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Posted on Dec 22, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Windshield Wiper Not Working Properly

Hi there. I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban. The wipers are not working properly. The intermittent wiper control and the low speed wiper control do not work at all. The high speed works, but when you turn them off, the wipers stop immediately, they do not reset back down to the bottom of the window. The washer fluid spray works fine also. The cruise control, which is located on the same post of the column also works fine. Could this be a relay switch problem, or a wiper motor problem. If it's a relay switch problem, any help on how to change that would be appreciated.
Thanks
Chris

  • 11 more comments 
  • tnkrbellqtpi Dec 22, 2008

    I had the same problem with my 94 Jeep G.C. I think my dad said it was the wiper motor. But it may be the relay. I know that wasnt much help. Try going to your closest Chevy dealer and ask them what they think. I personally think it might be the relay. Just because if it was the motor, I dont think the wipers would work at all. I hope this helps.

  • qwaylude Dec 23, 2008

    I have the exact same problem.

  • Anonymous Dec 26, 2008

    I have exactly the same issue on my 2002 Suburban. Am going to take it in to the Chevy dealer and will post upon return

  • djdebaun Jan 04, 2009

    wipers intermittent... sometimes they will not start untill the wiper motor, under the hood is hit whith palm of hand, sometimes rotating wiper control switch/curse control switch/washer button is pressed. Sometimes they do not stop at the correct position, must start and stop them several times to get them to syncronize.



    Very frustrating..... it doesn't rain that much in AZ but when it does you have better chances of winning the lottery than the wipers working!

  • Anonymous Jan 05, 2009

    When I first turn the Wind Shield Wipers [WSW] on, they go smooth; then they start working strangely and I can hear them banging and hitting the hood side loudly ! Does anyone know why and how to fix?

  • cwild974 Jan 06, 2009

    Well, I finally fixed it. And WOW, was this an easy one. All I had to do was replace the wiper module/circuit board. I bought it at Advance Auto for $30. It's located under the hood, on the fire wall on the drivers side. You really can't miss it. Remove the 3 screws that hold the cover plate in place, remove the cover plate, unplug the old module and remove. Put in the new module, replace the cover plate and the 3 screws and plug it in. That's it...fixed. It really is that easy. The job took under 5 minutes to do. Hope this works with you guys that are having similar problems!

  • Anonymous Jan 07, 2009

    I have a 1998 GMC Sierra that is doing the same thing...wont work on intermittent or low & now even on the high they are beginning to work only sometimes...which part should I try to fix first??

  • Anonymous Mar 19, 2012

    Have had the same issues with our Suburban wipers, we went as far as replacing the cruise, wiper, blinker control on the steering wheel that did not work could not find a solution to fix problem until I read your solution of replacing the circuit board as you suggested an our problem was fixed. Thank you very much it was as easy and as quick as you said.

  • Anonymous Mar 16, 2014

    power windows, power seats, and heated seats work intermittently. They all stop at the same time and then will start back up at the same time. It's like they are getting a low voltage, you can here them click. Is there a relay that controls all three of this accessories ?

  • Anonymous Mar 20, 2014

    my 2008 Subaru Impreza has a 3-position switch with a dialer force control it only works on high speed all the way downthe wipers wont even work when I go to spray the windshield what could the problem be

  • Anonymous Mar 20, 2014

    where is the relay located for the windshield wiper settings

  • Anonymous Mar 25, 2014

    i have a 1999 buick century. wipers only work on fast speed and not on intermittent. i have replaced accessory switch.

  • Anonymous Mar 30, 2014

    want to wiring in wipers to column control

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  • Posted on Jan 08, 2009
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Well sure enough all I had to do was replace the circuit board...wish I had done this a couple months ago...it was so easy to do and will now be much easier to drive with being able to see clearly again....

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  • Posted on Jun 19, 2016
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There were bad solder problems in wiper electrical boards in many Chevy trucks in late 90's and 00's. Handy folks can take board off and solder all connections to connector contacts but replacing the board is also good.

