When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I replaced the dimmer switch and as I got out the rod fell out of the pivot assembly. How screwed am I… is there a simple push and twist method? It fell out so it has to be able to go back in right… RIGHT?!?! I’m going to have to disassemble the steering column :/
I would remove the dimmer switch from the column...
Yes the rod needs to be fished back into place...
You can then put some pressure on the rod and push-pull the turn signal lever to see if it's in place...
And when you get the rod back in place the dimmer switch needs to be adjusted correctly...
If not adjusted correctly there is a good chance that sometime down the road the wiper switch pivot bracket will fail, then for sure the upper end of the column will need to be dismantled...
Instructions:
I would remove the dimmer switch from the column...
Yes the rod needs to be fished back into place...
You can then put some pressure on the rod and push-pull the turn signal lever to see if it's in place...
And when you get the rod back in place the dimmer switch needs to be adjusted correctly...
If not adjusted correctly there is a good chance that sometime down the road the wiper switch pivot bracket will fail, then for sure the upper end of the column will need to be dismantled...
Instructions:
I replaced the switch do you have a diagram of where the pushrod goes in I’ve been trying to fish it and it won’t seat.
You're going to have to disassemble the column. Sorry.
what’s makes you say this? I am down to proceed I’m just iffy on doing it when 2 other people just told me to fish it. If you have a reason that won’t work I’m all ears. I’ve spent probably about an hour fishing this rod with no luck.
what’s makes you say this? I am down to proceed I’m just iffy on doing it when 2 other people just told me to fish it. If you have a reason that won’t work I’m all ears. I’ve spent probably about an hour fishing this rod with no luck.
I just had my column apart to repair my turn signal pivot (for the third time). I have been cobbling my pivot together for a few years now because until recently they were made of unobtainium. ( I found a replacement pivot just after I got the column back together. )
Where the dimmer rod engages the turn signal pivot, there is a bend in the rod that has to engage not just the pivot, but everything else in the area. It takes about three hands and some adult only words to get everything lined up and assembled correctly. If you can get it to line up and engage by fishing it up from the bottom you are some kind of wizard.
Best advice I can give you is to watch every related video on YouTube, read every bit of service information you can, allow a full day, and take your time and lots of pictures.
I don't mean to discourage you. It is very doable, but if you are in a hurry you are going to get very frustrated.
Oh, and make sure you have all the special tools. Off the top of my head you are going to need a steering wheel puller, and a tool for compressing the spring in the column to remove the retaining clip. Fortunately they are readily available and not expensive.
Good luck.
I think the 77 dimmer rod is different than 78-82 in that it has a plastic piece on the top end that comes off easily. I agree that I think the column needs to come out and the dimmer rod fished down through the slot in the bowl support. I had a 77 column apart a couple months ago and the dimmer rod definitely had a plastic formed end on it. Where are you located. If you are anywhere near Atlanta or NYC in 3 weeks or so, I would be glad to help you out. It really isn't vey hard to pull the column.
I think the 77 dimmer rod is different than 78-82 in that it has a plastic piece on the top end that comes off easily. I agree that I think the column needs to come out and the dimmer rod fished down through the slot in the bowl support. I had a 77 column apart a couple months ago and the dimmer rod definitely had a plastic formed end on it. Where are you located. If you are anywhere near Atlanta or NYC in 3 weeks or so, I would be glad to help you out. It really isn't vey hard to pull the column.
Bill
True that it is not difficult to remove the column, and this may in fact be the easiest way to work on it. It is pretty much impossible to change the dimmer switch without at least dropping the column a few inches, and by the time you have disconnected all the wires and dropped the column, it would take about another 3 minutes to remove it from the car entirely. With that said, I changed my dimmer switch and 'repaired' the pivot with the column in the car by unbolting it and dropping it until I could access the dimmer switch.
If you are going to work on the column with it out of the car, you will need some way of stabilizing it. You won't be very happy trying to work on it with it rolling around on the bench top. I would probably fabricate a hold-down fixture from wood that you can clamp the column into and screw or clamp to your bench.
True that it is not difficult to remove the column, and this may in fact be the easiest way to work on it. It is pretty much impossible to change the dimmer switch without at least dropping the column a few inches, and by the time you have disconnected all the wires and dropped the column, it would take about another 3 minutes to remove it from the car entirely. With that said, I changed my dimmer switch and 'repaired' the pivot with the column in the car by unbolting it and dropping it until I could access the dimmer switch.
If you are going to work on the column with it out of the car, you will need some way of stabilizing it. You won't be very happy trying to work on it with it rolling around on the bench top. I would probably fabricate a hold-down fixture from wood that you can clamp the column into and screw or clamp to your bench.
I replaced the dimmer switch without lowering it… used a box end wrench and a lot of cursing. Tightening the screw in was a nightmare. It was definitely an achievement when the threads finally caught.
I replaced the dimmer switch without lowering it… used a box end wrench and a lot of cursing. Tightening the screw in was a nightmare. It was definitely an achievement when the threads finally caught.
Now you understand why everyone states how lowering the column makes removal and replacement of the dimmer switch much easier.
I replaced the dimmer switch without lowering it… used a box end wrench and a lot of cursing. Tightening the screw in was a nightmare. It was definitely an achievement when the threads finally caught.
OK. I stand corrected. Apparently it CAN be done. Still don't recommend it.
1977 Dimmer rod
)
