'72 wiper problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 594
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From: Gotham City CA
'72 wiper problem
The dang things suddenly stopped working. I have used the Wilcox troubleshooter (although it is a pain since I cannot print it out) and found that my motor is good, etc. The problem is that that nothing happens when I turn them on. 
I can open the door with the override switch and make the motor work with a jumper, but I have voltage on the #3 motor terminal, which they say means a bad ground or relay. The relay is on the way, but I want to check the cluster ground. Is that on the metal instrument bezel? Also I want to check the "tach relay," even though I cannot see how that is the problem. Again, can anyone tell me where it is located? It looks like I have to pull the console to install the relay labeled "windshield wiper relay" in the diagram. Is that correct? I tried a site search, but came up with too many hits. I am sure others of the wiper-door crowd have gone through this before. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I can open the door with the override switch and make the motor work with a jumper, but I have voltage on the #3 motor terminal, which they say means a bad ground or relay. The relay is on the way, but I want to check the cluster ground. Is that on the metal instrument bezel? Also I want to check the "tach relay," even though I cannot see how that is the problem. Again, can anyone tell me where it is located? It looks like I have to pull the console to install the relay labeled "windshield wiper relay" in the diagram. Is that correct? I tried a site search, but came up with too many hits. I am sure others of the wiper-door crowd have gone through this before. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
It may be a missing ground. You haven't by chance just replaced the starter? The ground for the wipers and AC originates from the starter and many people incorrectly re-wire it. Check it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 594
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From: Gotham City CA
The only thing I have done is pull the center instrument panel and plugged the temp gauge in. Somehow, the plug had come undone. I understand there is a ground on it and wondered if that could be the problem.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 16
From: Fl
rotate the manual opver-ride switch (under the dash) back and forth a couple times.
Sometimes it will get it a funky position.
Try to operate the wipers after each time you rotate it.
Could also be the switch in the guage console - have you checked it yet?
Also may want to check the over-ride swicth and connection in the engine compartment to be sure it is not stuck or bad.
Hope this helps some.
Sometimes it will get it a funky position.
Try to operate the wipers after each time you rotate it.
Could also be the switch in the guage console - have you checked it yet?
Also may want to check the over-ride swicth and connection in the engine compartment to be sure it is not stuck or bad.
Hope this helps some.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
I can open the door with the override switch and make the motor work with a jumper, but I have voltage on the #3 motor terminal, which they say means a bad ground or relay. The relay is on the way, but I want to check the cluster ground. Is that on the metal instrument bezel? Also I want to check the "tach relay," even though I cannot see how that is the problem. Again, can anyone tell me where it is located? It looks like I have to pull the console to install the relay labeled "windshield wiper relay" in the diagram. Is that correct? I tried a site search, but came up with too many hits. I am sure others of the wiper-door crowd have gone through this before. Any help is greatly appreciated.
The "tach" relay is not a tach relay, it is a wiper solenoid mounted to the back of the tachometer. It has both electrical and vacuum connections to it.
There is a wiper door relay mounted to the rear part of the inner wheel well on the passenger side, at least on my 72 big block. It is vacuum only, no electrical connections to it.
cc
Last edited by CCrane65; Mar 24, 2009 at 02:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 594
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From: Gotham City CA
Thanks for the advice. I have now checked the ground to the bezel and the black wire on the wsw relay and they check out. I have also checked the switch and it is working. I am waiting for a new wsw relay to arrive. Hope that works.
Thanks CCrane72, 72ls5fla and JimT. Now if I can just get my peoblem with the sterseo solved......
