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where to start with weird windshield wiper issue
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wags1970
New User
Jan 21, 2010, 9:01 AM
Post #1 of 5
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where to start with weird windshield wiper issue
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I've got a 92 GMC sierra that I am having weird issues with the windshield wipers. The other day I could not get it to shut off. The following day only one wiper would go up and down, and the one that was working, although the switch said it was off, it wasn't actually off. It would wipe really fast a few times, then stop, then nothing for a bit, then it would kick up again, then stop. Again, only the one wiper is working, the other one tries to move but it can't. where is my starting point for diagnosing this? seems like if the wiper motor was bad that neither wiper would move. Any ideas?
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nickwarner
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/ Moderator
Jan 21, 2010, 9:55 AM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: where to start with weird windshield wiper issue
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pop the wipers up in the air so they don't hit the windshield and see if both will turn. Most likely your non-moving wiper has stripped splines in it and cannot grab well enough to go up and down the window. As to your electrical gremlin, you either have a short in the motor (park circuit power jumping into the run circuit) or a short in the switch. If its the switch you will need a steering wheel puller and a lock plate depressor to get to it. Do you have access to a good shop manual with a lot of pictures or exploded views? This is a doable job for most anyone if they take their time and have a good manual with them. Post back if you need any more help.
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Sidom
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Jan 21, 2010, 12:55 PM
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Re: where to start with weird windshield wiper issue
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A real common problem on these is the circuit boards, they have a problem with their solder joints causing intermittent connection problems similar to what you are experiencing. Common enough where just the boards are available at most part stores & very easy to install. You can do it without even removing the motor.
It's in the $20 to $40 range.........
The one wiper issue sounds like a spline problem Nick has already covered
(This post was edited by Sidom on Jan 21, 2010, 1:00 PM)
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wags1970
New User
Jan 22, 2010, 10:43 AM
Post #4 of 5
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Re: where to start with weird windshield wiper issue
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today I put up the windshield wipers like you guys suggested and saw the arm moving on both of them. so does that mean its a bad spline? How do I get the wiper off? I didn't want to pry on it and brake anything before asking? what do I need to do to correct this issue?
regarding the circuit issue, its still acting flaky. seems if i disconnect the battery and reconnect it, I can start the truck and the wipers will not come on automatically. only after I engage the wipers does it seem to start up and not want to shut off. I can try replacing the circuit board, I'm assuming the pic you showed me is under the cover on the wiper motor itself? I hope I don't have to get at the steering wheel, I don't have a puller, and I have limited tools and time to do too much. taking it to a repair station really isn't an option. this truck is more or less a plow truck. But I do need to have both wipers working for when I'm plowing, so I need to get it resolved. I can live with the wipers not wanting to shut off, I can always pull the fuse for it. but I need to get that stuck wiper going. thankfully its on the passenger side,but I won't have ample visibility plowing if its not working. appreciate the help!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 22, 2010, 5:04 PM
Post #5 of 5
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Re: where to start with weird windshield wiper issue
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As both have said - the circuit board was a problem on these AND you no doubt have a striped wiper arm. It's splined to grab and if forced against snow or ice it can strip. Just hope it's the arm and not the male splines as a replacement arm is nothing to replace.
Get them to PARK position some how. Bet the one that was trouble (slipping) can be moved by hand with vehicle off! There should be a tab that when pried outward will allow removal of the whole arm exposing the driving splined male part.
The little tab will look like below and should pry out with a screwdriver...........
Yours may not look exactly like that and may have a holed tab - same idea.
While removed look at the female part and see if it looks striped - bet is yes and a new arm (junkyard or ask at parts store) would solve that much.
Make a habit of leaving wiper up when snow or ice is expected so if they aren't free yet this won't happen again. Ask at parts for that resistor pack that Sidom showed. If he said it's easy it is so remove cover - can't remember if you need do more than squeeze or what exactly as the first one of these was a surprise and I tossed the whole motor and GM paid for it later under recall! No harm in asking about that either as it may still be covered.
Not sure but I don't think right and left wiper arms are the same so get the correct one. If in trouble right now till you get the parts, Rain-X is a good bet but has to go on a dry windshield. FYI - I use Rain-X but not on windshield as it can cause a ratchet of wipers in all but steady rain and near impossible to remove but try carefully when fixed to clean windshield with brake cleaner or carb cleaner to remove Rain-X. I do like it for side and back windows,
T
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