Windshield Wiper Switch

[tvrmk363]

Hi Guys,
I just finished my 400 mile drive from Ohio over to Virginia to attend Out of the Woodwork, next weekend, here in the USA. On the way down in a little bad weather, the windshield wipers will not stop. They work in all settings, intermittent, normal and fast but won't shut off. So I'm thinking the switch decided to fail. Rimmer Bros says the switch is NLA. does anyone know of another source or have a idea on what else may have happened.
Right now I'm dropping the lower cover under the dash and unplugged the wiper motor.

Ideas?

Charlie
Ohio

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Charlie

It could be the contact in the switch..I would remove it and investigate...Is yours like mine...

[pasogrande]

Charlie,

You may want to try RockAuto. They have no listings for our TVR, only older ones. But I have had luck with a few things off other cars of a similar or older age, preferably with Bosch electrics.

I am sure somebody can let you know what was the original source; then you have to see if that car was imported here under some name.

Good Luck,

Wilf.

[mrzigazaga]

pasogrande said:

Charlie,

I am sure somebody can let you know what was the original source; then you have to see if that car was imported here under some name.

Good Luck,

Wilf.

I believe them to be TR7/Triumph Stag...I think the earlier type like what i had on the 280i were opposite to what is on Poppy...i;e the horn and flash were on the right...

[tvrmk363]

Ziga,
Looks the same as yours. I think they are SD1 correct?

Charlie

[mrzigazaga]

tvrmk363 said:

Ziga,
Looks the same as yours. I think they are SD1 correct?

Charlie

Yep mine are SD1 type...I have a spare if you cannot find one...Ill dig it out and have a look at it...I might be able to test it if i don't have to pull the wires out from under the dash to get to the plugs...

[tvrmk363]

There was a TR8 out in the parking lot so I ran out to take a look. The difference is the TR8 stalk looks a little shorter and curves up. The 350i curves down. They look the same otherwise. I wonder if they are interchangeable.

[SEvans]

Sure it's not the park switch on the motor? Cheers Steve

[Max350]

I've just replaced both my washer stalk and indicator stalk, this weekend, on my 350i S2 with ones from a Land Rover Defender 90/110. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371115625476?_trksid=p20... There is a matching indicator stalk complete with the mounting bracket and plastic collar that cancels the indicator. The wiper is a straight swap and the indicator just needs one looping wire cut so that the horn works and there is an extra wire that is not needed. I cut the connector off the indicator and then soldered and heat shrinked to the loom. The wiper wires just plug onto the same pins as the original but beware the wire colours may be different on both stalks. You will see from the eBay link there is a rubber gaiter which fits into the column cowling, just cut the base sealing ring off and the rest of the gaiter will fit inside the column cowling to give a neat appearance. The only other thing to note is both stalks are bent so they are just out of comfortable finger reach. I've left mine like this for the moment but intend to adjust them accordingly. When adjusting be very careful because the shafts are hollow and may fold on you. When I get back to the UK I'll try and post a picture for those interested.

[tvrmk363]

If the land rover part plugs in and works, that's the way to go. The original is NLA. Used ones on USA Ebay are less than $30.
I'll give it a try.

Charlie

[Max350]

If you go this route and replace both switches as a matched pair there's a trick or two you need to know but the swapping is still easy. First thing to note is the wiper switch is a self contained enclosed assembly but the 2 mounting screw holes are not tapped, you will need to use the screws to self tap the threads. However the indicator switch is not enclosed, it is mounted to the main mounting plate but because the Land Rover mounting plate is different to the SD1 it cannot be used, you will have to fit the new switch to the old SD1 mounting plate. The mounting plate acts as a cover to one side of the switch assembly and once removed will expose the switch inners which can fall out unless you are careful. I recommend you remove the plate this way: hold the plate and switch between thump and fore finger in one hand with the plate upper most. Remove the 2 fixing screws whilst maintaining a little pressure to keep the switch and plate together. Make sure you keep the assembly horizontal. Reduce the finger/thumb pressure and you will see the switch and plate start to separate due to the small springs inside the switch. You now need to wiggle the plate free from the switch, being careful not to be heavy handed or too quick otherwise some of the inner parts may fall out. If so don't worry the switch is easy to rebuild. I would try this on the old switch first so you know what to do on the new switch. I will take some pictures on Friday/Saturday.

[tvrmk363]

Good info to know. I'll look for the pictures.

Charlie

[Max350]

[Max350]

[Max350]

[Max350]

[Max350]

[Max350]

Ooops, just noticed the last two pictures are upside down. These are for wiring guidance should you need it. I've adjusted the angles of the stalks so that they are a comfortable fit for my hands/fingers on the wheel. If you don't like the look of the rubber gaiters they can be removed and the stalk then painted black so they match the original fit. You will also notice the graphics on the stalks are slightly different which annoys me but it is a cheap fix for 2 new (new old stock) switches with better action. The new indicator switch has a ring which clamps to the column in a much more positive way than the original single screw. This has allowed me to straighten the whole assembly and ensures that it stays in place when the switches are operated unlike the originals.

[KKson]

I've had this a couple of times in the 350i. Prolonged use of wipers and then they stay on. Ignition off and then normal service resumed. I'm assuming it's an occasional sticking relay?