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The OEM front wiper switch on the Scion xB2 has the standard Low and High speed settings, plus a fixed-speed intermittent setting. A popular upgrade documented in Toyota Yaris and Scion xB and xD owners forums is to swap out the standard OEM wiper switch for one with a variable-speed intermittent control for the front wipers. The upgrade is a simple part swap and can be done in less than 15 minutes. Such controls can be found on late-model Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4, and late-model Pontiac Vibe.
(This mod took place on October 26 2011.)
The first step is to remove the steering column cover. Unlike the Toyota Yaris, the Scion xB2 does not use screws to secure the cover, instead the upper and lower halves simply clip together.
As others have mentioned, the wiper switch slides in and is held in place with a clip. To remove it, first unplug the two electrical connectors at the bottom of the switch. Then, push the clip with a flat screwdriver and pull the switch out.
(pic below by zinger at newscionxb.com)
Here's a comparison of the OEM Scion switch (top) and a switch from a 2010 Toyota Prius (bottom). I got the Prius wiper switch from eBay for $65 shipped (new switches are about $130). The unfortunate donor Prius had only 1396 miles on it, so the switch is in excellent shape. Note the variable-speed intermittent front wiper control.
The Prius wiper switch also has a fixed-interval intermittent setting for the rear wiper, but the Prius has an additional relay plus additional wiring.
The Toyota Prius part (shown above, at the bottom of the picture) is 84652-48180 and uses graphics. An alternative found on slightly older cars is 84652-48060 which uses text (MIST, OFF INT, LO, HI, PULL, REAR).
Here's a comparison of the two switches. Note the Prius switch (bottom) has additional electrical contacts.
The 4 pins on the right of the Prius wiper switch are for the rear wiper, and only the High speed setting ( - ) works on the xB2. The smallest pin is for the Low speed setting (- - -). Later on, I got the Low speed setting to work by adding a rear wiper delay module.
The new switch simply plugs in, and the electrical plugs are connected.
Here's the Prius wiper switch installed and the steering column covers reinstalled.
When the rains come in the winter, I'll be ready!
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You can send your questions or comments to BrickPig2011xb@gmail.com
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