Do I dare take wiper switch apart to clean internal contacts?

[Ken71Twister]

I’ve cleaned the external contacts on the wiper switch from my 1971 Duster. I see three tabs that could be bent to open the switch housing up to allow me to clean internal contacts. Do I dare open this thing up? Replacement switches are pretty expensive - so I don’t want to open something up that might be difficult to re-assemble.

 

[4spdragtop]

I've read/heard of people on here doing it. I never have, but should....after you post a "how to" of course

 

[Murray]

I have disassembled all my switches to clean them up. Just be very careful.

 

[Ken71Twister]

I have disassembled all my switches to clean them up. Just be very careful.

Did you have any tabs break off? Any spring loaded stuff inside that I should know about before opening it up?

 

[67Dart273]

I have disassembled all my switches to clean them up. Just be very careful.

How about some actual advice? How do you undo the crimp? Saw it? does it bend? How do you get them open without ruining something? How do you hold it back together? Epoxy?

 

[Murray]

Do not break anything! Maybe bend tabs a little. Yes, things are spring loaded, be prepared. After you remove the backing, you will see how the switch is made and how it functions. Then proceed to clean the contacts and lube. After assembling and checking function, a little glue may help secure the backing.

 

[Dana67Dart]

This may or may not be your switch BUT here is what you're basically looking at

67 2 Speed Wiper Switch Demystified


SLOW gentle pressure on the pot metal tabs

ALSO NOTE: Under each contact there is a spring. Another switch I took apart the springs under the double contacts were missing. Without the springs the contacts might not make a good connection or any connection at all

 

[George Jets]

Spray it down good with WD-40, work it thru the motions, spray it clean with compressed air.

Don't have to take it apart.

Had a 6 terminal brake light switch on a 2003 Grand Caravan acting up affecting transmission shifting.

Took it out, sprayed it down with WD-40, worked it through the motions, sprayed it with compressed air, more WD-40 for final rinse, final blow clean with compressed air.

Re-installed the switch.

Working 100% again, transmission now shifting properly. Nice part did not have to pull the transmission to figure out what was wrong (which was the next step).

☆☆☆☆☆

 

[autopar3000]

I would echo what George just said, but instead of WD-40 I would suggest using proper electrical contact cleaner. No compressed air necessary, just work it around a bit and let it dry.

The absolute best stuff is DeoxIT D5, but on that switch I wouldn't hesitate to use whatever you can find.

 

[Big.J.007]

@Devinism Rebuilds most switches