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I need some help with the windshield wipers on a 1972. Neither the door or the wipers work, i know the door operates off vacuum, are the two tied together so that when i turn the wiper switch from off to on the vacuum is engaged to open the door and the wipers start? I also read that the bezel must be grounded, it appears the previous owner had a ground from the metal bezel to correctly grounded. I’m sure there are threads on this but I was unable to locate anything specific to my issues. I appreciate the help.
When you turn the wipers on with the switch, the door is triggered to open and the wipers then operate. The wipers not working, is that a new problem? I would first check the fuse. Next, I would check to see if the override operates the door. Start the car and pull the right override button down. If it opens the door. Report back.
Last edited by kansas123; May 23, 2021 at 05:32 PM.
Thank you Kansas123. Right override does not do anything, left operates the headlights. I took the wiper console out and was going to replace the 3 prong switch but it appears like it may be something else as I assume the right override should have opened the wiper door.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
look at all the links caskiguy provided
you need to go to the Willcox site and perform a bench test on your wiper motor. It can be done in the car so it wont have to be removed. He has diagrams as well. Your car will have a couple of different interlocks tied into the wiper door so that the wipers sill not operate until the door is open.
There is a relay under the center console for the motor and another on the back of the tach for the door. Your best bet for the vacuum sytem is to borrow or buy a vacuum pump t evacuate the vacuum system to look for leaks. Looking for a leak by ear with the motor running is hard at best. If you have no other option, use a piece of hose as a stethoscope and listen at the actuators, the actuator relays, and the other relays and switches. Once you understand how the system is linked together it makes sense.
the vacuum system has 2 vacuum systems in it. One system that is switched thats tells the other system to operate and do the actual work
vacuum diagrams labeled for the wiper section, the same one is used for the headlights. Notice that if one system leaks it will effect the other. So if your headlights arent going up it can be a leak were the systems overlap
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Originally Posted by Bhmyers1968
Thank you, looks like I have a bit of diagnostic work to do.
It is but if you go at it knowing that one effects thse other you can figure it out.
I would start with the bench test to make sure the motor works using external wiring for powwer and grounds. Then with the door open add in the harness grounds. Once you get that working hook up the harness and go from that point checking the relays and interlocks. THere is the wiper door interlocks that have to be working at this point Then add in the vacuum system operation last. Remember the tach relay as that affects both.
Help with windshield wipers
