How To Change Ford 1973 Pickup Windshield Switch

There may come a time when you have to learn how to change your Ford 1973 Pickup windshield switch. A common fault on 1973 Ford Pickups is the windshield switch needs replacing. First, you need to remove the battery leads. Remove the steering wheel by prising off the center cap and using a socket wrench with a long extender bar. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the steering column cowling and locate the wires which run to the windshield wipers. You may need the Ford wiring diagrams for this.

Things you'll need to change the windshield switch:

• Pen and paper
• Flathead screwdriver
• Gloves

1. Be careful when you are locating the wiring because you don't want to not disrupt the springs and indicator switch return from popping out. Write down which order the switches and screws were removed for an easier job when you come to refit the parts. Remove the locking plate that holds the windshield wiper switch in. There are three small screws holding the switch in, remove them.
2. It might be necessary to remove the indicator switch, the emergency flasher knob and the indicator arm to allow you to fully remove the wiper switch. Carefully pull it out, noting which order the other switches were removed.
3. Once you remove the wiper switch, the ignition selector gear and anvil might drop out. Refit them and fit the new wiper switch. With everything exposed, take a slow and methodical approach to refitting them. Although you must remove the wiring plug from the main harness, once you have the old one out, fitting the new one should be easy.
4. When you have replaced all of the wiring, plugs and switches back to their respective places, reattach the battery leads. Turn on the ignition and test the new windshield wiper switch to make sure it works. While you are there, test the other parts of the ignition system and turn signal operations. If all is well, refit the wiring, steering column cowling and steering wheel.