79 Intermittent Wiper Issue
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
79 Intermittent Wiper Issue
I'm having an odd problem with my intermittent wipers.
First, I've verified that all associated wiring has continuity, no grounding issues and proper wiper switch operation.
Issue: Wipers work in low, high, mist and wash but not intermittent with original relay/module installed. Nothing works with module removed.
Attempted repair: "Improved" intermittent module from Ecklers. Installed to find the exact same issue--everything works except intermittent.
Odd Problem: From what I've read module failure typically results in no w/w operation whatsoever.
-----------------------
Any suggestions?
I notice that the "improved" intermittent module works from '79-82. Is this perhaps an "early/late '79" issue? Mine is an "early".
I have reasonable experience with electronics of this vintage as I was building lots of Heathkits. Does anyone have a schematic for the original intermittent module?
First, I've verified that all associated wiring has continuity, no grounding issues and proper wiper switch operation.
Issue: Wipers work in low, high, mist and wash but not intermittent with original relay/module installed. Nothing works with module removed.
Attempted repair: "Improved" intermittent module from Ecklers. Installed to find the exact same issue--everything works except intermittent.
Odd Problem: From what I've read module failure typically results in no w/w operation whatsoever.
-----------------------
Any suggestions?
I notice that the "improved" intermittent module works from '79-82. Is this perhaps an "early/late '79" issue? Mine is an "early".
I have reasonable experience with electronics of this vintage as I was building lots of Heathkits. Does anyone have a schematic for the original intermittent module?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Your module was the two wire connector design...CORRECT?? That is the difference...either the module has two wire pigtail connectors coming off of it or only one.
You MUST have A GOOD cover that goes on the front of the wiper motor that TELLS the module that your wiper motor is TURNING...and when to tell it to stop for the intermittent to work. I just repaired one and ran into this SAME ISSUE.
The front cover for your wiper motor will have a single pink wire coming out of it....and unfortunately...those are not being reproduced as I was told.
Thankfully my customers one worked when I replaced the module....BECAUSE I did check to make sure the 'pot' in the wiper switch would actually change in ohm value.
DUB
You MUST have A GOOD cover that goes on the front of the wiper motor that TELLS the module that your wiper motor is TURNING...and when to tell it to stop for the intermittent to work. I just repaired one and ran into this SAME ISSUE.
The front cover for your wiper motor will have a single pink wire coming out of it....and unfortunately...those are not being reproduced as I was told.
Thankfully my customers one worked when I replaced the module....BECAUSE I did check to make sure the 'pot' in the wiper switch would actually change in ohm value.
DUB
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Yes, there are two connectors leading to the module. The replacement module physically installed without any problem.
Your mention of the (pot)entiometer in the switch brings up another issue. Mine has an intermittent problem but I ensured that it was functioning properly (and even replaced with a resistor) during the troubleshooting. The replacement switch I ordered from Ecklers was defective--the pot only functioned with the switch in the "off" position!
Thanks for the heads up with regards to the w/w motor cover and the pink wire that I presume will do something when the motor is running. I'll check the schematics some more to see if I'm looking for resistance, voltage or ground.
Your mention of the (pot)entiometer in the switch brings up another issue. Mine has an intermittent problem but I ensured that it was functioning properly (and even replaced with a resistor) during the troubleshooting. The replacement switch I ordered from Ecklers was defective--the pot only functioned with the switch in the "off" position!
Thanks for the heads up with regards to the w/w motor cover and the pink wire that I presume will do something when the motor is running. I'll check the schematics some more to see if I'm looking for resistance, voltage or ground.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
DUB
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Thank you for the help DUB.
I'll keep my eyes out for one and fingers crossed that sufficient demand will build to have the part manufactured again. In the meantime there's plenty of other things to occupy my time and take my money
While low miles (54K), nearly perfect original paint and very close to original, I'm discovering that the repairs done/hired by the two previous owners varied greatly in skill and attention. I'm also discovering that reproduction parts vary greatly in quality.
I'll keep my eyes out for one and fingers crossed that sufficient demand will build to have the part manufactured again. In the meantime there's plenty of other things to occupy my time and take my money
While low miles (54K), nearly perfect original paint and very close to original, I'm discovering that the repairs done/hired by the two previous owners varied greatly in skill and attention. I'm also discovering that reproduction parts vary greatly in quality.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 31
From: Pitman NJ
Thank you for the help DUB.
I'll keep my eyes out for one and fingers crossed that sufficient demand will build to have the part manufactured again. In the meantime there's plenty of other things to occupy my time and take my money
While low miles (54K), nearly perfect original paint and very close to original, I'm discovering that the repairs done/hired by the two previous owners varied greatly in skill and attention. I'm also discovering that reproduction parts vary greatly in quality.
I'll keep my eyes out for one and fingers crossed that sufficient demand will build to have the part manufactured again. In the meantime there's plenty of other things to occupy my time and take my money
While low miles (54K), nearly perfect original paint and very close to original, I'm discovering that the repairs done/hired by the two previous owners varied greatly in skill and attention. I'm also discovering that reproduction parts vary greatly in quality.
BTW... on my '79's wipers. I was out in the rain a couple of weeks ago by accident. I tried my intermittent wipers, and they worked properly. I have owned the car since 2007, and I think that was the second time I had to use them. My washer motor works also, but it hasn't had fluid in it since I owned it.
I know it's good to have everything working properly, but as long as the wipers at least come on, it's probably better to put resources into fixing something else first.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
To my surprise I found an original (used) cover for what I consider a reasonable price--$65
When troubleshooting, I saw the pink wire leading to the motor itself from the transmission assembly and incorrectly thought it was "the" pink wire. I was a little bit concerned for a minute as I didn't see the real pink wire. A little fiddling and I found it (connector attached) tucked back behind the harness.
When troubleshooting, I saw the pink wire leading to the motor itself from the transmission assembly and incorrectly thought it was "the" pink wire. I was a little bit concerned for a minute as I didn't see the real pink wire. A little fiddling and I found it (connector attached) tucked back behind the harness.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Now working! Original module in the center console working fine but the intermittent problem with the delay rheostat in the original switch still exists although it (seemed) to diminish with use.
The "sproing" sound from the cover was both confirming and troubling. I'm guessing this was the very first version of the system as I don't remember it from my '81 Z28.
The "sproing" sound from the cover was both confirming and troubling. I'm guessing this was the very first version of the system as I don't remember it from my '81 Z28.