Wiper Motor & Switch Troubleshooting

[@Chummy690650]

I used your excellent videos to troubleshoot a wiper problem. The switch was fine. I took out the wiper assembly and assumed the wiper motor was gone which the video suggests. However, when I took the motor off of the assembly I discovered the linkage was rusted solid and wouldn't move and that was the problem. Thought I should mention that as one other cause for wiper problems.

[@cameronthomas9543]

Brother i really watched this video about 10 times as i have no front wipers on a nissan pulsar n14 hatch back .. i had already replaced the wiper motor and replaced the wiper stalk but still no action , i followed your steps with the multimeter and all was good , my next step was remove the wiper motor again .... It turns out there is a difference in a nissan pulsar hatch front wiper motor and a nissan pulsar 4 door front wiper motor .. found the exact model replaced it again and away it went ..... your video was really clear and easy to follow ..... thanks heaps

[@mattbiggins7194]

Richpin06a you are the go to guy for all things with auto repair, I find your videos are easy and no none sense, you make many of our lives easier, thank you and keep doing your awesome work.

[@RichpinTv]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@RichpinTv]

I just checked and there is a 15A Horn Relay Fuse in the underhood junction block(top)I appreciate those clicks so much.

[@roysacavage8344]

I have a '98 Saturn SC2 with over 256,000 miles on her (original owner). My wipers seem to have a mind of their own. When I push the switch arm down, for the wipers to swipe once, sometimes they do, in fact, swipe once but there are times (numerous lately) when they will wipe multiple times before stopping and sometimes they just don't stop. The "high" position seems to work just fine. The low and intermittent settings vary in their "timing" of the wiper movement which is to say they're not working exactly as they have been over the years. I disconnected the elec connection to the motor (as per your video which is great BTW) and proceeded to do some meter readings. The readings on my purple and brown wire are fluctuating wildly vs what you show in the video. At one point the reading on one of those wires leveled out to a specific reading but starting fluctuating again when I barely touched the wiper switch arm. Based on that, I'm thinking the switch is toast. Am I barking up the right tree or did I miss something? Thanks in advance.

[@RichpinTv]

+Roy Sacavage Your troubleshooting sounds like there might possible be a problem in the switch area.

[@kmweek]

Roy Sacavage , I have the same problem with my Jetta wipers. The dealer charged me $300 bucks to change the wiper controls arm at the steering wheel, after leaving the dealership the same symptoms were still there especially in the cold mornings. I think it's the capacitor inside the motor that is failing and won't shut off the wipers when it's supposed to. Not many videos online for such troubleshooting. Rich pin did help me hear in understanding that there is an internal capacitor regulating the voltage to control the motors intermittent and speeds. There is a starting point. Cheers

[@WildmanTech]

Schematic diagrams for these things are in short supply. I want to repurpose one of these motors and your troubleshooting has given me everything I need to do so. Thanks! Subbed!

[@RichpinTv]

@goatinapastlife It is not a switch problem because the voltage does not go through the switch.Look for the problem at or around the wiper fuse in the interior fuse panel.

[@regmiles]

I just want to share my thanks to you for your excellent diagnostic video! Following the steps that you shared in this instructional video, I was able to successfully diagnose that the issue with my wipers not working correctly was to be found in the motor assembly, not the switch. When I got in there and checked, I found the bolts holding the motor to the mount were loose (not a good sign). I located another motor assembly at a local junk yard and tested it before I mounted it. Problem solved! Many thanks for your kind assistance!

[@RichpinTv]

12 volts is correct for the yellow wire as it comes direct from the 25A wiper fuse.Were you blowing the fuse before you replaced the switch.

[@BIngeilski]

Thanks man for your time and effort! I will be trying what I saw here tomorrow with my wipers.

[@RichpinTv]

The metal inside the car is a lot cleaner for better contact is why i ran the wire there.I ran my wire to the brace in front of the fuse panel.