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Wiper module right on the motor looses a contact connection. Easy to replace just that in about a half hour. Should be able to get at any parts store. It takes unplugging the wiring and 2 or 3 screws and its off ready to install the new one.

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  • Posted on Feb 18, 2012
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I have a 2005 chevy colorado truck, my winshield wipers stopped working my car company checked the fuses under the hood and add a wire to tested it and they started working he say it not getting the power from motor to the switch.my turn signals still work fine.Do i need to replace the windshield wiper control switch or could there be a wire loose?

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alicantecoli

Colin Stickland

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  • Posted on Oct 23, 2009

SOURCE: Loss of Intermittent Wiper speed on a Geo Metro

could be either but i would go for the relay first

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Apr 04, 2011

SOURCE: When I pull back wiper

If someone did some rewiring or connections there might be an error somewhere. If none was made, inspect the relays. Inspect first the relay box for physical damage such us loose or bad terminals or wires that are loose or has bad insulation. It may be a bad relay. Inspect the wiper switch inside the steering column for bad terminals or bad wiring.

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2007 Chevy equinox windshield wiper fluid goes to the back window when I push the front windshield wiper, but



"If the windshield wiper fluid of your Chevy Equinox ends up on the rear window instead of the windshield, there could be several possible causes:

Damaged or incorrectly connected windshield wiper fluid tube: The tube that carries the windshield wiper fluid from the reservoir to the base of the front windshield wiper may be damaged or not connected properly, causing the fluid to leak elsewhere.

Clogged windshield wiper fluid outlet: The outlet of the windshield wiper fluid on the base of the front windshield wiper may be clogged with dirt or debris, causing the fluid to flow onto another part of the car, such as the rear window.

Windshield wiper system issues: There may be a problem with the windshield wiper system of your Chevy Equinox that causes the fluid to leak onto other parts of the car instead of the windshield."

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2004 Chevy Aveo LS. What to do if my wipers on my car are not WORKING properly?

Hi roberto ismael luna, I want to help you with your question, but I need more information from you. Can you please add details in the comment box?
what country,? (the vary by....this)
those parts swaps are they OEM new or used.?
that failure is called auto park.
traditionally that is only function of the
whole wiper assembly (not motor neat) as the assembly casing has switches, to do that.
it is a safety issues. to the wipers do not stick and block your view down the road.
sure the list of possibles.
1: control arm ,mostly no. (wiper)
2: wiper, whole assembly , not just motor.
3; fuses
4: relays
5: bad wiring.
6: controllers, BCM etc?

I say #2 is bad and exactly this part black at blue arrow, CAM box
the motor is not bad ,the switch cam, does AUTO PARK.
use only NEW parts. not pulls or salvage , or Pro grade Refurbs
for CARDONE 1
wiper1-undefined-undefined-0.jpg
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2009 Pontiac G6 Pulse setting on wipers. When on pulse the wiper goes halfway. After the next interval they go the remainder then return properly.

You didn't take into account the wiper switch is a input to the BCM - body control module ,or do you know that ? The BCM controls wiper one an wiper two relay's to turn on the wipers .
Wondering if it is the PCB or perhaps a physical problem? Guessing never finds the problem . Reading how they work in factory service repair info should be the first step for someone that doesn't know .
Intermittent Operation
Windshield wiper DELAY operation is a low speed wiper motor function with a variable delay interval between the wiper motor cycles. The DELAY interval is determined by a series of 5 resistors within the wiper/washer switch. During DELAY wiper operation, the signal circuit voltage is further reduced through the DELAY resistors. The body control module (BCM) monitors the voltage on the signal circuit to determine the delay interval between the low speed wiper motor cycles.
If the wiper switch is moved from a longer delay interval to a shorter delay interval, the BCM will command an immediate wipe cycle and reset the delay timer to the shorter delay interval.
Additionally, intermittent wiper operation is vehicle speed sensitive. As vehicle speed is increased or decreased, the wiper interval will also increase or decrease.

