turn signal and wiper levers

July 21, 2009, 02:00:42 PM

I have managed to break off the turn signal/dimmer switch lever as well as the wind shield wiper lever on the left side of my '87 cougar. I have come across a tbird that i can get the needed parts from but was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on tools i might need or how to best reach the spots?

ohh..and has anyone else had trouble with wires inside the steering column getting worn through and causing shorts in the dash lights? It happened to me last fall and seems to be happening again.

thanks...btw. i have been around this site for years but this is my first attempt at checking out the forums. hope i find all the answers to lots of questions.

KEEP IT CRUSING CAT OWNERS

turn signal and wiper levers

Reply #1 – July 21, 2009, 10:59:42 PM

I just went through all of this getting round 1985-88 style column levers to replace the squared ones of my 1984.

Remove the lower knee trim panel under the steering column. You will need a phillips screw driver for this. Depending on the year car you may have to remove some of the intermediate switch trim panels that go under the instrument cluster bezel trim. This opens up the bottom of the steering column trim so you can remove the six screws that hold the two halves together. The two rear screws are hidden with the lower knee panel trim in place. The top half may be tight to remove but it is easier to remove and install the top trim with the steering column unbolted and dropped. It can be taken out without dropping the column if you take care. If it has a column shifter, drop the lever in the down position. This makes it easier to remove the trim where it engages through the slit the column lever goes through. Take with you a small rachet wrench and a set of sockets including 6, 7 & 8 mm. I cannot remember the exact size sockets but they are in this range. Both the wiper switch and the turn signal lever are held on by two screws each. After the screws are removed you can simply unplug them. Reassemble everything the opposite of removal but of course taking care not to scratch the top of your steering column trim when reinstalling it.