[@RichpinTv]

@lebowski0308 Yes when the wipers do not want to park themselves it is usually the motor.

[@RichpinTv]

Thank you for letting everyone know to double check the transmission (linkage) as a possible problem.

[@graysonalan44]

instablaster.

[@jonbarker3497]

My bad Richpin06, I never finished the video. I just did your diagnostics completely and found thatthe answer lies in finish the whole educational video. Awesome stuff once again. Moter is shot

[@RichpinTv]

I am glad you found the problem.

[@jonbarker3497]

@@RichpinTv in theory I did. I just pulled the assembly from the bone yard today in Sarasota, Fl. Hotter than a Mo-Fo. Got a steering wheel with the Multi-Switch since it looked brand new and fot WTF purposes . BTW, i lost my old email address when I first started using your vids back in 2009. You and Old Nuc from Saturn forums walked me through the timing chain and cylinder head install back 2012ish. I went by Mr. Raider I believe .

[@sat_sonic]

thanks for the great video. I have a Mercedes ML430 with wiper problem where it only works in the fast position. Before I start throwing parts at it; your video is very insightful in how to test the switch vs. motor problem (or fuse or relay for that matter). Going to be a pain to get to the harness...but I think it's better than trying to get the steering wheel off to try and get directly to the switch contacts (which probably isn't possible anyways). let me know if you have thoughts about my problem.

[@RichpinTv]

@dext3r315 I would start by checking the switch at the connector just like in this video to see if it is working properly.

[@doctorbillzable]

Thanks Rich! My wipers came on for the first time in over a year last week, what would make them not run when activated? They haven’t come on since. I did order a new switch but haven’t installed it yet. Thanks again.

[@Buddyhall04]

Good video, well explained, Thanks. I have a 2000 f150, wiper motor doesn't work. I can unplug, run hot wire from battery to motor, the motor will work. I'll try this.

[@williamstevenson9211]

You should prove that your test meter is working firstly on a known source before testing anything else

[@votingcitizen]

good video, but I think you should use the ground in the motor connector, rather than running the ground from a different point. If the ground is open at the connector, then you will still have voltage on the yellow and see the switch functions working but the motor will not run.

[@RichpinTv]

There are differences between the 96-99 and 00-02.I have a video on the 00-02 Instrument Cluster Removal were i am seen removing the dash pad.

[@ianmccarthy1323]

Thanks for the resistance readings. Really helped get my brothers car fixed today:)

[@darrenbutterworth807]

Really useful and clear explanation. Thanks for taking the time to share it.

[@autoshackghana]

Excellent video. I would check the fuse first though.

[@RichpinTv]

I took a 1/16 welding rod (coat hanger would do) and pounded it flat on the vice.

[@RichpinTv]

It sounds like the motor could be bad.I have replaced those switches before and never had the air bag light on afterwards.Maybe a wire got pinched.

[@dkonfadim]

So where in the f*** did you locate that so I can do what you're doing? I'm glad everybody is here that just knows exactly what to do already.....

[@RichpinTv]

It could be the switch or motor doing this test in this video will tell you which one it is.

[@RichpinTv]

To remove the wiper motor you have to remove the dash pad to get to two bolts.I have a video showing how i did it.

[@SaturnMan2012]

Good video Rich !!! I`m having a problem with the wipers and right turn signal on 2004 3.4L Impala. I`m still waiting on the mail for the Haynes manual. The rear passenger signal is fine. The front has nothing. Hazards work. When I put the switch up for a right turn it clicks fast. When i put it down for a left turn it clicks slow. I get no wiper action at all except when I push the button to spray washer fluid and that is at slow speed for three swipes. Thanks

[@RichpinTv]

@rax2099 Thank you i hope you have one too.

