Windshield wipers run at random
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 13
From: Topeka, Kansas
Windshield wipers run at random
My '99 FRC took a major soaking from a lawn speinkler head that blew off and dumped a lot of water right on the car. Ever since, the wipers run whenever they feel like it. Initially, the switch had no control at all. Now I can turn them on with the switch to the desired setting, but they still run whenever they feel like it with the switch off. Sometimes they seem to be activated by turning corners. Any suggestions?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Roy Dudley here. I'm having the same problem right now on my 98 Coupe. I flooded my windshield and wiper/cowl areas trying to flush where my cat took a pee (long story...) -- Bill Curley (forum member) sorted me out. First, as a matter of course you should clean your drain udders (search on the term and you'll find this right away). Then, you're going to have to replace your Wiper Control Module which is attached below the wiper motor. You can do this yourself if you like, and save a ton of money. There is a thread link that has a step-by-step, illustrated procedure to do this which you can find by searching on the thread. Basically, pull the wiper arms, open the cowl cover, R/R the wiper motor arms assembley and replace the module -- button it up.
I'll try to find the links mentioned in the meantime and post in a later response if you like.
Hope this helps.
Roy Dudley
I'll try to find the links mentioned in the meantime and post in a later response if you like.
Hope this helps.
Roy Dudley
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 2
From: Houston TEXAS
Same advice I gave roy a couple of days ago.
1. clean out the 3 udders on driver side and 1 on pass side by batt
2. you'll have to replace the wiper motor at this point, as it has already been shorted out by submersion due to the clogged drains. You will no doubt find leaves and other debris clogging the drains when you clean them out.
3. make sure when you replace the motor you allow the connecting plug to dry out as well.
Beeville's post is the one I used and it is very detailed. You'll need a pulley puller and a can of WD40 or Liquidwrench as those pressed on wipers can be a real bear. I do not reccoment using a hammer as one slip may cost you a windshield.
I'll bet they come on every time you make a right turn!! Mine did it too. My GF would crack up laughing at it - I just got mad as hell
This will no doubt banish the wiper gremlin. 3 beer job- start to finish.
-97C5
1. clean out the 3 udders on driver side and 1 on pass side by batt
2. you'll have to replace the wiper motor at this point, as it has already been shorted out by submersion due to the clogged drains. You will no doubt find leaves and other debris clogging the drains when you clean them out.
3. make sure when you replace the motor you allow the connecting plug to dry out as well.
Beeville's post is the one I used and it is very detailed. You'll need a pulley puller and a can of WD40 or Liquidwrench as those pressed on wipers can be a real bear. I do not reccoment using a hammer as one slip may cost you a windshield.
I'll bet they come on every time you make a right turn!! Mine did it too. My GF would crack up laughing at it - I just got mad as hell
This will no doubt banish the wiper gremlin. 3 beer job- start to finish.
-97C5
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 13
From: Topeka, Kansas
Windshield wipers run at random
Thanks to everyone for the great responses (as usual...thhis forum is AWESOME!).
One question, if the wipoer motor is shorted out, why does it run and operate the blades?
Also, where can I get the control module? Do I have to go the the dreaded dealer?
Jim Hunt
One question, if the wipoer motor is shorted out, why does it run and operate the blades?
Also, where can I get the control module? Do I have to go the the dreaded dealer?
Jim Hunt
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 2
From: Chicago-NW Burbs Illinois
Here is the thread Roy was referring to: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...rocedures.html I'll be doing this in a week or so as well.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
My '99 FRC took a major soaking from a lawn speinkler head that blew off and dumped a lot of water right on the car. Ever since, the wipers run whenever they feel like it. Initially, the switch had no control at all. Now I can turn them on with the switch to the desired setting, but they still run whenever they feel like it with the switch off. Sometimes they seem to be activated by turning corners. Any suggestions?
