Wiper stalk switch problem - 2014 Insignia

[Spineytoo]

I think I may need to replace a wiper switch on a 2014 Insignia ecoflex. I can't find a relevant YouTube video - any links please?

How do I remove the plastic covers under the steering wheel?

The wiper switch has become intermittent - sometimes it works after a very long delay. Wash & wipe always works. one-wipe works. Rear works. Intermittent and normal speed sometimes start after a few minutes, fast wipe hardly ever works. Is this a switch problem or some computer/CANBUS problem?

[Spineytoo]

Insignia 2014 diesel eco. The wipers often will not start, except by demanding wash, when they always work. After driving for a while the wipers start working, either using the intermittent selection or either of normal or fast settings, but changing a setting can cause the wipers to stop again and they may then start again after a while. The problem exists on all 3 setting positions, except for the wash-pull. Evidently power does arrive at the stalk switch. Rear wiper works OK. It is puzzling how a bad connection could cause this. I have been testing them while stopped - engine off. Is it necessary to be moving? Is the Computer involved with wiper control? When they work, the speeds are as expected, so the motor seems OK

I succeeded in fixing the problem.
The wiper stalk switch is removed by squeezing the plastic strips top and bottom and pulling it out of the housing. Unfortunately the release for the connector is out of sight underneath the switch so a bit difficult. The release for this connector is on the inner side facing the control column. There are two screws holding one side of the switch together, but this gives access only to the sprung plunger that holds the switch in the three positions. Taking it apart is unnecessary unless re-greasing is wanted.
The other side of the switch can be removed by releasing the plastic lugs. This then allows the disconnection of a small connector and removal of the PEC after removing the screw. The main contact slider can then be removed, noting its orientation. In my case 2 of the contact prongs were corroded. The copper strips had pairs of marks where the slider stopped, which was worrying as it looked as though there might be holes.  After cleaning and re-assembly the switch works properly. There is another contact slider, presumably for the rear wiper.

I have more pictures of the repair, but they exceed the allowance.

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Spineytoo
Improvement

[Vauxhall Owners Club]

Thanks for the updated information and photos (I have increased your image upload capacity).
Very useful if anyone else encounters this issue. (pinned to top of Insignia section of the forums)

Glad it turned out to be a very cheap repair with no replacement parts needed

[Spineytoo]

I had difficulty finding out how to access the stalk switches. First release the steering wheel, lower it and pull it out telescopically. The wheel needs to be turned 90° left and right to get access to two screws. The top plastic cover can be prised off, starting by lifting the tabs covering the screws and levering upwards - see photo. (The top cover clips onto the bottom cover.) There is a third screw centrally underneath the lower cover. (6mm socket needed for all 3.) The separate cover over the ignition switch needs to be prised off and manoeuvred out. The stalk picture shows it half out with one locking-clip seen on top. The white connector on the PEC attaches the cable going up the stalk for the rear wiper control; remove it before unscrewing the PEC.

The stalk switches connect to the Body Control Module located behind  the glove box; I was relieved to find that it was not the problem! The 3 positions of the wiper switch, Intermittent, normal & fast are encoded with resistors on the PEC, they are decoded by the BCM which commands the wiper relays.

Sadly I had already ordered a replacement stalk from Ebay before finding the corrosion.  It may yet come in handy!