[@SaturnMan2012]

thanks for that, I picked up some relays from the yard and still does not work. I also grabbed a horn, I'm going to try to put that in today. You ever known of the clicking sound problem from behind the instrument cluster around the air vents or below them on this 3.4L. When the car is running it seems to want to stop when I slide the Temp. switch up to heat. If it`s an actuator, I'm having a hard time locating it. That manual is dragging it's tail coming from California.

[@RichpinTv]

@MrBigb1975 Very few Cadillacs fords yes.

[@mobes329]

Your videos are great ! HAPPY NEW YEAR Rich !

[@harrytoyshirt4146]

Thanks. My VW wires aren't the same, but this give the principle. Now to correlate my VW wires to this.

[@GUILLERMOJGARZON]

Thanks so much. I replicated and works for my car.the difference my won’t be temporary fix. Will be a permanent.

[@erlandandersen5782]

Another good video of yours. Thanks for taking your time making these videos, sharing know how.

[@RichpinTv]

Erland Andersen Thank you.

[@RichpinTv]

Erland Andersen I will put it on my video to do list (how to remove ECUs)

[@erlandandersen5782]

richpin06a Thanks for replying. I obviously was a bit too fast deleting that ECU-question here. Thing is, I had a chat with a local VW mechanic after I wrote it, he had some answers, so I didn't want to occupy your time with unnecessary questions. If it can be of any interest to anybody: He said I was basically right, those contacts should come off quite easily, but they can stick to some extent on that old cars (96 mod), maybe having never been removed before. So he told me to be patient, spend some time and some suitable corrosion losening dissolvent, before prying carefully to pull it off. Thanks again for great videos, with good cameraworks and easy to understand comments. I appreciate useful stuff like this.

[@SaturnMan2012]

yeah, Thats what I'm feeling also. That part is very expensive. going to the junk yard today. LKQ here in Bradenton has a 2005 in the yard. BTW, would you happen to know anything about the impala horn issues. the only fuse box I have had time to look at is the on on the driver side and I do not recall seeing a fuse for the horn. Thanks Rich. I'll be hittin some clicks as normal for ya's !!!!1

[@jebediaagnew4429]

Be sure, your moving wiper,control lever up or down."Intermittent"(stop position )found by lever up or down,wipers to dry spot,under cowel.

[@RichpinTv]

@gaoanyu1 The key is in the off position.

[@Octoguitarian70]

Thank you. It was well explained.

[@mohammedzaman1937]

i have '98 dodge caravan and the wiper always stays high when the engine is started. the switch has no control. Any suggestion would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[@RichpinTv]

The black wire is showing going to the IP splice pack 2 (ground).

[@xuzhiyuan71]

Thank you for posting the video, it is very informative and helpful. Do you know where i can find the fuse of windshield wiper motor in Corolla 97. I did check the voltage, which is 14 v. but when I check the resistance I don't see the changes when I switch to different wiper level. Thank you in advance.

[@wandajohnson6360]

Stanley Xu

[@RichpinTv]

Could be the motor or the transmission.Taking the linkage off would tell which is the problem.

[@michaeldeeves5919]

Great video. I am working on the same vehicle (99 SL2). Electrical is my weak point. The wiper motor works but blows the fuse when wipers are on high. All tests with multimeter were in the ballpark with the purple and brown wires. The yellow wire was reading 12.56. Is that voltage to high or is it normal? Could it be the motor blowing the fuse? I have replaced the wiper switch and now have an airbag light on :/ I really don't want to install a new motor with the same results.

[@RichpinTv]

That does sound like the board in the motor.

[@seandiehl]

Great video. The rear wiper on my Subaru Outback 2006 wasn't working though rear washer was working. Thought this suggested that the stalk switch was fine. So I replaced the motor, it worked immediately thereafter during a test. Then buttoned everything back together and wiper stopped working again by the following morning (no rain or extreme temps). Later that night I tried re-installing it including removing positive terminal from battery this time but no luck. Wiper motor ground was already attached and do not see any stressed, broken, or exposed wires leading to wiper motor back into the hatch/body of car. Fuse is also fine. Any tips? Thanks,

[@gst69man]

Rich, luv the electrical stuff. It helps big time. Thanks

[@RichpinTv]

I have not run into that problem on the impalas that i have worked on.

