C3 test H.L. switch and Wiper solenoid Vac

[Ed Driscoll]

Does anyone have a tip as to how I can check the wiper door solenoid and the head lamp switch's vacuum function without taking off the dash. I can't get behind the tach from underneath and the headlight switch, well..I've tested everything else and found a few problems, but I figure that, if possible, I should test the rest of the system. Am I crazy and should I just repair the known problems and hope for the best, or is a test do-able without too much drama
Thanx
Ed

[William C.]

Re: C3 test H.L. switch and Wiper solenoid Vac

If your lines are run, you could use a vacuum pump to pull vacuum on the vacuum tank and then cycle the override switch and the headlamp switch to check for funcion of the vacuum system.

[George Romano]

Re: C3 test H.L. switch and Wiper solenoid Vac

I don't see how you would be able to access that switch without removing parts of the dash, it's simply not accessable any other way. If it were my car, I would remove the upper dash pad, and access both of these switches that way.

Remove the door sill plate and kick panel on the pass side. Remove the pass side lower dash pad. Remove both windshield pillar posts, and the header trim, along with the rear view mirror. At this point you can remove the upper dash pad by removing the 3 screws across the top of the drivers side lower dash pad, and the 2 screws in the center instrument cluster, and one screw next to the wiper switch. There is a single screw on the pass side of the car, that mounts the upper dash pad to the firewall via a steel bracket. This single screw must be removed. At this point, you can remove the upper dash pad by slightly bending it in the center to clear the windshield pillars. It is held to the firewall with steel clips, so pulling the pad toward you will release the pad. You can than access the wiper door switch, and the back of the headlight switch. Now would also be a good time to replace the front speakers if necessary. Check for paperwork between the tach and speedo, ya never know what you may find.

Good luck!

George

[John D.]

Re: C3 test H.L. switch and Wiper solenoid Vac

When I needed to check the function of the wiper solenoid on the back of my tach (68) I found that it was bad and closed not allowing vacuumn to the pass to the override. The wiper door stayed open.

At the t (Vac Supply) by the steering column I took the solenoid out of series with the override. Now the wiperdoor works using the override. It was a bear to do but I was able to get to the lines without removing the dash.

Good luck, John

[George Romano]

Re: C3 test H.L. switch and Wiper solenoid Vac

Did you try to repair the solenoid, by opening it up to check for problems?

Just curious.

George

[Ed Driscoll]

Re: C3 test H.L. switch and Wiper solenoid Vac

I think I'm going to replace the hoses, and the 2 relays and pull down switch that were bad and see if alls well after that. I wanted to check the entire vac system if it was possible just to be able to cross it off the list. The only two items un tested were the headlight switch and the solenoid due to location. Everything else is OK. If i still have a problem, I'll go behind the dash. Thanx and Happy Holidays
Ed #38868