1987 Pontiac Trans AM GTA Wiper Switch in column - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Steveh4263 · 07-24-2008, 07:51 PM

I need a wiper switch for a 1987 Pontiac Trans AM GTA. This is the switch that is inside the steering column and not the lever with the cruise control, wiper delay control and windshield washer. The car has a Tilt Wheel and Delay Wipers. Anyone have the correct part number and cheap online internet web site to buy from. I would want the ACDELCO part and part number. TIA.

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Steveh4263 · 07-25-2008, 07:05 PM

bump

80schild · 07-25-2008, 07:25 PM

Sure it's not the dimmer switch you're wanting? I can't think of a wiper switch inside the column.

Steveh4263 · 07-25-2008, 10:32 PM

The dimmer switch works correctly. The wipers won't go on hi speed and it has trouble with the windshield washer spray and the low speed as well. The wipers work sometimes and sometimes not. So it must be a wiper switch inside the column.

80schild · 07-25-2008, 11:00 PM

The wire from the multi-function lever goes in the top of the column and straight out of the bottom, there is no switch inside for the wipers that I know of. Has the multi-function lever been replaced? Could it be the wrong model? Have you checked the bottom of the column to make sure it's getting a good connection?

Steveh4263 · 07-25-2008, 11:38 PM

What's the part that the multi-function lever plug into? I know you can just pull out the multi-function lever from the steering column. We tried both old multifunction lever and the new lever and it still didn't work correctly. Here's the switch that I bought.

ghettocruiser · 07-26-2008, 01:27 AM

There most certainly is a wiper switch!!! Its the only switch inside the column besides the turn signal switch. The "dimmer" switch is down on the side of the column, and is controlled by a rod.

If you are looking for a wiper switch I can tell you a coupel things about it. 1) if you buy it new, its expensive. I believe its over $100 at autozone. Or it was around $70....cant remember.

2) You will have to almost completely disassemble your column to replace it. Its not a super easy task....but not that hard at the same time. You will need a GM steering lock removal tool. Other than that....normal tools will get the job done.

Here are a couple pics for ya...

Here is the switch.

Here is whats left of the column when you get down to the switch.

The mess of parts.

Like I said, its not a "simple" remove and replace operation. If you have any more questions, let me know. I know these columns pretty well now that ive taken a few apart and swapped parts and put them back together.

J.

Steveh4263 · 07-26-2008, 10:08 AM

Well looks like I bought the right part then. I'm going to have a shade tree mechanic friend, replace the wiper switch for me. Thanks for the help ghettocruiser. So you have to completely remove the steering column. Oh man just to have some working wipers. Autozone part cost me $119.00 with shipping. My brother said I could of got the part quicker if I would have went to the Autozone store directly, instead of making the online purchase.

Klortho · 07-26-2008, 10:42 AM

I can tell you that the switch will work differently than the original. Where the original was smooth on the delay the new one will have clicks on the delay due to some lawsuit someone had against GM about using their patent without approval or something like that.

80schild · 07-26-2008, 12:07 PM

I stand corrected. I learn something new here everyday.

ghettocruiser · 07-26-2008, 04:45 PM

You dont have to remove the column. In fact, it might be easier to work on in the car. YOu dont have to hold the column still then.

However. You'll need to remove the bracket that holes the column up so that you can get the wires and the plug loose. You'll see what I mean.

My suggestion is to unplug the wiring, hold the column up, and remove all the bolts that hold that plate onto the column. Then, pull the wiring down and loosely replace the bracket, so the column will stay up while you work.

Or just pull the column....either way.

I didnt realize newer switches would have clicks... Wonder who got ticked at GM for it. Even my jeep cherokee, which has the same column I believe, has a smooth delay adjustment. Weird...

J.

Steveh4263 · 07-26-2008, 06:54 PM

I think my 96 Grand Prix has the clicks. But a lawsuit over a wiper switch having clicks the same as a ACDELCO part is ridiculous.

optima23 · 04-08-2009, 10:10 AM

so is this part called the multifunction switch because mine is broken and I need to order one. Any part numbers would be perfect.

slowboy · 10-31-2009, 10:45 AM

On my 1990 Camaro RS, it looks as if the plate that the wires go through is welded to column. I can't see any bolts or screws holding it to column, just 2 nuts holding column up. I'm afraid this is going to make getting wiper switch wires out a problem.

y84pauloflondon · 10-31-2009, 06:14 PM

I replaced my lever(with the cruise control, wiper delay control and windshield washer) this past spring, fairly easy to do! If I remember correctly, you will need to drop the steering colunm down to get to the wires to disconnect it and pull it out. You will also need a GOOD firm wire the fish the wire from the New lever through the steering colunm. Take your time when pulling new wire through the colunm, it Will get caught on something inside a couple of times....DON'T PULL HARD!

ghettocruiser · 11-01-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowboy

On my 1990 Camaro RS, it looks as if the plate that the wires go through is welded to column. I can't see any bolts or screws holding it to column, just 2 nuts holding column up. I'm afraid this is going to make getting wiper switch wires out a problem.

Can you post a picture of your column?? The two nuts that hold the column up are part of the bracket that should be bolted to your column. They are 4 bolts...mine were brass colored on both cars I owned.

Once you remove that bracket, the part that it screws to is welded to the column. I think... You should be able to sneak the connectors through this though. Turn them side ways and just feed them through. It'll come apart...trust me. The more you take apart the easier it is to get to everything.

J.

1ATony · 11-03-2009, 09:46 AM

We carry some of these switches (depending on the yr & options). Here's a link to them if anyone's stuck and needs a new one.

Pontiac Trans Am Wiper Switch

slowboy · 11-03-2009, 10:32 AM

$179.00 ?...
...is that installed?
I've checked several places, and never seen a wiper switch for over $130.

y84pauloflondon · 11-03-2009, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowboy

$179.00 ?...
...is that installed?
I've checked several places, and never seen a wiper switch for over $130.

I don't think that A1auto does installs! If thats there price.....they're crazy!

This past spring I replaced my org. lever with a GM OEM lever at a price of $120.00>CDN At $179.00>US, it better be installed, by a young, sexy, kind-hearted girl, and she better know what she's doing!!! YES I demand alot from my hard earned dollar!

I so miss our Topless Car Washes!!! LOL.

slowboy · 11-04-2009, 07:54 AM

Yeah, I have a friend [anonymous] who works for auto supply. He got me a wiper switch for $68, [his cost]. He did tell me that the switch sells for $175. The switch he got me is an ACDELCO GM# 26017185.