[@ephraimyap7121]

Hope I can troubleshoot the intermittent problem of my 2002 CR-V.

[@drcastilloserulle]

Simple and precise video. Thank you

[@RichpinTv]

Glad you liked it

[@kdeh21803]

'98 SC2--- Two weeks ago the delay wiper started doing strange things. No matter which of the 3 delay speeds was selected routinely the wipers would start wiping very quickly with only a momentary stop between each. This would last about 20 seconds before returning to "normal" for a short period of time, then it' would repeat the cycle. If you turned the wipers completely off while in this rapid delay that wipers will continue to function for about 20 seconds before turning off. Relay?

[@RichpinTv]

@easyletgo That could be a switch problem.

[@RichpinTv]

secretorganisaton, Did you park the system before installing the wiper arms.

[@markdulworth797]

richpin06a

[@adrianaalessandramirandacr9214]

richpin06a

[@RichpinTv]

Have you done any testing as i did in this video.

[@jackjack3794]

Hello sir,i'm zack..my car wiper problem is when i'm on the car switch..the wiper start moving and wont stop until i'm off the car key??help me with info please?

[@jonbarker3497]

One more question Mr. Rich. Is the multi-colum switch replaceable or is part of the whole steering wheel?

[@weealisdair]

Could you give a tour of your garage? nice videos

[@Obababoy]

I have a 2008 outlook and the wipers and washer jets stopped working randomly when I started the car. I tested the motor with a 12v battery and the wipers work, but the column switch isnt doing anything. There is around 11 volts going to the plug that goes into the wiper motor, but again changing it doesnt do anything. I ordered a new column switch so hopefully that fixes it. Any other reasons why both the washer jet button ( on end of switch) and the wipers would go out at once? fuses and relays were all good.

[@michaeldeeves5919]

Ok, Thanks for the reply. Think it's time to trade her in. Keep up the good work.

[@roysacavage8344]

I replaced the switch the other day but I didn't get the results that I was looking for. After I installed the switch I put the car in the "run" position (i.e. did not start it) and the wipers worked just fine in every position. Timing of the intermittent settings was as it used to be. No problems. But...always a "but"....but here's the weird thing....when I started the car the wipers went back to not working as described in my previous comment. ??? The only thing I can think of is that the wiring harness has gone screwy on me. I'm thinking I should do some continuity tests on it. What's your thoughts?

[@gaoanyu1]

Great video Richard. When you test resistance at the socket, did you put the key on off position or accessories/run? Thanks.

[@jackiemowery5243]

According to the video, the ign. switch is off. Also, if you have 12 V present and set the meter to measure resistance, you will blow the meter.

[@hcooper267]

Thank you,the problem I gat is waipers work only when I bypass the relay,not with the switch. Do imagine what couse the problem. thak you for this interested vidio.

[@MarioCyr]

Hello,....need some advice....I have a Malibu 2004 and my problems with the wipers are as soon as I put the wipers on, i can't stop them anymore....the only solution is to stop the car or remove the fuse. What would you recommend me to do? thanks...Mario, Nova Scotia, Canada

[@vidarholm648]

Why not check the fuse first????

[@coryoconnor4795]

And I assume you pulled up a wiring diagram so you knew which wire was connected to low/high/intermittent while testing resistance? And are low and intermittent running through the same wire because I saw you only checked 2 wires for resistance when there’s the 3 settings? Sorry for all the ?’s but I am going thru the same predicament with my rear wipers on my 07 Rav4

[@powerram92]

I was replacing the wiper bushings and when i went to try everything to see if it works the wiper motor blew the fuse. I changed the fuse and it blows one every time I turn the wipers on. I disconnect the wiring to the motor and turn the wiper switch on and it didn't blow the fuse. I just don't want to go out and buy a $70 motor to find out that wasn't it. I also hot wired the motor straight to the battery and grounded it, and it turn on. I was told that it was bad motor if it did that. I'm not very electrical incline but if you can walk me through it I'll appreciate it.

