windshield wiper doesn't work on intermittent mode and barely move on slow mode, and very slow on fast mode. i swapped over another used motor unit and it's the same. is it wiring or a bad relay some where? the intermittent mode worked once or twice before.

 

It's probably the switch itself, the wiper stalk. I think someone recently documented how to take it apart and clean the contacts.

I will also say the wipers on the FD aren't fantastic and aren't getting better with age.

Dale

 

this thread? i guess i'll give it a shot.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...guide-1154063/

 

I remember something about lubricating the linkages. I know mine was VERY sad but it did move. I found it worked better when you spray a little water on the windshield for lube.
googled it and of course the hero Daleclark came up. https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...101-a-1076965/
This freed up mine the most if it's still sad after that.

 

Thanks for that link. I removed the linkage to service them. The driver side shaft was binding up a little but I could still turn it with my hand. The passenger side shaft was seized pretty bad. I can only turn it a little before it gets pretty hard. I decided not to remove the pivot ball because I didn't want to risk breaking the white plastic cap. They weren't binding up anyways. I just squirted some oil in there.

mark the wiper motor and output arm so they are aligned when putting back.



Removing the linkage


Remove the tiny C clip to disassemble the wiper shaft.


The driver side shaft has bronze bushing, so it was moving freely. Just clean and add new grease.


The passenger side shaft has nylon bushing and only had O rings on one side. So I think moisture got in there and got all rusted. Not sure why they didn't use bronze bushing and O ring on both side like the other one. Cleaned off all the rust and added new grease. Everything move freely now.




After putting everything back together, the wiper is moving much faster. Still not as fast as modern cars but usable. The intermittent switch is still not working. So I'll have to dig more into that.

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That's awesome!

It can also help to have a good coat of Rain-X on the window. Not just for helping the rain not stick but it lubricates the glass so the wiper blades can move more easily.

I also recommend PIAA wiper blades, Amazon has them. Japan-made and they last for DAMN EVER, I had a set on my Prius daily for probably 8 years and they kept going.

Dale

 

Glad to see you are making progress. For the intermittent switch pull the lower panel off below the steering column to get at the combo switch plug and do the checks specified in D1-13 in the FSM to confirm the issue is in the switch. If it is the switch you can remove it and disassemble to see if it a simple loose contact.

 

i already had rainx on the windshield, which did allow the wiper to move. without the rainx, the wiper barely move at all unless the glass was wet. i'll check out the PIAA wipers, thanks for the recommendation.

 

Great write up, thanks!

 

my 93 had a different small problem. The wipers worked fine, but when the selector was put to intermittent, the wipers run at the slow speed.
The intermittent used to work, but no longer works.
Since the Seattle area is the drizzle capital of the world, it is a bit of a nuisance.
Are the any ideas on what the problem might be?
And is the cure a remove and replace, or is there a repair?

thanks

 

I'd probably start with the wiper switch but I don't know what all can be done there.

Dale

 

same, my intermittent doesnt work, and its annoying when it's misting. i think it might be the control module

 

I have same issue, I want to replace the relay in the multi-function switch, has anyone figure out the manf. and part number?