Wiper repair hints

[Tom, F&L GoR]

I previously had a no-wiper problem, thought it was the wiper control module, replaced it, but turned out to be the driver's wiper motor. After replacing it, I had functioning wipers in LO and HI but not intermittent. I didn't look too hard to fix it until the wipers stopped altogether. Fearing the switch or control module was the problem I looked hard at the wiring and followed all the continuity checks as described in the manual. It is a RPITA because both ends are under the dash. Wait until the car is cool so you don't have to lay over the side sills. Unfortunately the continuity checks did not fix it.

Finally I realized if the "wire" and "switch" was good, the "connections" must not be. Turned out one of my problems was that a connection (for the delay potentiometer) under the dash was not making contact inside the connector itself. Fixed this.

One thing that slowed me down was that a diagram in the '94 service manual is incorrect. The text in the wiper switch test section 8K-6 labels the two leads for the delay potentiometer backwards from the wiring diagram on page 8W-61. Further to that (and my mistake, I guess) was that I assumed one continuity check of the potentiometer should show 0-500K ohms, then the other leg should show 500K-0 ohms. They both show 500K-0 ohms after all. Use the wiring diagram image to keep things straight.

Finally, the text says to check Fuse 18, which powers the wiper control module (and windshield washer motor). In the wiring diagram, but not pointed out in the text, is that the wiper motors themselves are powered by Fuse 15. Fuse 15 turned out to be blown, so I am good to go in the rain again.

One of those things I didn't want to be an expert in.

BTW, my original driver's side wiper motor failed due to the magnet in electric motor cracking and acting like a brake. If anyone wants to donate a non-functioning wiper, I'll pay shipping and try to salvage one good one out of two dead ones.

[GTS Dean]

Tom,

The Service Manuals are notoriously bad about errors. My experience is that you almost need to buy a manual for the next model year later than your car and you might be OK.

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Originally Posted by Tom, F&L GoR

One of those things I didn't want to be an expert in.

Too late. You're gradually becoming our resident Viper expert in all things Viper.