This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield wiper switch on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield wiper switch × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical connector grease × 1 — Dielectric grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable using appropriate wrench
3. Allow 5 minutes for any residual electrical charge to dissipate
4. Position yourself comfortably under the dashboard with adequate lighting

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the wiper switch
   From underneath the dashboard, identify the wiper switch assembly mounted in the center area of the instrument panel. The switch is a rotary-style knob accessible from the driver's position with electrical connections on the back.
2. 2

   Remove the wiper switch knob
   Pull the wiper switch knob straight off the shaft. On some units, you may need to depress a small release button on the switch body while pulling the knob. If stuck, gently work the knob side-to-side while applying outward pressure.
3. 3

   Remove the switch bezel nut
   From the front of the dashboard, unthread the chrome bezel nut that secures the switch to the instrument panel. This nut threads onto the switch body and can typically be removed by hand or with light pressure from needle-nose pliers if tight. Note the orientation for reassembly.
4. 4

   Access the switch from behind
   Return to the underside of the dashboard. Gently pull the switch body rearward through the dashboard opening approximately 2-3 inches to access the electrical connectors. Do not pull forcefully on the wires themselves.
5. 5

   Document wire connections
   Before disconnecting any wires, note the position and color of each wire terminal on the switch. The 1966 Corvette wiper switch may have multiple wire terminals; verify the exact count against the factory wiring diagram for your specific switch configuration. Use a piece of masking tape to label each wire if necessary, or take a photograph for reference.
6. 6

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Disconnect the wiper switch electrical connectors. The connectors are push-on spade terminals. Grasp each terminal connector firmly and pull straight off the switch blade. If corroded, gently work the connector side-to-side while pulling. Do not pull on the wire itself.
7. 7

   Remove the old switch
   With all electrical connections disconnected, pull the switch body completely through the dashboard opening from behind. Inspect the removed switch for signs of burning, corrosion, or mechanical damage.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean connections
   Examine all wire terminals for corrosion, heat damage, or loose crimps. Clean terminals with a wire brush or electrical contact cleaner if needed. Verify that all terminals have good spring tension and are not spread or deformed.
9. 9

   Prepare the new switch
   Remove the new wiper switch from packaging. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to each terminal blade on the new switch to prevent corrosion and ensure good electrical contact.
10. 10

    Install the new switch body
    From underneath the dashboard, insert the new switch body through the instrument panel opening from behind. Push the threaded portion through until approximately 1/2 inch protrudes through the front of the dashboard.
11. 11

    Connect electrical terminals
    Reconnect each wire terminal to the correct blade on the new switch according to your documentation from step 5. Push each connector firmly onto the switch blade until it seats completely. Gently tug each wire to verify secure connection.
12. 12

    Secure the switch to dashboard
    From the front of the dashboard, thread the chrome bezel nut onto the switch body. Tighten the nut hand-tight, then snug an additional 1/4 turn with pliers if needed. Do not overtighten as this can crack the plastic switch body or dashboard.
13. 13

    Install the switch knob
    Align the switch knob with the switch shaft, ensuring any flat or keyed surface on the shaft matches the knob interior. Push the knob firmly onto the shaft until it seats completely against the bezel nut.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable
2. Verify the wiper switch knob rotates smoothly through all positions without binding

Verification

• Turn ignition key to accessory position
• Test wiper switch in all positions: OFF, LOW, HIGH (if equipped with two-speed)
• Verify wipers operate smoothly at each speed setting without hesitation
• Test intermittent function if applicable to your switch configuration
• Turn ignition off and verify wipers stop completely
• Check that wiper switch knob returns to OFF position and remains secure

More procedures for this vehicle