All finished.. I ended up replacing both the turn signal switch and the wiper switch. You can get both parts from Autozone or similar, but will most likely have to wait a few days... I was glad I bought both so that I didn't get stuck this weekend needing a part in order to finish before Monday. If you are in a situation similar to mine where the car HAS to go back together in a timely manner, order both parts and return what you don't use.
I used this write-up:
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =55&t=6944
It was very helpful, but for 96+ some things are different, and some things are also different if the column is on the car.
My other and primary source of information was my 96 FSM. If you have never done anything like this before, I personally would not do it without the FSM, I was sure glad I had mine. Overall it wasn't too bad of a job. If you have taken apart a lot of things on a car before, this isn't bad. If you are mostly an oil change and spark plugs kind of guy, you might end up hating yourself.
Having done this, I can say there are definitely easier ways to fix broken turn signals: Replace the whole column (I couldn't get one), or take apart a column at the junkyard, get to the turn signal switch, and grab the springs you need and replace them. Makes this a simpler job.
If you are doing this with a 96, don't try to pry the airbag out like the write-up says, there are two torx bolts behind the steering wheel holding it in. Make sure you mark the alignment of the airbag coil pack to the column and the inner ring. Mark the alignment of the steering wheel to the column as wheel. Torque the steering wheel nut to 30 ft-lbs so you don't crack the coil when you reassemble. Many mentioned only needing a steering wheel puller, but you also need a lock plate compressor. Expect the ring holding the lock plate to suck, save up your patience reserves for this, and perhaps for routing the new wires down the column.
That's about all the comments I have after the job, hope this helps others. The only thing I will add here is the SIR disable procedure from my 96 FSM, as it is not included in the techinfo write-up since the column is off the car.
Disabling the SIR system
- Turn the steering wheel so the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
- Turn the ignition switch to "LOCK" and remove key.
1. Remove airbag fuse 1C from I/P fuse block.
2. Sound insulator- LH
3. CPA and yellow 2-way SIR harness connector located near the base of the steering column (is yellow and has warning tags on it)
4. Sound insulator, RH
5. CPA and yellow 2-way connector from passenger inflator module pigtail.
I also disconnected the battery after doing all this even though the manual didn't say to, because messing with airbags makes me squirm.
