Sunday, September 30, 2012

Heater core repair, day 8

Work log

  • Drilled out two new holes in the steering wheel aluminum using a rechargeable DeWalt drill
  • THIS TOOK SEVERAL HOURS x_x
  • Had to wait one or two times for rechargeable batteries to recharge
  • In retrospect, seems easier to drill out and re-tap puller holes...but did not have parts available to do so
  • Put in the hook puller bolts
  • Successfully pulled the steering wheel...this took a lot of oomph...finally popped off! : o )
  • Paused to celebrate moment of triumph
  • Taped the clock spring
  • Removed the clock spring and let it hang
  • Tested the resistance between connector C269 and the main light switch
  • Did not really find anything conclusive
  • Cut existing wire #7 between connector and close to main light switch
  • Spliced-in new wire from C269 pin #7 to the main light switch red wire to bypass the existing wire
  • Headlamps do not come on when battery cable re-attached : o P
  • Not sure how to interpret this result
  • Replaced everything but the air bag
  • Washed car exterior
  • Shook out car mats
  • Replaced air filter
  • Pulled the fuse for the headlamps under the car hood...that seems like a reasonable fix until I can identify whether the multi-function switch represents the problem
  • As a side note, the radio display seems OK, now
Next steps
  • Pick-n-Pull sells part "Switch Headlight/Wiper" for $13
  • They also seem to sell part "Steering Wheel" for $16
  • Figure out what steering wheels work on our car
  • Miscellaneous Parts needed:
    • A few non-stripped dash bolts
    • Rear center console
  • Pull the part(s) after work someday in the near future
  • Tools needed:
    • Steering wheel puller
    • Socket set (side bolts x 2)
    • 15mm wrench (steering wheel bolt x 1)
    • Box cutter (cut zip ties)
    • Phillips-head screwdriver (remove clock-spring, upper & lower shroud)
  • Bring in car to mechanic and ask for coolant flush before re-attaching hoses to heater core
  • Ask for advice on the headlamp wiring 
  • Ask where the unattached vacuum hose goes
  • Zip-tie the speedometer cable to the battery cage

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