2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

Intermittent Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-15-11, 02:31 AM
  #1  
.
Thread Starter
 
zecc81's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Intermittent Intermittent Windshield Wipers

No it's not a typo, it's an electrical issue!

The wipers work fine if on LO, HI, or the one-push down one wipe function (mist?).

Usually in Oregon it just drizzles all day so I use the intermittent setting. Most of the time they work fine, but randomly the wipers will stop at a 45 degree angle. When that happens, they either continue to work when the next time-interval is up, or just stop there until I turn the dial to LO to get them going again (also random which one happens).

I've searched the forum and see a lot of stuff about relays but the symptoms don't seem to match up.

Also maybe be related, maybe not, the motors are really loud. No, like REALLY loud. I was shocked when I first heard them, doesn't seem to affect their ability to wipe though.

Last edited by zecc81; 04-15-11 at 02:34 AM.
Old 04-15-11, 04:01 AM
  #2  
Right near Malloy

iTrader: (28)
 
Pele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Behind a workbench, repairing FC Electronics.
Posts: 7,842
Received 512 Likes on 347 Posts
It may be the wiper switch relays getting ready to fail.
Some of the bad ones I see will begin working again with a quick bump.


But the noise from the motor bothers me and it may also be the switch inside the wiper gearbox.

The intermittent wipers rely on the auto-park feature. Part of this feature is a switch in the gearbox that closes when the wipers are above the bottom of the glass. It closes and completes a circuit with the auto-park relay inside the wiper switch. This circuit is what makes the wipers complete their cycle to end up at the bottom of the glass.


Next time the wipers stop in mid cycle. Use the back end of a screwdriver to thump the wiper motor and the wiper switch... You know how the doctor tests the reflexes in your knee with the little rubber hammer. Do that.
Old 04-15-11, 08:22 AM
  #3  
Rotisserie Engine

iTrader: (8)
 
driftxsequence's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 1,833
Received 48 Likes on 38 Posts
I have this same issue. I tried searching and it wasnt anything like this. I found that if I get out and move the wiper blade a little bit it will keep going. It's almost like the motor doesnt have enough torque to spin the mechanisms. For this reason, I bought an extra wiper motor but have yet to install it.

I'll be watching this thread to see what others say - and I'll update once I get my wiper motor on.
Old 04-15-11, 10:42 AM
  #4  
Right near Malloy

iTrader: (28)
 
Pele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Behind a workbench, repairing FC Electronics.
Posts: 7,842
Received 512 Likes on 347 Posts
Originally Posted by driftxsequence
I have this same issue. I tried searching and it wasnt anything like this. I found that if I get out and move the wiper blade a little bit it will keep going. It's almost like the motor doesnt have enough torque to spin the mechanisms. For this reason, I bought an extra wiper motor but have yet to install it.

I'll be watching this thread to see what others say - and I'll update once I get my wiper motor on.
Remove your motor and see if it runs on its own. Most of the time the mechanism under the cowl rusts up.
Old 04-17-11, 02:48 PM
  #5  
.
Thread Starter
 
zecc81's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Should I consider new motors or is it more likely a different electrical issue somewhere else? I haven't had a chance to tap the motors yet because they haven't been acting up recently (always the case, huh?).
Old 04-17-11, 07:12 PM
  #6  
Retired Moderator, RIP

iTrader: (142)
 
misterstyx69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
Posts: 25,581
Likes: 0
Received 131 Likes on 114 Posts
I just changed the switch on mine as it had NO intermittent.
After 4 years of ownership,it gave up and I had to switch the damn thing down by bumping it!
But,after the change I finally got the wipers to go Intermittent.The speed is slow(for my liking) so I am gonna change the motor too!
Old 04-17-11, 07:25 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
TforTots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My wipers are super slow and my good friend has told me it's due to the switch. I think someone used to R/R them (I have a repaired unit but haven't put it in). Anyone know if this is still the case?
Old 04-17-11, 07:43 PM
  #8  
Right near Malloy

iTrader: (28)
 
Pele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Behind a workbench, repairing FC Electronics.
Posts: 7,842
Received 512 Likes on 347 Posts
Originally Posted by TforTits
My wipers are super slow and my good friend has told me it's due to the switch. I think someone used to R/R them (I have a repaired unit but haven't put it in). Anyone know if this is still the case?
It's not due to the switch. Slow wipers are due to a motor going bad or mechanical binding in the wiper rack.
Old 04-17-11, 08:40 PM
  #9  
Rotisserie Engine

iTrader: (8)
 
driftxsequence's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 1,833
Received 48 Likes on 38 Posts
Originally Posted by Pele
Remove your motor and see if it runs on its own. Most of the time the mechanism under the cowl rusts up.
Thanks! I'll check it out tomorrow.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
WANKfactor
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
6
09-29-15 01:14 PM



Quick Reply: Intermittent Intermittent Windshield Wipers



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:56 AM.