Having dropped the
dash quite a few times over the years, wires shouldn't be supporting it as it's
not really going to "drop" but it'll actually come down and forward allowing you
to get your hand to the wiring at the back of the switch. There's so much
more holding the dash in place (such as the steering column) that unless
you really yank on it it's not going to disturb the other wiring.
Personally, I also like to drop the steering wheel out of the way so I'm
not reaching around and/or through the spokes.
I can't say I
disagree with the service manual but I'm sure it doesn't list more than one way
to do the job. I'm relatively small and have small hands and it was always
a PITA to change any of the switches behind the dash by going from the bottom
side.
As always, do what
you feel comfortable with. But I'd bet that one or two adventures of
groping for wires, unplugging things by accident, and skinning knuckles trying
to get the wiring harness off the back of the switch with the safety ears
intact, and you'll start looking for easier ways to do the same
job.
Dale
on reflection your dash will be hanging by all its wiring unless you disconnect and label each connection.
to just replace the wiper switch it seems like a lot of work .just checked in the service manual they say the gymnastics way.
