Faulty wiper stalk - temperamental washers / intermittent

[Via]

I have a problem with my washers / intermittent wipers which comes and goes, typically as MOT is due in a few weeks it has suddenly got worse...

I am 99.9% sure it is due to the stalk, especially the intermittent switch as can get them working again if I fiddle with this at times.

Basically when it decides to play up I lose my washers totally and intermittent changes to single wipe position (confirmed with vagcom and in real world situations) when in intermittent they are just classified as off still, if I push stalk down and hold it then it shows as intermittent and instead of continuously wiping it does single wipe and then as it is in intermittent (e.g. if not raining just does not wipe again).

Unfortunately do not have codes to hand but from memory I get two, one a intermittent wiper fault and other is incorrect coding (linked to wipers).

I can at times get them working again by pushing stalk down and then pulling towards for washers, if the washers then work everything sorts itself out and stalk goes back to being normal.

I am guessing no other option but to replace stalks... Is there any difference in stalks? Noticed a few on eBay with last 2 letters different on part number (really dont fancy ripping steering wheel off just to get part number to then have to do it again when I get new ones).

I have cruise control, from the pictures of the stalks without it there seems to be a section for this to be added, is this the case? (e.g. if I bought a set without the cruise/control stalk could I just transplant mine?)

And finally... with the wheel coming off is there any precautions I need to take with airbag (apart from the obvious) so I don't get an airbag light on? (I have vagcom if this can reset it if needed).

[Trevor]

I think I would be tempted to have a trial run at removing the airbag and then getting the part number to avoid any ambiguity when ordering a replacement part.

The airbag is easy enough, just remember to disconnect the battery negative terminal and leave off for at least 30 minutes before removing any SRS electrical connections.

At least this way, when you get the new part it will be a doddle to fit