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

Post-work beer: Eel River California Blonde Ale