i'd just splice/solder the wires together. but whatever works.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

Now, assuming I can find a replacement wiper switch, how do I get to the old one? There appear to be five screws in the lower portion of the steering column. Could this possibly provide access to the wiper switch.

Remove the 5 screws, and it comes right off in two pieces. i think there may be some tbas holding it together....just pull the two pieces apart gently.

DxElite · 09-14-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

DX, if the wires can't be spliced, what's the alternative? Replace the combination switch (or multi-function switch, as the dealer service dept. described it) and everything attached to it, including the turn signal arm?

It looks like the connector can be disassembled so you can remove the wires for the bad switch w/o having to replace all the switches. It's just a lot of work to remove all the switches to take the whole harness out just to replace the switch with the wires.

I agree with LynchburgCSI, splicing/soldering the wires of the replacement switch will be your fastest/cheapest option.

Remember to disconnect the battery before cutting anything. Take pictures too for references.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobjones

Now, assuming I can find a replacement wiper switch, how do I get to the old one? There appear to be five screws in the lower portion of the steering column. Could this possibly provide access to the wiper switch?

Yes, like LynchburgCSI said.
I'll add on that you might need to rotate the steering wheel so you can get access to the screws that hold the switch on.