Low Speed Operation
When the wiper switch is in the Low position, voltage is supplied through an internal resistor to the signal circuit. The body control module (BCM) monitors the windshield wiper switch signal 1 circuit and energizes the wiper 1 relay which will operate the windshield wiper motor. The wiper motor will operate at low speed, since the wiper 2 relay is de-energized. Low speed can also be commanded with a scan tool by commanding Wiper Relay Cmd. ON and OFF.
High Speed Operation
In the High position, the windshield wiper/washer switch supplies voltage to both the wiper 1 and wiper 2 relay coils. This energizes both relays and allows battery voltage from the wiper 1 relay switched output to the switched input of the wiper 2 relay through its contacts and out the switched output of the wiper 2 relay to the high speed circuit of the windshield wiper motor. The windshield wiper motor will operate at high speed. During HIGH speed wiper motor operation, the wiper switch signal circuit is at the LOW speed signal voltage, and the body control module (BCM) supplies redundant voltage to the wiper relay via the wiper diode.

Wiper/Washer System Components
The Wiper/Washer System consists of the following components:
• Windshield wiper/washer switch
• Body control module (BCM)
• Wiper 1 relay
• Wiper 2 relay
• Wiper diode
• Windshield wiper motor
• Windshield washer pump
• Windshield washer nozzles
• Windshield washer solvent container
• Windshield wiper arm and blade assemblies
• Windshield wiper transmission
• WIPER/SW 10A fuse
• WIPER 25A fuse
Refer to Master Electrical Component List.

DTC B3715 02: Front Wiper Relay Drive Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B3715 05: Front Wiper Relay Drive Circuit Short to Battery or Open

Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop.
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Have someone check the connections from the harness connector to the wiper control board to see if the solder joints have deteriorated. Might need to be re-soldered.
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WINDSHIELD WIPERS


It can be faulty wiper motor or blown wiper control fuse.


Do you hear any kind of noise when you starter the wiper function. If yes then fuse is ok, but issue is wiper motor.

If no movement at all and no noise then its blown fuse or shorted/loose wiper control wiring: -----

For complete troubleshooting i suggest you few helpful links with accurate solutions.

-------------

Click the link below: -------


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http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/1993-ford-f350-wipers-not-working.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-windshield-wiper-motor.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/wipers-not-workingbut-hear-relay-click.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-windshield-wiper-gets-power-for.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-does-cars-windshield-wiper-system.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/1997-honda-protege-replace-wiper.html

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http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/windshield-wiper-fluid-container.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/where-is-wiper-fuse-located-on1993.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2002-toyota-sienna-wipers-and-passenger.html

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http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/complete-wiper-components-replacing.html

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These details will help.

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Where is fuse for wiper fluid pump on a 2003 cavalier?

It can be faulty wiper motor or blown wiper control fuse.


Do you hear any kind of noise when you starter the wiper function. If yes then fuse is ok, but issue is wiper motor.

If no movement at all and no noise then its blown fuse or shorted/loose wiper control wiring:-----

For complete troubleshooting i suggest you few helpful links with accurate solutions.

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Click the link below:-------

1993 Ford F350 wipers not working?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/1993-ford-f350-wipers-not-working.html

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How to Replace a Windshield Wiper Motor

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-windshield-wiper-motor.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/wipers-not-workingbut-hear-relay-click.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-windshield-wiper-gets-power-for.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2002-toyota-sienna-wipers-and-passenger.html

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It can be faulty wiper motor or blown wiper control fuse.


Do you hear any kind of noise when you starter the wiper function. If yes then fuse is ok, but issue is wiper motor.

If no movement at all and no noise then its blown fuse or shorted/loose wiper control wiring:-----

For complete troubleshooting i suggest you few helpful links with accurate solutions.

