yeah... 
Quick Wiper switch question!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 229
Likes: 31
From: Finger Lakes area NY
Quick Wiper switch question!!
1968 Car...
My wipers turn on fine but are a b**ch to turn off. The switch has to be wiggled and switched hard.
Should I simply order a new switch and replace it? or is there some other thing to look at.
This is my first corvette....
My wipers turn on fine but are a b**ch to turn off. The switch has to be wiggled and switched hard.
Should I simply order a new switch and replace it? or is there some other thing to look at.
This is my first corvette....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
You might have to replace it, but before you go to that trouble there's something you can try. First, pull the wiper fuse or disconnect the battery. Then spray WD40 into the switch and gently wiggle it around to see if you can get it moving correctly, again. It could just be gunked up with dust and dirt and you might just free it up and save yourself the cost and hassle of replacement. Possibly blow a little compressed air into it, too. (low pressure). If you get it freed up, I'd let it sit overnight before connecting electric to it, so the lube evaporates. Good luck. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Duane
Duane
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,097
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If its an original Duane's suggestion will work. If its a replacement it's probably shot.
I purchased a used oem one and no problems.
I had purchased an after market one prior and it broke in 3 weeks.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Marshal
I purchased a used oem one and no problems.
I had purchased an after market one prior and it broke in 3 weeks.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Marshal
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
Likes: 1,054
From: Virginia USA
What it needs is a good cleaning if it's not worn out. It's easy to take apart. There are two metal clips that hold the front of the switch face to the body. Gently pry those back just enough to get the body to come off. You'll notice a blue-green goo which was once dielectric grease and the blue-green color comes from copper oxidation. Clean all that up and go over all the contacts with scotch-brite pad or some fine sandpaper. Final clean everything up with alcohol and apply new dielectric grease. Put it all back together and install - Done.
With the state of repop parts, especially electrical parts you are taking your chances that you get a good "new" one.
With the state of repop parts, especially electrical parts you are taking your chances that you get a good "new" one.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,034
Likes: 9,157
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
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Do your best to fix it because the new ones will fail as soon as you try to use it. I have a 68 and when I shut it off I put my index by the base and pull it back that way. They are all kind of flimsy.
You need to remove it to clean it. Use a electrical contact cleaner and dielectric grease to lube it
You need to remove it to clean it. Use a electrical contact cleaner and dielectric grease to lube it
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Oct 10, 2018 at 10:26 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,847
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If you had your car in my shop, I'd remove the switch....
I'd first look for the 169 that would be stamped on the switch.... the imported switches didn't have that on them.
Then gently pry apart the two metal retainers made into the cover. You must be careful when you do this so that you don't break the plastic housing. I'd then take it all apart and clean everything, then lube it with some dielectric grease and put it back together.
You can test the switch to see if it's working before you do anything too..
Willcox Testing a 68-76 Corvette Wiper Motor Switch
Willcox
https://willcoxcorvette.com/
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/
I'd first look for the 169 that would be stamped on the switch.... the imported switches didn't have that on them.
Then gently pry apart the two metal retainers made into the cover. You must be careful when you do this so that you don't break the plastic housing. I'd then take it all apart and clean everything, then lube it with some dielectric grease and put it back together.
You can test the switch to see if it's working before you do anything too..
Willcox Testing a 68-76 Corvette Wiper Motor Switch
Willcox
https://willcoxcorvette.com/
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
Likes: 1,054
From: Virginia USA
If you had your car in my shop, I'd remove the switch....
I'd first look for the 169 that would be stamped on the switch.... the imported switches didn't have that on them.
Then gently pry apart the two metal retainers made into the cover. You must be careful when you do this so that you don't break the plastic housing. I'd then take it all apart and clean everything, then lube it with some dielectric grease and put it back together.
You can test the switch to see if it's working before you do anything too..
Willcox Testing a 68-76 Corvette Wiper Motor Switch
Willcox
https://willcoxcorvette.com/
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/
I'd first look for the 169 that would be stamped on the switch.... the imported switches didn't have that on them.
Then gently pry apart the two metal retainers made into the cover. You must be careful when you do this so that you don't break the plastic housing. I'd then take it all apart and clean everything, then lube it with some dielectric grease and put it back together.
You can test the switch to see if it's working before you do anything too..
Willcox Testing a 68-76 Corvette Wiper Motor Switch
Willcox
https://willcoxcorvette.com/
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/
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