with all above 
wiper door re-opens
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
wiper door re-opens
Hi Guys,
I've just completed a major rebuild of the interior and the only thing that doesn't work as it should is the wiper door which opens and closes, but re-opens when the engine is switched off. I must have two vacuum hoses the wrong way round. Anyone know the answer?
Regards, Barry.
I've just completed a major rebuild of the interior and the only thing that doesn't work as it should is the wiper door which opens and closes, but re-opens when the engine is switched off. I must have two vacuum hoses the wrong way round. Anyone know the answer?
Regards, Barry.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 154
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
Greetings Barry,
Many times when one component is fixed, the can gets kicked down the road and another issue comes up. Make sure that the vacuum lines are installed correctly. I've attached a link to Willcox's schematic which should help.
The other issue you may be facing is the wiper door safety valve is defective. The easiest way to check it is with a Mityvac or similar hand vacuum pump. Do you have one?
The reason the door is opening after shutoff is the control vacuum is being vented before the actuating vacuum, resulting in the relay switching, sending closing vacuum to the actuator.
Hope this helps.....Dave
http://willcoxcorvette.com/popup_image.php?pID=26331
Many times when one component is fixed, the can gets kicked down the road and another issue comes up. Make sure that the vacuum lines are installed correctly. I've attached a link to Willcox's schematic which should help.
The other issue you may be facing is the wiper door safety valve is defective. The easiest way to check it is with a Mityvac or similar hand vacuum pump. Do you have one?
The reason the door is opening after shutoff is the control vacuum is being vented before the actuating vacuum, resulting in the relay switching, sending closing vacuum to the actuator.
Hope this helps.....Dave
http://willcoxcorvette.com/popup_image.php?pID=26331
Last edited by Dave J; May 30, 2014 at 12:45 PM. Reason: typo
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Did you replace the wiper arm vacuum relay under the wiper grille? Go read this thread if you did. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...r-problem.html
If you didn't then you need to start checking the other vacuum components. Usually when the wiper door opens upon shut off it is the result of the vacuum being dropped off the small hose side. When this happens the plunger in the relay valve drops and there is still enough vacuum in the large side to raise the door.
Here is the correct way to check the wiper arm relay
Here is how you check the relay in case there is an issue with it.
Headlamp/Windshield Wiper Actuator Relay testing. 68-72 for wipers.. 68-82 for headlamp.
If you didn't then you need to start checking the other vacuum components. Usually when the wiper door opens upon shut off it is the result of the vacuum being dropped off the small hose side. When this happens the plunger in the relay valve drops and there is still enough vacuum in the large side to raise the door.
Here is the correct way to check the wiper arm relay
Here is how you check the relay in case there is an issue with it.
Headlamp/Windshield Wiper Actuator Relay testing. 68-72 for wipers.. 68-82 for headlamp.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; May 30, 2014 at 01:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
have to fix later
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the very useful information regarding the wiper door re-opening. I've been rebuilding the interior since January and I'm going to an American show in the Lake District, England at the weekend. I checked it again today, but without ripping it all apart, I'll have to put up with it until I get a chance to fix it later. At least the wiper door can be pushed shut carefully. I don't see any obvious problem - maybe I need to replace the vacuum solenoid. I'll include a picture of what it looked like in April.
Regards, Barry.
Thanks for all the very useful information regarding the wiper door re-opening. I've been rebuilding the interior since January and I'm going to an American show in the Lake District, England at the weekend. I checked it again today, but without ripping it all apart, I'll have to put up with it until I get a chance to fix it later. At least the wiper door can be pushed shut carefully. I don't see any obvious problem - maybe I need to replace the vacuum solenoid. I'll include a picture of what it looked like in April.
Regards, Barry.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 154
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
I don't see any obvious problem - maybe I need to replace the vacuum solenoid.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
David.. the solenoids are being reproduced.. but like you I don't think this is the problem. A defective solenoid would not cause this issue.. it would cause another one but not this one.
Are you getting my emails????????? I've sent you three about your repair kits but I've not seen any reply.
Are you getting my emails????????? I've sent you three about your repair kits but I've not seen any reply.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
Hi Willcox - thanks for the You Tube clips which are very interesting, but I'll have to wait for a while before taking off the dash again. I have a few shows to go to soon. I haven't received any emails at all - I'll write to Willcox and give you my details. I put a cube of foam on the vent of the solenoid, but no difference. Dave - I haven't checked the valve under the door yet - maybe I can still do that before the weekend.
Regards, Barry.
Regards, Barry.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
I had a similar problem, before I removed my engine to change oil pan, new intake gaskets, PO installed wrong intake gaskets, I think causing a vacuum leak. when I re-installed the enging now the wiper door works as it should. Those lines come off too easy when re-installing dash and interior. Re-check your lines, if you push it closed after you turn off does it stay down until you shut off
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
another problem
Hi Guys,
Got the car all ready for a hundred mile trip - everything fixed apart from the wiper door. Then what? I couldn't remove the key from the ignition! The switch won't turn back enough to release the key. I'll be staying in a hotel for two nights, and I'll have to leave the key in the column. I fitted an immobiliser switch which is hidden under the dash, and I'll put a crook-lock on the wheel. Imagine if it was stolen - the insurance company would try to wriggle out of paying because the key was in the ignition. At least both doors lock. I've spent 5 months rebuilding the interior, so I've got to go now - even although it'll be heavy rain all the way!
Regards, Barry.
Got the car all ready for a hundred mile trip - everything fixed apart from the wiper door. Then what? I couldn't remove the key from the ignition! The switch won't turn back enough to release the key. I'll be staying in a hotel for two nights, and I'll have to leave the key in the column. I fitted an immobiliser switch which is hidden under the dash, and I'll put a crook-lock on the wheel. Imagine if it was stolen - the insurance company would try to wriggle out of paying because the key was in the ignition. At least both doors lock. I've spent 5 months rebuilding the interior, so I've got to go now - even although it'll be heavy rain all the way!
Regards, Barry.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Barry.. At the steering column there is a locking cable and bracket. Reach down there and pull up on the lever... The cable may be bound down by the shifter.. If you have a Automatic you'll still have the same lever.. This level controls the lock pin in the steering column for the cylinder and key. If your cable is broken, you can wire it up for a temporary repair.
You can also see it in Picture C below.
You can also see it in Picture C below.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jun 4, 2014 at 08:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
Thank you Willcox - that saved me a lot of worry. I just pulled the lever to the UP position and the key came out right away. I wish all 'Vette problems could be fixed like that! There is no cable or pin there though - the bracket has the hole and post for the pin but nothing there. Is this for the back drive cable? I've never had it - what does it do?
Regards, Barry.
Regards, Barry.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thank you Willcox - that saved me a lot of worry. I just pulled the lever to the UP position and the key came out right away. I wish all 'Vette problems could be fixed like that! There is no cable or pin there though - the bracket has the hole and post for the pin but nothing there. Is this for the back drive cable? I've never had it - what does it do?
Regards, Barry.
Regards, Barry.
Get you some wire and tie it up until you can get the parts needed. If it falls down again you'll have the same issue.
The plate in J-1 below is where the pin locks the column.