-------------

Click the link below:-------


Complete wiper components replacing details ?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/complete-wiper-components-replacing.html

------------



1993 Ford F350 wipers not working?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/1993-ford-f350-wipers-not-working.html

------------

How to Replace a Windshield Wiper Motor

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-windshield-wiper-motor.html

------------

Wipers not working, but hear relay click on Lincoln LS?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/wipers-not-workingbut-hear-relay-click.html

-----------

Car windshield wiper gets power for movement and stops?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-windshield-wiper-gets-power-for.html

----------

How does cars Windshield Wiper System Works

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-does-cars-windshield-wiper-system.html

---------

1997 Honda Protege: Replace Wiper Transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/1997-honda-protege-replace-wiper.html

----------------

Windshield wiper fluid container leaking?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/windshield-wiper-fluid-container.html

-----------------

Where is wiper fuse located on1993 chevrolet suburban

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/where-is-wiper-fuse-located-on1993.html

------------

2002 Toyota Sienna: Wipers and Passenger side Power window stopped working?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2002-toyota-sienna-wipers-and-passenger.html

-------------


These details will help.

Thanks.

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99 Suburban Windshield Wiper Issue.

It sounds to me as though both of the wipers have slipped. The operation of the wipers sounds fine except they do not park in the correct location. To fix this, start the wipers and then turn them off to ensure they think they are in the parked location. At the base of each wiper there is a small cover that can be easily removed with a small screwdriver. Underneath each cover you will see a nut. Loosen the nut somewhat and reposition each windshield wiper to the proper park location. Once done, tighten the nuts securely but do not over tighten, then reinstall the caps. Cycle your wipers on and off a few times to ensure the wipers park correctly. I have owned a lot of vehicles and ALL of my GM vehicles have had this problem.
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Winshield wipers dont work

To troubleshoot car windshield wiper problems, you need to thoroughly investigate problems with any of its operating parts. Here are some of the things that you need to check to determine why are your car windshield wipers not working.

Check Wiper Motor
The wiper motor is the driving force of the windshield wiper. Feel the motor and listen to a humming sound. If there is no humming, the motor is the problem. Check if the motor is working properly and see to it that its electrical connections are made properly. If you find that the motor is dead and beyond repair, get it replaced immediately.

Check For Break in Connecting Wires
The connecting wires of the motor sometimes go loose and that may cause the windshield wipers to stop working. Also check the battery plug connection which the motor has. Connecting the loose wires properly or fixing/replacing the plug might solve your problem.

Check Wiper Switch
Another wiper assembly part that can malfunction is the wiper switch itself. Check for switch malfunction and if you find that is indeed the problem, get it replaced from a mechanic.

Check for Bent Wiper Arms
Bent wiper arms can cause the operation of the wipers to be hampered. If the wiper arms are bent beyond repair, get them replaced immediately.

Check For Blown Out Car Fuse
A blown up car fuse could be the culprit that has stopped the windshield wipers from working. Check the fuse assembly under the dashboard of the car. Replacing a blown fuse might fix the problem of windshield wipers not working.

Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working - Things to Check

Sometimes the windshield wiper sprayer stops working which can be very annoying. The washer mechanism is a self cleaning mechanism for the windshield. Here are some of the things that you need to check in case it is not working.

Check Windshield Washer Motor
The windshield washer mechanism might have been impaired due to the malfunctioning of the wiper washer motor. Check if its working and get it replaced if it is beyond repair.

Check Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Sometimes the washer doesn't work because the washer fluid levels are not filled to requisite levels. Filling in fluid might restore normal functioning.

Check For Broken Washer Hose
The connecting washer hose that connects the reservoir to the nozzle, might be broken or worn out stalling the overall operation. Check the hose for leaks and get it replaced.

Check Washer Nozzle For Clogging
Last thing to check is the nozzle of the washer for clogging. An obstruction in the washer nozzle might be the reason for windshield wiper sprayers not working. Using a pin, clean the clogged nozzle. This might restore the sprayer to the normal working condition.
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