79 Wipers stopped working randomly
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 14
From: Charleston SC
79 Wipers stopped working randomly
Well, I spent all weekend getting my 79 in what I thought was a safe, (legally) streetable condition.
I went to drive it to work this morning, and my windshield wipers decided they didn't want to work.
They've worked fine in the past, but I haven't tried to use them in a couple months.
When I move the wiper switch I get loud clicking noises that to me sounds like an electrical arc coming from the center console. I assume it's the intermittent relay or w/e is under there.
It's always made this noise....I never knew if this was normal or not. But they worked so I didn't concern myself with it (Too many other problems)
I can't find any good documentation or threads on this problem. Most thread are about the motor, which I do not think is the problem. The motor worked fine- the intermittent functionality worked too.
I've been working under the dash & with center console gauges a lot recently, so I probably broke something. Just not sure where to start.
I went to drive it to work this morning, and my windshield wipers decided they didn't want to work.
They've worked fine in the past, but I haven't tried to use them in a couple months.
When I move the wiper switch I get loud clicking noises that to me sounds like an electrical arc coming from the center console. I assume it's the intermittent relay or w/e is under there.
It's always made this noise....I never knew if this was normal or not. But they worked so I didn't concern myself with it (Too many other problems)
I can't find any good documentation or threads on this problem. Most thread are about the motor, which I do not think is the problem. The motor worked fine- the intermittent functionality worked too.
I've been working under the dash & with center console gauges a lot recently, so I probably broke something. Just not sure where to start.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
The intermittent module is located in the console/center stack, and it contains a mechanical relay, the likely cause of the noise you're hearing. Lectric Limited began producing updated replacements a year or two ago that are all sealed, potted electronics and seem to be a big improvement over the original. An original would set you back $250 to $400+. Supporting vendor Full Throttle Corvette caries the Lectric Limited replacement for $100. Willcox, with its Forum discounts will probably be about the same.
For other trouble shooting, go to the Willcox site. They have instructions and video on bench testing 74 to 82 wiper motors AND, TWO descriptions on your wiper switch. One simply labels each pin out and allows you to test with a continuity tester. The other is a document by Dale Wilson giving a step-by-step instruction on disassembly and repair of the switch (He apparently left the Forum in 2013, but I believe that this same paper was first published here. Do a search)
Good luck, and push comes to shove, Lectric Limited also distributes a module bypass that gives you back your HI & Low speed wipers.
For other trouble shooting, go to the Willcox site. They have instructions and video on bench testing 74 to 82 wiper motors AND, TWO descriptions on your wiper switch. One simply labels each pin out and allows you to test with a continuity tester. The other is a document by Dale Wilson giving a step-by-step instruction on disassembly and repair of the switch (He apparently left the Forum in 2013, but I believe that this same paper was first published here. Do a search)
Good luck, and push comes to shove, Lectric Limited also distributes a module bypass that gives you back your HI & Low speed wipers.
Last edited by Rotonda; Feb 9, 2015 at 04:38 PM. Reason: Addition
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 14
From: Charleston SC
Well I got it working....I kinda feel like an idiot now haha.
I read through guides & such you posted.
Then I went to the car & listened to the relay. It actually sounds fine.
Then I decided to check the connections at the wiper motor, forgetting to turn off the wiper switch before popping the hood.
The moment I pulled the hood release the wipers started working.
Turns out they were just stuck on the hood.
The reason they worked before is b/c when I got the car the wiper blades looked ancient and were HORRIBLY dry rotted. The metal wiper arm was nearly flush with the windshield.
So I replaced them with new ones (as part of my whole make the car street legal effort this weekend). Now the new ones make the wiper arm stand up too high and contact the hood.
All it took was some slight bending of the wiper arm and it is fixed....
Thanks for all the info & documentation!
I read through guides & such you posted.
Then I went to the car & listened to the relay. It actually sounds fine.
Then I decided to check the connections at the wiper motor, forgetting to turn off the wiper switch before popping the hood.
The moment I pulled the hood release the wipers started working.
Turns out they were just stuck on the hood.
The reason they worked before is b/c when I got the car the wiper blades looked ancient and were HORRIBLY dry rotted. The metal wiper arm was nearly flush with the windshield.
So I replaced them with new ones (as part of my whole make the car street legal effort this weekend). Now the new ones make the wiper arm stand up too high and contact the hood.
All it took was some slight bending of the wiper arm and it is fixed....
Thanks for all the info & documentation!
