DIY Variable Intermittent Wiper Install

goyogi · 09-28-2007, 07:25 PM

I got this idea from the echodrivers.com forum.

I replaced the wiper stalk/switch with one from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe which is basically a Toyota Matrix. The only difference is that this has VARIABLE intermittent speeds.

Now I have 2,4,6 and 8 second delays. It's much more useful. Every fuction works except the Vibe/Matrix has a two speed rear motor that this switch does not work with. So the low speed rear wiper position does not work. But the high speed rear wiper position works like normal. Apparently you need the motor from a Vibe/Matrix to get the two rear speeds to work. Not enough incentive for me to do that.

I got the switch from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. I chose the Vibe because ALL models came with Variable intermittent wipers and the parts guy would have a hard time screwing it up. Some of the base Matrix models came with NO variable intermittent speed switches.

I apologize for the grainy photos. There was low light and I used my camera phone. But it's VERY easy to do. It took me less than 10 minutes.

Here's the How To

1) Admire new switch

2) Remove screw underneath steering column

3) Turn steering wheel 90 degrees to the right and remove the hidden screw. Do the same on the left.

4) Pull down plastic steering column cover and then pull up on the top part. They are held in place with plastic tabs. So just give it a good tug and they'll come apart.

5) Use a small flathead screwdriver to press the tab on the wiring harness and pull down on wiring harness.

6) Use the same screwdriver to press on the front tab of the switch and the slide the switch out.

7) Slide new switch in, plug in harness and test. If it's all good, then put back the steering column together and you are done!

DTRAIN619 · 09-28-2007, 07:41 PM

Nice post!

surfcitylocal · 09-28-2007, 07:51 PM

Most excellent! Thank you.

sdsnybny · 09-28-2007, 08:24 PM

way cool how about the part # for the switch you ended up with if you would

bB626 · 09-28-2007, 09:00 PM

very nice!!!

ketchup_xb · 09-28-2007, 09:16 PM

gnarly post!!

Gumby29 · 09-28-2007, 09:23 PM

Awesome idea... yeah, i hate our stock wiper switch...

goyogi · 09-28-2007, 09:42 PM

Part number is a GM part number 88969651. At least that's what's on the shipping form. 2004 Pontiac Vibe wiper switch. I think it's the same through 2006 or so. I just figured my car is a 2004 so get a 2004 switch.

Also you'll find that though it's identical to the Matrix switch the GM one is cheaper. I got it through my roommate's friend who works at a dealer and get's parts at cost +10%. So it cost me about $50. I think cost is about $45. The cheapest I found online was about $60.

They can be found at junkyards or ebay for around $25 but I don't have the time these days to do that.

HotBox009 · 09-28-2007, 10:01 PM

Wow, i would never think of that mod. Very awesome.

surfcitylocal · 09-28-2007, 10:21 PM

Using the part number given I'm coming up with something different than what you show in the first picture. Did that all come as one piece?

Gumby29 · 09-28-2007, 10:50 PM

wait, so all that timing difference is only from that switch??? its not actually from the motor??? wow, i didnt know that... i still have a lot to learn...

**dancar420** · 09-29-2007, 12:11 AM

damn that is a nice mod and cheap too

orcas1013 · 09-29-2007, 03:06 AM

now if only we could steal the cruise conrol off the vibe too :0)

goyogi · 09-30-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfcitylocal

Using the part number given I'm coming up with something different than what you show in the first picture. Did that all come as one piece?

Yeah, sorry, on the printout that is what the part number said but I don't think it's the right number. I had a difficult time finding the part number. That's why I went with the 2004 Vibe because they ALL had variable intermittent wiper switches and they are cheaper than the Matrix. So no mix up with the parts person or the junk yard if you go that route.

So just ask a Pontiac supplier for a wiper switch/stalk from a '04 Vibe. And they should be able to find it. It's all one piece.

JJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by orcas1013

now if only we could steal the cruise conrol off the vibe too :0)

Yeah, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers and torque are what I miss most from my last car.

One down, two to go. I plan on fixing both next year if all goes well. Stay tuned.

xbdave · 10-04-2007, 09:39 PM

I got this idea from the echodrivers.com forum.

I replaced the wiper stalk/switch with one from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe which is basically a Toyota Matrix. The only difference is that this has VARIABLE intermittent speeds.

Now I have 2,4,6 and 8 second delays. It's much more useful. Every fuction works except the Vibe/Matrix has a two speed rear motor that this switch does not work with. So the low speed rear wiper position does not work. But the high speed rear wiper position works like normal. Apparently you need the motor from a Vibe/Matrix to get the two rear speeds to work. Not enough incentive for me to do that.

I got the switch from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. I chose the Vibe because ALL models came with Variable intermittent wipers and the parts guy would have a hard time screwing it up. Some of the base Matrix models came with NO variable intermittent speed switches.

I apologize for the grainy photos. There was low light and I used my camera phone. But it's VERY easy to do. It took me less than 10 minutes.

Has anyone tried using a stalk from another Toyota, like a Highlander or Forerunner, etc. that has the rear wiper feature? Pics I have seen, they seem to look to be the same part?

goyogi · 10-06-2007, 08:29 PM

Supposedly some years of the Rav4 will swap out. I'd stick with 2004-2006 years like our xBs if you are to try and swap it out. If you know any friends/family that has one try and swap it out and report back.

If you are looking at new, stick with the Pontiac. It's "american" so it's cheaper, though it's the same part.

If you are looking in junkyards or ebay I wouldn't spend more than $25.

kzhorse · 10-08-2007, 05:10 PM

I may be wrong but if you get it from a junk yard look in the rear near the wiper for a relay so the 2 speed works on the rear of the xB.

Scott

hawkinsjd11 · 10-08-2007, 05:12 PM

pffff, I don't need windshield wipers!!

xbdave · 11-13-2007, 10:03 PM

[quote=goyogi;220359]I got this idea from the echodrivers.com forum.

I replaced the wiper stalk/switch with one from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe which is basically a Toyota Matrix. The only difference is that this has VARIABLE intermittent speeds.

Now I have 2,4,6 and 8 second delays. It's much more useful. Every fuction works except the Vibe/Matrix has a two speed rear motor that this switch does not work with. So the low speed rear wiper position does not work. But the high speed rear wiper position works like normal. Apparently you need the motor from a Vibe/Matrix to get the two rear speeds to work. Not enough incentive for me to do that.

I got the switch from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. I chose the Vibe because ALL models came with Variable intermittent wipers and the parts guy would have a hard time screwing it up. Some of the base Matrix models came with NO variable intermittent speed switches.

I installed a Vibe switch as well. Real easy and works like a charm. Found the switch at Pam's Auto Recycling in Minnesota. www.pamsauto.com . Couldn't find anything in any boneyard around here. Just happened upon it one night doing a Google search.

PCH · 11-13-2007, 10:41 PM

Very useful! I hate hitting the switch every 10 sec when its misty.