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MG MGF Technical - Windscreen Water - Steering Switch

First problem on my 1998 MGF.

I cannot push the windscreen lever up on the steering to get water on the windscreen. Looks like the switch is broken.

Has anyone had this problem? Is this easy to fix?
Ayr United

Does operating the switch trigger the fast wipe cycle? If not then switch may be at fault, fiddly job to replace but not too daunting - acquiring a workshop manual CD is recommended.
Mike Hankin

Thanks Mike

Looked at the manual - it seems the airbag and steering wheel needs to come off - not sure if I should tackle this to have a look to see what is wrong - is this difficult?

The wipers still work fine but pushing the lever towards myself is loose so the windscreen water is not working.

Could it be a spring or something?



Ayr United

Not had the steering column apart for a while, so no intimate knowledge of the switch components. I'd be inclined to try a 12v feed to the washer pump contacts, just to verify that's working, and check the fuse - the manual will identify which one. Although, if you say the switch feels loose then that's still the prime suspect. I'd expect the switch assembly to be pressed together, so disassembly won't be very easy - might be better to source a new switch first.

The process of removing the wheel isn't usually troublesome, although the bolt holding the wheel on is pretty tight. Make very sure the SRS system is full de-activated though, otherwise you might end up with a horn pad where your nose used to be ;-)
Mike Hankin

The switch is screwed together, but notice, some coil springs jump away easily if you aren't very careful.

Not an easy job, but worth to undoing the parts to investigate whether it is really broken or only the inner ball ratchet has disengaged.
May be with help of a friend with better car-DIY skills.

I have two docs online with some images, but no instructions for easy DIY.
http://www.mgfcar.de/steeringwheel/index.htm
and
http://www.mgfcar.de/srs_system/index.htm
Not the switch itself but parts infected on the way to the switch.
Immidiate recommendation(s):
- Disconnect the battery before you start.
- Apply a strip of sticky tape over the rotary coupler to prevent it from any turn when removed.
Dieter

Thanks for the links which I have bookmarked.

Not sure what you mean with the sticky tape but this might be obvious when I see it.

I am going to buy the 30-t and 19" tools in the next few weeks and give it a go.
Ayr United

Apology. :)
*Single side adhesive tape* was meaned.
Secure the rotating top cover to the outer ring with tape.

Hope this makes sense now.

Regards
Dieter

Dieter

This thread was discussed between 18/06/2005 and 21/06/2005

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.