Is there a wiper switch rebuild/resolder guide floating around out there? I don't want to have to buy a whole new switch. :P

-ZenFox

 

Solder joints rarely go out in the wiper cluster switches...
It's usually bad contact on the crappy relays.&nbsp Most of the write-ups are for replacing the relays.&nbsp You can pop open the stock relays and "clean" the contact, but this is not a permanent fix.

Click my FC3S Pro link in my sig and go to...
Tech Sections -> How To's -> Wiper rebuilt



-Ted

 

I agree with ted, its almost never cold solder joints and almost always the relay contacts or the relay itself has melted.

 

Here's some more info:

Diagnosing and Correcting RX-7 Windshield Wiper Problems

 

Seems like I'm always disagreeing... but hey.
The wiper fix CAN be virtually permenant (years) if done properly.

The crappy relays used in the switch are overburdened. They should be bigger, or less current through them. Anwyays, carbon builds up on the relay contact points, due to arcing when the contacts open or close.
You just clean the contacts up (need to pop the tops off the relays- pretty easy if you read the how to's on the above sites)
BUT- if you don't apply dielectric grease (which probably wasn't done at the freakin factory either) it will happen again soon.
Just apply a dab of dielectric grease to the contact point (but don't submerse it) and it will prevent arcing and carbon build up for a long time!
Good luck!

 

When you say 'clean the relay contacts' you mean physically busting open the plastic on all three relays and removing the carbon? I just want to make sure I read you right before I go tinkering. And thank you all for the information..

-ZenFox

 

You could do it yourself if you have a soldering iron and experience. But if not, Joe Romeo at www.fc3s.org will do it for ya for $50. I'm getting my done by him. He's done tons of them.

Jay Kim

 

Yes. Just use some very fine sandpaper and sand just the carbon off.
I just replaced my 2 relay's, cost me $15 when I ordered a bunch (friends as well)
Sean

 

Yep, that's basically it.&nbsp Except the proper way to do it get your hands on a really thin and super fine "file" - there are products that are designed to do this just for this purpose.&nbsp If you're going to use sandpaper, I'd recommend something finer than 1000-grit.

Keep in mind, these contacts are TINY - we're talking about 1mm in diameter!


-Ted

 

Are these the three relays on the circuit board in the dash where the wiper switch is??

 

yes, check the write-up, there are detailed pics...

For all you lazy people...
http://fc3s-pro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html




-Ted

 

For $10 for the new relay including shipping, why would you go through cleaning them? Its a 100% more work to just clean the old factory relay.

The factory relays were not designed for american miles and use. If you use something like the Digikey Z950-ND relay, you get a heavy duty moisture/water resistant relay that will hold up to typical american miles on a car.

Plus half the factory relays I have seen when replacing them have the case that has been melted, indicating an overheating problem. This doesn't happen with the Digikey replacement.