Wiper switch refurbish

[William R Conte]

Last time I tried to use the wipers they wouldn't turn on. Finally, they did. Then I couldn't turn them back off. I had to unplug the wiper motor. The switch action does not feel as tight and definite as it should. I have it out of the car, and want to rehab it. Has anyone here done it? If so, where did you get replacements for the little rivets that hold it together?

[Jason Edge]

I have never tried to refurbish the wiper dash switch  mainly since I have always had a big stash of them since starting to bring parts cars in in 1997. It is commendable and rewarding to refurbish anything, however, if you just wanted to buy one outright I have good working ones with average faces, minor pitting and wear for $25. If you want something really nice like the one below, I sell for $35.

Very Nice 63/64 Cadillac Windshield Wiper-Washer Switch - $35

I have pulled almost 4 dozen 63/64 Cadillac wiper washer switches over the past 20 years, but this is one of the best looking pieces I have brought in. Price is $35 + s/h. Email me at [e-mail]

[Russ Austin]

Never tried to refurb a wiper switch either.

[Clovis]

Just to add, my wiper switch feels sloppy with little definition of where it's at while sliding it back and forth. My car overall is in excellent shape and I always just thought that is how it came from the factory. 

[Kevin Campbell]

The one on ours is very good, slides easy and you can tell where each speed selection is without looking, but as they say, it never rains in Southern California too.

I doubt our wipers saw too much action prior to the overseas trip.

[Russ Austin]

Just to add, the wiper switch and the wiper motor need to have a very good ground to work. Check the ground to the wiper motor. It is behind one of the mount bolts. 

The wiper switch grounds at the mount pins.

[Jim Long]

My wipers don't have any action when sliding the switch or pushing the fluid button. No noise or sense anything is trying to work. I've checked and replaced the fuse. Low priority, but is the ground a good place to start?

[Russ Austin]

The wiper switch needs to be grounded to the frame of the dash. The 2 mount pins act as the ground. 

Then the wiper switch is grounded by a ground strap that is underneath a mount screw. Check the grounds and then perform the wiper motor test that is in the shop manual.