wiper switch 95 Golf III

[mtanner]

I have a 95 Golf III and my wiper switch keeps blowing fuses. Some times when I put a new fuse in I smell electrical burning. How can I safely fix the switch, I need help with the air bag disarming. I can buy a new switch and I think I can get into were the switch is.

[kesga]

It's the switch shorting internally,

You'll need a 5 or 6mm hex bit to remove the screws holding the airbag behind the steering wheel, once that is loose you can unplug the airbag (you should disconnect the neg battery cable first). Next yo unscrew 3 screws holding the spiral spring to the steering wheel. Next you will remove the nut holding the steering wheel on, make sure you mark the steering wheel position, I believe it is 24mm or 15/16" socket. remove the spiral spring next and the steering column trim. now you can get at the switch. It's not too bad a job.

I've removed the airbag multiple times without disconnecting the battery, but to be safe you should disconnect it.

[mtanner]

Thanks for the quick response. The wiper switch is located in a plastic box behind the steering wheel. I think I can get at it without taking off the steering wheel. If I can't then it sound like I will have to go through all the airbag disarming proceedure. Do you know if I can just take apart that box and replace the switch that way and if I do are there any airbag components that I have to worry abourt? Mtanner

[kesga]

Yeah, you have to take off the steering wheel, just disconnect the battery before you unplug the airbag, that should be all the disarming you have to do.

[mtanner]

Thanks the help is much appreciated. MTanner

[Rhino666]

If you have been smelling burning I would say your best bet is to replace the entire stalk/switch mechanism with one from a scrapyard. These don't go wrong that often so probably only cost £10 - 20.

Burning smells generally mean an electrical short and conversion of electrical energy to damaging heat which will have damaged fragile wiring and switches.