Weird Wiper problem

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Dec 26, 2006 | 12:29 AM

richardttu

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 130

Likes: 1

From: Wylie TX

Weird Wiper problem

I am having a weird wiper problem on my 69 that I cannot seem to diagnose. When I hit the wiper switch, nothing happens. I can open the wiper door using the overide. When I hit the wiper switch, the wipers still do not work. However, when I push the wiper button in (to activate the washer) the wipers work, as long as the button is pushed in. I can twist the overide **** to stop the wipers in mid stream, and turn it back to allow the wipers to continue, but they only work when the wiper button is pushed in. The washer does not work. The headlights work normally, and since the wiper door works with the overide, this seems to rule out the vacum system. Best I can tell, there are three possibilities, if I understand the manuals so far.

1. Wiper switch
2. limit switch under the wiper cover
3. Something else.

Any clues?

Dec 26, 2006 | 12:41 AM

RPOL68

Racer

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 259

Likes: 2

From: Sacramento CA

Make sure the wiring plug on the motor is installed correctly. looking toward the motor the wiring should be from driverside to center lt blue , yellow and green. Sometimes the plug can be pushed on upside down.

Dec 28, 2006 | 04:02 PM

richardttu

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 130

Likes: 1

From: Wylie TX

Thanks, I checked the wiring this morning, and it looks correct (as you described). Have you got any other clues before I just start changing switches? This is so weird, that i cannot seem to trouble shoot any further.

Richard

Last edited by richardttu; Jan 6, 2007 at 04:40 PM.

Dec 28, 2006 | 09:27 PM

ctrain22

Pro

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 575

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From: Ventura California

Check the ground wire that connects to the motor.

Dec 28, 2006 | 09:34 PM

hdpete98

Pro

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 709

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From: Carlsbad CA

I agree with cctrain

I had the same problem. the switch was not grounding.

Dec 29, 2006 | 02:36 AM

RPOL68

Racer

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 259

Likes: 2

From: Sacramento CA

If it only works while you are holding the switch in perhaps the connector on the back of the switch is plugged on wrong. For 1969 there is a electric switch on the driver side of the wiper motor that routes the washer fluid to the front headlamps when you hold the switch in. When you release it, it goes back to the windshield wiper mode.

Jan 4, 2007 | 02:38 PM

richardttu

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 130

Likes: 1

From: Wylie TX

Thanks for the advice and particularly the nice pictures (RPOL68) I will look into these items this weekend.

Richard

Jan 6, 2007 | 05:58 PM

richardttu

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 130

Likes: 1

From: Wylie TX

Well, my wiper motor does not look like the one pictured. I did notice someone attached a ground wire to the "plastic" motor cover though. I traced it around and found it was "grounded" to the valve cover. A new wiring harness is in order (i have another thread about that project).

After tracing all of the wires to the motor, i decided to start testing switches. I took apart the center console enough to get the wiper switch out and see if I could test it. On a lark, I turned the connector upside down and everything now works fine. I cannot believe somone would have taken that apart, and then left it that way when the wipers did not work.

I thank everyone for their advice. I am not new to cars, but this is my first classic vette, and she needs a lot of tender loving care.