Not the typical wiper problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Not the typical wiper problems
Please help. I'm having the dreaded C5 windshield wiper problems.
I've read all the old posts and the stickys.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ak-checks.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...iper-arms.html
I've cleaned and modified my udders and I've replaced the wiper motor - but I still can't get the wipers to park where they are supposed to go.
I'm pretty sure it's not incorrect reinstallation of the wiper arms themselves. It's something else. (see attachment).
When you turn your windshield wipers OFF, the wiper motor turns counter-clockwise.
This causes the yellow arm to move 4-5 mm and jam against the red post.
Then the motor rotates and parks the wipers lower down your windshield.
My problem is that the yellow arm never jams against the red post.
Either my yellow arm has been worn down to a size too small to catch the post.
Or maybe the yellow arm is supposed to be spring loaded - and mine isn't.
Also, I can't find the 'cam assembly' available for sale new or used.
Not on e.bay, not at Eckler's, not at Mid America.
Anyone ?
I've read all the old posts and the stickys.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ak-checks.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...iper-arms.html
I've cleaned and modified my udders and I've replaced the wiper motor - but I still can't get the wipers to park where they are supposed to go.
I'm pretty sure it's not incorrect reinstallation of the wiper arms themselves. It's something else. (see attachment).
When you turn your windshield wipers OFF, the wiper motor turns counter-clockwise.
This causes the yellow arm to move 4-5 mm and jam against the red post.
Then the motor rotates and parks the wipers lower down your windshield.
My problem is that the yellow arm never jams against the red post.
Either my yellow arm has been worn down to a size too small to catch the post.
Or maybe the yellow arm is supposed to be spring loaded - and mine isn't.
Also, I can't find the 'cam assembly' available for sale new or used.
Not on e.bay, not at Eckler's, not at Mid America.
Anyone ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Hey Brian,
I'd have to double check how the linkage is but I do believe that "yellow" arm should be spring loaded and that could very well be your problem.
Have you tried holding the arm to have it hit the post to see if they will park correctly then?
I'd have to double check how the linkage is but I do believe that "yellow" arm should be spring loaded and that could very well be your problem.
Have you tried holding the arm to have it hit the post to see if they will park correctly then?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I just went through this myself this past weekend. First, the cam position the manual shows for the parked position is wrong. It is 180 out. The slot should be at the bottom and the hole at the top near the pin. If you use the search feature you will find a picture that shows the correct position.
The second problem is the motor is not correctly indexed to the cam. With the linkage disconnected cycle the motor through all the functions (pulse, intermittent, high, low) and ensure the motor stops in the same position every time. If not the motor is bad. If it checks out good reattach the linkage and give it a try. If it still doesn't park properly and work correctly in all functions don't panic, you need to reindex. Set the wiper switch to intermittent on the slowest setting. When the wipers cycle to the stopped position turn the ignition switch off, disconnect the cam assembly and rotate it 180 degrees and reattach. Your wipers should then function normally.
Good luck.
Here is the post that will explain how the cam is supposed to look. The picture is at the end.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...iper-arms.html
The second problem is the motor is not correctly indexed to the cam. With the linkage disconnected cycle the motor through all the functions (pulse, intermittent, high, low) and ensure the motor stops in the same position every time. If not the motor is bad. If it checks out good reattach the linkage and give it a try. If it still doesn't park properly and work correctly in all functions don't panic, you need to reindex. Set the wiper switch to intermittent on the slowest setting. When the wipers cycle to the stopped position turn the ignition switch off, disconnect the cam assembly and rotate it 180 degrees and reattach. Your wipers should then function normally.
Good luck.
Here is the post that will explain how the cam is supposed to look. The picture is at the end.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...iper-arms.html
Last edited by Mark C5; Jul 15, 2010 at 08:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
I did hold the arm out (with a screw driver) and the blades parked correctly.
Is there a separate spring to hold the arm?
Or does the big spring wrapped around the cam hold the arm?
I've worked on this for more than a week now.
I'm serioulsy considering an $8,000 dealer trade towards a new 5.0 Mustang.....uggh !!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
don't panic, you need to reindex. Set the wiper switch to intermittent on the slowest setting. When the wipers cycle to the stopped position turn the ignition switch off, disconnect the cam assembly and rotate it 180 degrees and reattach. Your wipers should then function normally.
I'm aware of the cam position being 180 degrees off.
I've tried all combinations and all cam positions.
I know my wipers are placed correctly - because one never came off and I pre-marked the windshield.
For me (I think) it's all about that 'yellow arm' and if it needs to be spring loaded to catch the 'red post'.
Any more thoughs ?
Thanks again.