[@barryostrom8028]

Hi, Great video. Would that be the same test for an 1998 s10 blazer? I was going down the road in a down pour and the wipers just stop working. I know the motor works because i took the pulse board out and where the board connects to the motor on them 3 tabs i put 12 volts to it and the motor worked. And it's much cheaper for the board than the motor $20 vs $60. Thanks.

[@gabelaf1]

Why would the wipers not want to shut off on these saturns? I am having a problem with it wanting to stop after a few minutes after I shut it off.

[@garyhavens3951]

i just replaced the windshield wiper motor on a 2011 Volkswagen jetta, working good..problem I'm having is the wipers stay in the service position.. how do I find the problem??

[@philasselstine7816]

i have 92 f-150 my washer works all sigles work 4 ways work high and low beem work just none of the speeds for the wapers well work i put brand new waper motor on and still the same and tested the ground has good ground from motor too firewall i did the oms test and no mater what seting ur on it stays at 1 does move from 1 at all any ideas

[@CG199213]

i have a 95 chevy silverado and the wipers work they just stop in the middle of the windshield and i have to turn em on then off and they will either stop at the top or somewhere else could it be the pulse board?

[@michaeldeeves5919]

Yes the fuse was blowing before replacing the switch. Starting about 2 years ago the wipers would take their sweet time shutting off from intermittent,wash, or mist. Then 3 months back the fuse started blowing. Now I am assuming the motor is blowing the fuse due to all the added load of wiping a dry windshield. Any tips on shutting off the airbag light? Since replacing the switch it stays on. I followed your video and a shop service manual to a tee.

[@Spiritusanto16]

Hey richpin06a why has to be 12 volts on the multimeter? I'm cheking the connector and it has blue, blue with white, black and red wire colors. Is that right if I clip the ground(COM) with the black color and the red one with red one?

[@kozepeyim761]

Let me ask you a question if the blue what you think if the blue wire is not working at all .

[@HowTwo007]

my wipers dont work in intermitent but works on medium and fast setting. its a 2002 accord

[@RichpinTv]

Most of the time the motor is the first thing to look at.

[@TheHolyGhost777]

I already bought a switch... Now, I can tell is probably the motor. LOLz

[@coryoconnor4795]

So when testing the resistance on the OHMs setting should you take the negative lead off the car battery? I was told to do that when testing resistance, just wanted to get your input on that?

[@augstspriegumshightension]

Your videos are perfect.

[@MrRosali3]

Hello. I test the yellow wire but have 6volt. I test battery have 12.60v 2007 bmw 550i anr ideas I test the wiper motor is good replace relay and fuses test good????

[@matthewward5849]

I’ve tested my connections and are all good. Bought a new wiper motor and my rear wiper still doesn’t work. I am lost at this point.

[@ImNewbeh]

Found the problem?

[@matthewward5849]

Robby Lindblom been ten months and still haven’t found the problem. It’s for my work truck not my daily driver so it’s not a big deal. Just annoying

[@elau778]

My Windshield wipers stopped suddenly while driving in rain. I pulled to the side and stopped the car. They worked again after I restarted the engine. This problem happened a few times again afterwards. What could be the problem ?

[@fhudley]

I have a 98 Saturn SI2 one day my wipers just stop worken i was go to take it to a shop the up comen weekend and then they start worken and now they stop worken a gain how do i know if its the moter or a shortage

[@RusstyCoDskills]

Hello I tested wiper and got 12v, wipers only work if I hit the motor but then stop working again. I changed the motor with one from a wreck but have same issue. Is it just bad luck or something else

[@RichpinTv]

Sounds like you have a possible bad multifunction switch.

