This problem is frustrating me. I have been dealing with windshield wipers that won't stop and park for years now. The problem previously was intermittent. The wipers continue at medium speed even after they are switched off. Initially I could get them to stop by cycling the washer fluid. At one point I noticed the washer pump was running all the time and I realized the switch was stuck. I freed it and the washer pump stopped. But I still occasionally had wipers that would either turn on for no reason at all randomly, or they would just not shut off after I had turned them on. I can vary the speed of them up, but I cannot vary the speed down, make them intermittent, or turn them off/park them.

Searching the web, everybody’s response is “clean your udders.” This doesn’t make any sense. Clogged drains don’t cause your wipers to run all the time. Damage to the control board might, but this damage would have already been done from the water, and simply unclogging them isn’t going to do anything. I did this anyway, and yes mine were clogged. As I expected, this did nothing. Other people have suggested replacing the wiper motor assembly. Because the motor was obviously working as the wipers work, I felt the problem must be due to the control board.

So I purchased a “ACDelco 12367295 GM Original Equipment Windshield Wiper Motor Pulse Board And Cover” from Amazon for $70. I was fully expecting this to solve my problem. I installed it and nothing. Same exact problem. Wipers still won’t stop.
This problem is driving me absolutely insane, and I’m not sure what to do next. I don’t want to keep throwing random parts at it without diagnosing where the problem is. Any ideas?

 

I'll look at this more when I get home. Sounds like the stalk switch may be your issue.


Mr. Sam

 

Yes, as I said the washer button was stuck previously causing the washer pump to run all the time, and I fixed that problem, but unfortunately continue to have the non-stop wipers. So looks like I had at least two concurrent problems contributing to the continuous wiper operation. Just need to find out what the other one is. I suppose I could try a replacement column from a junkyard, but would prefer to be able to diagnose where the problem is without continuing to shotgun the problem with parts. Just not sure what to check.

 

Actually- have you cleaned the udders? Or looked at the motor itself? Mine would run haywire (even when off) and randomly going all over the place. The motor was underwater due to the udders clogging. I wound up replacing the motor altogether (local parts store actually had it) and solved the problem.

 

a ghost .. same problem but replaced motor and allowed for a larger opening in the utters to avoid water backup to the motor and it was resolved .. it is amazing how much water can back up to submerge the motor

 

So this is where I was confused. I figured if the wiper control/motor assembly was damaged from water immersion causing it to run all the time, it must be a control issue and NOT a motor problem, because if the motor were damaged then it wouldn't work at all.

So this is why I only replaced the control board with the part number I referenced in the original post and re-used the original motor instead of buying the complete assembly.

Can anybody logically explain what would fail inside the motor (not the control board portion), that would cause the wipers to run but not to stop?

I.e., I don't want to buy a new motor also only to find it also doesn't solve the problem.

 

Exactly, that is why I didn't understand why people say to replace the motor. This is why I only replaced the control board (the AC Delco control board actually cost more than the entire assembly from a no-name brand!). So probably a column switch? I'll check the factory shop manual and see if there is a test procedure.

 

Sounds like a shotgun may be the only answer. Since you had problems with stalk before that is what I would try next. Maybe if you took it apart you may be able to see the problem. I would try a salvage yard stalk next. Good luck!

 

When my windshield wipers started coming on all the time, I traced the culprit to the wiper washer button. Even in its normal off position, it was turning on the wipers but not the washer. I removed the push button (there is a small spring that will fly out). With it removed, you can see two sets of contacts. Both circuits are on with the button removed so do this with power off. Separating the two sets of contacts with a small screw driver, I placed a small paper insulator between the contacts until I could replace the whole stalk. I never could figure out the defect in the little push button. You can trouble shoot by removing the stalk electrical connector, and checking the wiper connection. It should be an open circuit.
When I got the new stalk, I removed the push button and installed it. That fixed it. Just had to buy the whole stalk for the button, but did not have to replace the stalk.

My started intermittent also but just for a few weeks before going constant. That you could orginal fix it by pressing the button points to a possible let similar issue.

 

I had a lot of those issues.....first a autozone rebuilt failed, a cardone new from autozone wiper failed, replaced it with a new AC Delco no issues. Definitely clean and clip tips of all 3 udders to prevent future premature failure. The park issue is most likely the gold cam thingy that attachs to the motor, if not bend can try soaking in wd-40 then lubing up.

I have a known good wiper switch, if you are interested PM me.

 

My wipers started up and wouldn't shut off as well recently. Turns out it was the wiper/washer stalk button - the one on the very end of the control stalk. The plastic had aged and slightly cracked - it was jammed halfway pressed in. Releasing it fixed the problem... but if you take it out completely, it closes a circuit and your wipers and washer will remain on indefinitely.

Be careful as that button has a tiny spring or two under it - much smaller in diameter than those found in a ball point clicky pen, but about the same length - roughly an inch long. Anyway, after un-jamming mine, it's fine... but I'll probably end up replacing the entire stalk due to the failed button - or visit a junk yard and grab the button/springs off of it.

So, long story short, if your wipers won't turn off, check the washer button at the end of your control stalk. Mine was pushed in just enough to keep the wipers from shutting off, but not enough to trigger the washer circuit.