How To Remove Center Dash Panel (Windshield Washer Pump No Worky)

PabloCruise · 03-20-09, 01:41 PM

My windshield washer pump does not get power from the switch. When I pull power direct from battery it squirts like a champ.

I am writing about my 1974 Pig.

It looks like I need to pull the center panel on my dash to gain access to my switch for windsheild wipers/washer so I can check continuity at the switch.

I removed the six screws that hold the center panel on, and pulled the trim pad below the panel.

I have no radio in the hole.

It felt like there was a lot still holding the panel in place. I was running out of daylight, so I just put everything back together and bagged it until I could ask my Pig friends how to get that panel off/out?

Ming89FJ62 · 03-20-09, 02:01 PM

I'm having the same issue. Mine seems to be either a grounding issue or a bad switch. First of all like most Toyota circuits the washer is hot from the fuse all the way to the switch (horn circuit is simular). The switch when turned goes to ground to connect the circuit. You should have power to the 6-pin connector on the back of the switch.

You don't have to remove the dash plate just take the knob off the stem by backing the small screw off and unscrewing the knob from the stem. Then remove the threaded aluminum nut from front of the switch and push the entire switch back under the dash plate. Remove the vent plenum (2 bolts) and you should be able to access the switch from the bottom of the dash. If that doesn't work you can go after it by removing the dash cluster and reaching inside.

Let us know what you find out - mine has been driving me nuts for a few months.

cruiserbrett · 03-20-09, 02:34 PM

the center dash panel is a complete pain in the ass. there are numerous cable(choke and heater controls) attached, as well as the tabs that hold the wiring harness up, which since they are on the removable dash panel make removing it a complete pain. I have had to give in and remove the instrument panel to get the center panel out.

reach up there and feel if the single wire connector is on the tab that is by itself, towards the knob part of the switch.

PabloCruise · 03-20-09, 02:59 PM

Wow, sounds like a PITA - thanks guys...

Vitesse_6 · 03-20-09, 06:03 PM

My squirter only works if I twist it, But if the wipers are on it wont work, It has a sweet spot to boot.
Good luck

k9crazy · 03-20-09, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vitesse_6

My squirter only works if I twist it

Sorry, but does anyone else find any humor in that statement?

Vitesse_6 · 03-20-09, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k9crazy

Sorry, but does anyone else find any humor in that statement?

My work here is done

PabloCruise · 03-21-09, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k9crazy

Sorry, but does anyone else find any humor in that statement?

I am right there with you!

PabloCruise · 03-22-09, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ming89FJ62

I'm having the same issue. Mine seems to be either a grounding issue or a bad switch. First of all like most Toyota circuits the washer is hot from the fuse all the way to the switch (horn circuit is simular). The switch when turned goes to ground to connect the circuit. You should have power to the 6-pin connector on the back of the switch.

You don't have to remove the dash plate just take the knob off the stem by backing the small screw off and unscrewing the knob from the stem. Then remove the threaded aluminum nut from front of the switch and push the entire switch back under the dash plate. Remove the vent plenum (2 bolts) and you should be able to access the switch from the bottom of the dash. If that doesn't work you can go after it by removing the dash cluster and reaching inside.

Let us know what you find out - mine has been driving me nuts for a few months.

Crikey! What a PITA.

I pulled the vent plenum and that just allowed me to reach up in there and feel my switch.

I'll re-emphasize what Ming said - once you unscrew the set-screw, you have to unscrew the knob...

Like I say, all I could do was feel the switch once I got it free, there was not enough slck in the harness to drop it below the panel. I did not want to pull the connectors, b/c I was running out of daylight and thought I would never get it back in!

Regarding Brett's comment about the sngle connector towards the forward part of the switch, it was there.

I think I will check the wiring at the pump - one of them has to show ground!

Ming89FJ62 · 03-23-09, 11:00 AM

No. If you check for power at the connector at the pump one will show hot the other will show nothing - there's no ground since the contact at the switch is normally open and you have an open circuit. You only close the circuit when the switch is turned and the pump is plugged in.

The wire from the pump to the switch is hot only if the pump is connected.

PabloCruise · 03-23-09, 03:00 PM

Ah, that is what you were trying to tell me in your previous post...

PabloCruise · 06-04-09, 01:24 PM

Well I never fixed the squirter, but now I am back to wanting to pull the panel so I can install a hand throttle where the choke lives and a check engine light in the blank to the left of the rear window switch.

Does anyone have any images of what it takes to pull the center dash panel?

Vitesse_6 · 06-04-09, 01:56 PM

I dont have any pic's But its basically 6 screws on the face then you get to mess with all the wires and cables behind it.
I know thats not much help, But its a fairly easy job.
Good luck

k9crazy · 06-05-09, 07:29 AM

It is pretty easy, but watch out for the heater switch. In my pig it hangs a little low and catches on the bottom when you try to pull out the center portion. In fact, it was bent a bit and after bending it back, the heater switch works a lot better.

PabloCruise · 09-24-09, 02:34 PM

I have not fixed my squirter yet, but I did pick-up scouthead's extra center dash panel to help me with my squirter switch and check engine light project.

When I got it, I noticed the fan switch was integrated into the Fresh/Recirc selector! I had not seen this before on a Pig. It is a 2 position fan switch, while the seperate fan switch in my '74 is a 3 position switch? (I think?)

Scouthead thought it came out of a '73, so I thought I would see if anyone else could verify.

SOR website shows same panel for 9/'72 - 7/'80, and only two heater switchs: 1968 to 9/'73 and then 9/'73 to 7/'80. This panel, combined with these pictures indicates there was an additional scenario.

This might help future searchers looking for info on model year variations, dash switches, etc.

I posted pics of the panel I got from scouthead and pics from another thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pi...anel-dash.html

My '74 panel:

offkilter's '71

PS: this extra panel I picked up had a seperate ground strap added to the back, not sure if they were trying to fix windshield squirter as well?

Panel from scouthead:

RHINO · 09-25-09, 07:23 PM

mine isnt that bad,,,, i pull the pad and screws. pretty sure i do something with the choke, but then the panel pulls out about 5-6" with everything still attached. once there you unplug the electrical and unscrew the heater/fan control set, i think its 3 screws with one hiding underneath.

PabloCruise · 09-27-09, 06:20 PM

Thanks Rhino!

Has anyone seen this funky fan motor controller?

RHINO · 09-28-09, 09:23 AM

ive never seen it, that panel from scouthead is a new one to me.