[@The1930modelaford]

Hi i am working on a 1997 saturn s series same as in your video ,when i do the resistance check on either the purple or the brown my meter does not change from the 1 that was showing prior to you turning on the wipers low or high,is there any other positive test to prove that it is the switch,witch i suspect is the problem,I have no wiper's working at all,but the 3 cycle mist wipe still work's ,I tried a new motor from the local part's people they let borrow it ,plugged it and nothing.any idea's would help,thank's

[@ChevyDex315]

Question, i have a 98 chevy malibu ls and my wipers only work if i turn the switch to the highest setting, what should i replace?

[@TinoN0824]

I get 0.30 ohms when checking for resistance. I can hear the motor do a small click when plugged in, but not movement. There seems to be water both inside the plugs of the motor and the plug. Any input?

[@andycarvalho5923]

Getting constant power to the yellow wire. New motor, switch and new ignition switch.

[@arielunicorn2442]

My wipers dont work in slow and medium setting..only high speed work..what the problem..is that motor or switch panel?

[@patriotkieler9750]

Great Vid. My issue currently is the Motor not returning the wipers to resting point and when you go to top speed for wipers it squirts Wiper fluid. I have a 96 SL Twin cam. I replaced the power spring assembly and now my Horn works which it hasn't for the last 5 years, but now have the Airbag light. I had my uncle hook up his advanced code reader and I am getting a B1022 code from the Airbag system... I just got this thing back on the road after sitting for almost 2 years but would like to fix the small issue of the Airbag code. We cleared the code but it returns. Car has 245,000 miles. Code breaks down as this DTC B1022 Driver Deployment Loop Resistance Low ... What does this point to?

[@patriotkieler9750]

+Jeremy Kieler I found this ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/mcvgreg/2007-09-07_213951_2000-TrackerB1022Diags.pdf

[@patriotkieler9750]

Airbag issue fixed i took it BACK APART AND found that I did not push in the airbag plug far enough. My bad. Everything good on the airbag stuff now.

[@RichpinTv]

+Jeremy Kieler Glad it was a easy fix.

[@theotrxperience7124]

What if the switch part isn't working properly, do I replace the electrical cord?

[@dwayneherbert5219]

good video i wanted to ask my wipers stop working when i turn the steering wheel to the last but then when i finish turning they work also when i clean the windows the wipers wont go back to starting position what do think? thanks

[@RichpinTv]

When wipers will not park in most cases it is in the motor.

[@dwayneherbert5219]

thanks for replying, i was thinking that but i looked at it again today very weird problem heres a list of what is happening 1. doesnt return to park no matter what speed 2. high speed works fine (except for the park) 3. only on low speed do the problems occur 4. on low speed the wipers will sometimes not work but if i move the steering column up and down it works weird right. 5. rear wiper doesnt work but that could be the motor possible could it be wiper switch or loose wire

[@mikesandarelli6651]

my wipers stopped working on a 2000 saturn sl 1 at first they went to just one speed then they would not shut off then the washer fluid ran unitl empty then wipers quit working altogether now the fuse keep blowing as soon as i put a new one in and turn car to acc not starting

[@garyjones9827]

On my 2004 Chrysler Sebring I can put the test light to just the motor or the wiper arms and it's showing power coming through them is they're short in the motor or switch

[@gabinotrujillo8405]

simple excellent video, tank you sir 😎,,

[@mikevigg1994]

What if intermittent 1 and 2 are low but make the washer fluid spray 3 is intermittent (sometimes) low does nothing and high is high pulling the wiper fluid switch cuts off the fluid motor only while its depressed as soon as I let it go the motor kicks back on

[@RickyRisnandar]

hi, i have a problem, my 93 corolla wiper's turn on itself when i turn the key to "acc" position (the wiper switch is at the "off" position), do you have any idea what seems to be the problem? -thanks-

[@FUGYOO]

Thanks Roger Dahltry