Windshield wiper switch?

Hi Vetteheads. My windshield wipers kicked out so I replaced motor, which didn't help. I am a cooling system expert (Radiator Hospital, G.R. Mi.)not electrical. I get positive 2 of the 3 spade conn. on wiper & the vacume works, but no wiper. The switch when grounded to body gave me a good 12 volt shock. Do you think I need a new or used switch/ If so where can I get one without paying 55.00- 70.00 for it.Thats what Mid- America etc. wants new. I think that's too much. I will use rain-x before I'll pay that much. I would consider used.? Thanks, Terry

This may be a stupid answer: Did you check to make sure the shut off knob was not turned? It is the knob under the steering column. If you turn that it will shut off the motor so the wipers can be changed. Maybe this switch is bad?

Not so stupid my friend, but I sure feel that way. You fixed my wipers!!!! I have the owners manual for my car, I should try reading it, YA THINK?!! As I said Cooling systems is my game , but as a lot of techs I overlook the simple to find a more complicated answer. If you ever have trouble getting your heater to work, let me know. Maybe I can suggest turning on the switch. Thanks a bunch. Terry
PS Don't tell anybody

No problem. That is what we are here for.

I put a new switch in last fall and was confused that it didn't work when just connected to the wires. It wasn't grounded, so it didn't work until I actually had it installed in the dash. Just wanted to let you know what I did to save some time if you try it before its actually installed. I do see them on ebay quite often.

Mark

Bear with me, guys, don't have an owners manual (I know, I'll get one!)

Can someone please describe each what each of those 3 knobs below column are and how to operate them? Thanks

I think you are talking about the three switches under the steering column. The center one is chrome and round and turns. The ones on each side have a rubber tip on them and they pull down or push up.

The one on the left controls the wiper door manually. The one on the right controls the headlamp doors manually. The chrome one in the center is the wiper override switch. Never leave it on, as this will discharge your battery. I could have the right and left ones mixed up as I'm doing this by memory. All this is in the owners manual. Suggest you get one. They are on ebay all the time. Hope this helps.

Mark

corvette427 said: ... The chrome one in the center is the wiper override switch. Never leave it on, as this will discharge your battery. ...

I leave mine switched on all the time and have never had a problem with the battery discharging. But it nevers hurts to be cautious I guess. btw - guess I've got the low-buck interior as the center knob is black.

corvette427 said: ... I could have the right and left ones mixed up as I'm doing this by memory. ...

According to my owner's manual the left one is for the headlights and the right one is for the wiper door. And that's the way they work on "The Toy".

The late 68 and I think the early 69 have an idiot light on the center dash that stays on even when the ignition switch is off. This is what drains the battery. I don't think the 70 model and newer have this light.

Mark

|UPDATED|8/30/2003 6:36:25 AM|/UPDATED|

Riksvette.com has switches and parts for all C3 vettes.
I have ordered many parts from them.
Hope this helps.
Dan