95-97 Windshield Wiper Problems

Yeah I’m going to need a case by the time I get this damn pin out of the box

 

You need a depinning kit...

$10 Terminal Pin Removal Tool Kit 82 Pcs Depinning Electrical Connector Pin Extractor Tool Set Wire Terminal Release for Automotive Car Household Devices

Amazon.com: Terminal Pin Removal Tool Kit 82 Pcs Depinning Tool Electrical Connector Pin Extractor Tool Set Wire Terminal Release Tool for Automotive Car Household Devices : Automotive

 

Yeah this is definitely something you shouldn't touch without the proper tools.
I went to mock up a temporary connection until I get the tools to fix it right, and something isn't right.

All my screwing around with it broke some things, as I've got a short somewhere either in the connection box or in the wiper switch and a wire disconnected from the wiper switch pcb. Not sure which came first, but one caused the other I'm sure.

I think what I'll end up doing is just ordering a whole multi switch hub replacement, 84310-04080, thankfully there's a couple options on eBay cheaper than the $400 from Toyota. At least that way everything I've touched so far will be replaced.

Found this thread when I was struggling with it yesterday, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/please-help-connector-housing-for-wiper-switch.809842/.
Looks like we made the exact same mistake trying to do this without the proper tools. His first image is eerily identical to mine, interesting that the same wire came apart for both of us.

 

Take your time
And please keep everyone updated!

 

Working on the truck tonight went much better than expected. Facing a $200-400 replacement convinced me to dig a bit deeper into the problems I caused last night.

First, I found it IS possible to remove the wiper switch on a 95.5 without removing the steering wheel. The wiper switch is attached using two screws to what I will call the "switch hub" this switch hub (part number 84310-04080 or 84310-04060) is then attached using 4 screws to a metal frame. I found you can remove the two screws attaching the switch to the hub (requires a short screwdriver as a long one will hit the dash trim around your ignition), and then loosen the 4 screws attaching the hub to the metal frame. To access these screws you have to turn the wheel to a specific angle for each one. This allows ~ 0.5" of movement of the hub between your steering wheel and mount frame, which is barely enough to wiggle the wiper switch out at one specific angle.
I didn't try, but it might be possible to use this method to remove the headlight stalk as well, but it will face the same pin issues below.

Now, the switch is still connected using pins to the to the connection box. If you do this to replace your switch, you will have to depin and repin it in the cab unless you want to remove ALL the pins from the connection box, including the turn signal head lights etc which all connect into that box (If you just remove the wheel you could take the whole connection box out easily and do this work at a desk).
However, this did give me enough room (with the switch still wired into the connection box) to remove the pcb cover on the back of wiper switch and see where my wire disconnected. The wires are plugged into vias in the pcb and soldered on the back, and I definitely pulled the cable out and broke the solder when I was wrestling with it yesterday. So if anyone is ever messing with the switch and connection box BE CAREFUL it is very easy to pull a cable out of the wiper switch.
I was able to solder my wire back on, and then made a temporary connection at the connection box until I get the tools to remove the pin and make the connection properly.

So, now I have everything back together and working properly for the first time since I got my truck almost a decade ago.
This checks off the last item on what was, just a few weeks ago, a long list of little things that haven't worked on my truck for years, and it feels amazing.

I really appreciate the advice and moral support through the worst of it @ControlCar

 

How Bout That!!!!!

Must be said…..your initial investigation/sales add pix really helped me delving out advice!
Glad I could help

Job Well Done.

 

I’ll be using this thread to help guide my efforts to swap out my inop intermittent wiper switch.

Thanks.

Mike