wiper control module
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
wiper control module
Lately there seem to have been a couple of people having probs with these, falling apart and shorting out. Here's a pic of the stock thing complete with plastic case & fiberglass reinforced tape
If you want to keep yours alive, put a zip tie or some duct tape around it, the GM tape will fall apart over time and the units are discontinued if I'm not mistaking.
If you want to keep yours alive, put a zip tie or some duct tape around it, the GM tape will fall apart over time and the units are discontinued if I'm not mistaking.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I am otld the primary failure point is the solder connections internal to the unit, and it's not surprising to me, given my expereinces with circuit cards, and vibrations from cars....
common problems for all sorts of units, from all mfgrs....
GENE
common problems for all sorts of units, from all mfgrs....
GENE
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
THAT's a hell of a way to go....falling on a jack....
TT, 1.3 megs is about 15 mints d/load...my machine is kinda funky....barely got that 400k file....
I need a new computer, and DSL, I won'd go back to cable....
but I use cable for phone service now because of a lightening strike several years ago, wiped out the underground twisted pair phone lines, so I don't use the typical phone company hookup, hense no DSL either....tons of fun....
GENE
TT, 1.3 megs is about 15 mints d/load...my machine is kinda funky....barely got that 400k file....
I need a new computer, and DSL, I won'd go back to cable....
but I use cable for phone service now because of a lightening strike several years ago, wiped out the underground twisted pair phone lines, so I don't use the typical phone company hookup, hense no DSL either....tons of fun....
GENE
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
I need more information on these modules.
My unit did not fall or short out, but my delay function does not work. That means that 1) something is wrong with the 555 chip or 2) the capacitors are shot.
Any electrical guys want to point me in the right direction on were to start?
Does anyone have a picture of the wiring harness connection at the wiper switch? I need the wire colors as they enter the switch.
Do any other GM cars use this type of module?
I will fix this even if it is the end on me
My unit did not fall or short out, but my delay function does not work. That means that 1) something is wrong with the 555 chip or 2) the capacitors are shot.
Any electrical guys want to point me in the right direction on were to start?
Does anyone have a picture of the wiring harness connection at the wiper switch? I need the wire colors as they enter the switch.
Do any other GM cars use this type of module?
I will fix this even if it is the end on me
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
This is one of those projects I have been needing to get to for a while as well on my 80. Everything is where it should be in the jack compartment but the intermittent doesn't work. It goes at the low speed when the switch is is in the intermittent position, as I am sure it is designed to do if there is a failure.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Valparaiso Indiana
I have an extra module for an '82. Found a guy selling them on Ebay and they fixed the problem with mine...I found mine lying on the jack and the delay was not working. I checked mine against the known good one and I think you will find the thyristor is shot. I can't remember the original number, but looked for hours and could not find a replacement anywhere. Tried the only one radio shack carries and it did not fix mine. I have an extra working module, but it won't go cheap if anyone really needs one. I believe I have around 100 bucks in it. I got prices from several salvage yards andf they were from 75-200 "as-is".
Bill
Bill
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: Nottingham
Sean
It's not a 555 chip, it's a CMOS 4011 quad 2 input NAND gate. But before replacing that, I'd try checking for dry solder joints at the big main transistor - this is the one that controls the intermittent feature. If that doesn't work, replace that transistor. It's an NPN power transistor. I think I used a BUV48B - 15 amp one. It worked for me, but I'm sure there are other types that would do. Any power NPN transistor with the right pinout and a current rating of about 10A would be ok I think.
If things still look bad, try re-soldering all the joints of the other transistors/components on the board.
Good luck, it's guaranteed to give you grey hair!
It's not a 555 chip, it's a CMOS 4011 quad 2 input NAND gate. But before replacing that, I'd try checking for dry solder joints at the big main transistor - this is the one that controls the intermittent feature. If that doesn't work, replace that transistor. It's an NPN power transistor. I think I used a BUV48B - 15 amp one. It worked for me, but I'm sure there are other types that would do. Any power NPN transistor with the right pinout and a current rating of about 10A would be ok I think.
If things still look bad, try re-soldering all the joints of the other transistors/components on the board.
Good luck, it's guaranteed to give you grey hair!
Nice write-up. 
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 101
Likes: 9
From: Paris, FRANCE
Originally Posted by Sean82
Does anyone have a picture of the wiring harness connection at the wiper switch? I need the wire colors as they enter the switch.
http://v8spirit.com.free.fr/corvette82/8a-50.jpg
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
I have the wiring diagram - thanks, but it does not indicate in what order they enter the switch
I have an extra switch so I am trying to wire the module to the switch, then to a wiper motor for testing.
I have an extra switch so I am trying to wire the module to the switch, then to a wiper motor for testing.
