What's involved with removing the wiper switch

[marklfarkl]

The windshield wiper switch in my 72 challenger needs to be replaced. What's involved with removing it? I checked the forums, service manual and Google and cannot find anything that details switch removal. Found lots of info on where to get the switch restored but not much on how to remove it. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[marklfarkl]

Ok, since I hear nothing but crickets....I'll start tearing into it and post my finding here when I figure it out...

 

[js29]

It's pretty basic, you should disconnect the battery, remove the screws for the dash light bar. I think you have to remove the instrument bezel first,then remove the panel ware your switch's are mounted. watch ware you unplug everything. there will be A metal plate that screws to the plastic switch bezel, the rest should be self explanatory. A factory service manual will help you with a lot of different aspects of your car, and are available on C-D. I found mine on E-bay. I hope this helps. Mark.

 

[marklfarkl]

It's pretty basic, you should disconnect the battery, remove the screws for the dash light bar. I think you have to remove the instrument bezel first,then remove the panel ware your switch's are mounted. watch ware you unplug everything. there will be A metal plate that screws to the plastic switch bezel, the rest should be self explanatory. A factory service manual will help you with a lot of different aspects of your car, and are available on C-D. I found mine on E-bay. I hope this helps. Mark.

Thanks. I downloaded the factory service manual and could not find anything about switch replacement. I was considering trying to clean/fix the switch. May be easier to just purchase a replacement so I can quickly swap it out. They sure ain't cheap!

 

[js29]

There is nothing cheap for our mopars!

 

[marklfarkl]

Found some very helpful documentation here...

 

[Racer57]

You do not have to remove the main set of gauges, only the switch panel. Also, when you lower the steering wheel remove the 2 nuts under the dash and only 2 of the three on the firewall. I've never had to remove the left trim panel either. Use some wide masking tape and lay it over the main panel near where the switch panel is to help avoid scratches. One of the plugs has a tab to hold it in place(forgot which one), the other two pull straight off. You will cuss trying to figure out how to get the switch panel out/in, but it will fall into place when "its" ready.
This is also a good time to check out your panel lights.

 

[marklfarkl]

Pulling it out was very easy once I knew how to do it.
Some photos for other newbies

Remove the three light bar screws.

Light bar comes out easy

Need to find out where I can find light bar replacement bulbs..

Remove these two top screws

And these two bottom screws

And it pulls right out...

Removing the switch connectors

There is a release tab you need to pop out. Thanks to Jim at www.jsrestorations.com for emailing me about this. Here are the two photos he sent me showing where the tab is-

Out comes the panel. The last item to be removed is the light socket

Remove the screws holding the switch mounting plate to the switch bezel

DOH!! Don't do this!

 

[marklfarkl]

Remove switch from mounting place using 14mm deep socket

Switches out

 

[challenger6pak]

Nice explaination markl !!