Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Weird Wiper Behavior

Around two weeks ago, my wipers became haunted.

They would move perhaps 20 or 30 degrees of arc, stop for ten seconds or so and then move another 30 degrees and stop, all of their own accord. Once they reached the end of their travel, they would return and complete two more passes normally before returning to their rest position. A minute or so later the cycle would begin anew.

While this was happening, I could here the relay clicking under the dash. I grabbed the manual, identified the relay in the fuze box and yanked it. The removal of this relay (R16) affected ONLY the wash and wipe and intermittent speed functions of the wipers. The two full time wipe speeds continued to function normally. I stopped at a local dealer and bought a new relay for $16 and popped it in. The problem fixed, I patted myself on the back for performing a cheap and speedy diagnosis without a trip to the servce dept.

Now two weeks later, the washer motor comes on by itself and stays on, draining the reservoir if left to its own devices. I had to pull circuit breaker 21 from the fuze box to stop it. This completely disables my wipers however and with all the rainy weather I can't afford to leave it this way.

So, has anyone had this happen to them? This second problem has the wash and wipe function in common with the first problem, so I wonder if this means I need a new wiper control/switch stalk? I dunno...

confused, tnv2001

Your symptoms sound illogical enough to indicate a possible wiring problem relating to possible broken insulation, water inside connectors, connector pin corrosion, etc.,....my $.02....

There is a plug-in module on our cars that Hmmmmmmmmmmmm"Timer module????? Horseydug might remember? My computer is about to die MSI motherboard Only 1- 1/2 years old is going south the had to do a Format and re-load JEEZE!!!!!!!!!!
Anyhow there are other operations in the car that also are effected.
I've got to run to the Lawyer office Hang in there someome will get back to you. I know theere are several on hear that have had similiar, mine has not but I'm sure it will happen eventually??? Everything I own seems to be acting weird good OLE lighnting storms?
Paul

Thanks for the replies!

The other possibility that has been suggested by two different dealers is that the 'multi-function' wiper/washer intermittent wiper switch/control stalk might need to be replaced. This is a $133.00 gamble however.

I unplugged the washer reservoir motor today at the dealers' lot, unintentionally dislodging the motor and draining the reservoir in the process. Fortunately the reservoir was already mostly empty.

So has anyone had this 'multi-function' device fail with similar symptoms?

Little more to check out.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=304146&Forum=trouble&Words=Timer%20module&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=3months&Main=303830&Search=true#Post304146


Paul

Thanks, I printed out the test instructions and went out to the car. Passes with flying colors so I assume the problem lies elsewhere.

I took a tour of the wiring around the fuze box and inside the engine compartment today with a flashlight. This was a good thing to check as we had some rat problems in this neighborhood two years ago and I knew (from the food the left on the manifold/my god what is that smell?) that one or two had been up there.

I'm tempted just to go out and purchase the switch. Although it *feels* ok to me.

I doubt that it's possible for the washer fluid pump to fail in such a way that it would stay on all the time. Please correct me if I am wrong as this is a much less expensive part.

Could be the switch (should be about $55 from autoparts store, just as good as motorcraft part). The stock turn signal switch and wiper switchs are crap. They look made to wear out, so I wouldn't be suprised if that's it.

Car info always of interest and sometimes relevant.

Windshield washer motor receives its power from central timer module and the operation of the wash function on the wiper/washer switch provides the ground to complete the circuit and cause motor operation. A ground on the P/W wire between the connector at the motor and the wiper/wash switch would cause the symptoms you are experiencing.

Disconnecting the 11 pin connector at wiper/washer switch should not affect the rogue operation if a ground the cause. If rogue operation ceases then internal switch fault would be prime suspect. Terminals 10/11 are wash motor contacts and should not conduct until wash switch operated.

As a precation battery to be disconnected for at least a minute, before working on steering column, to ensure air bag back-up power is discharged. Battery must be reconnected and ignition on to test washer.

Took it for another test spin this morning. It's been relatively dry for the past two days and I've been hoping that if my problem was dampness related that it might dry out.

As usual, within 2-3 minutes after starting the car, the stream of water from the washers resumed. Playing with the wash/wipe switch revealed that pulling it toward me and holding it would actually STOP the washers, contrary to its normal operation. The wipers themselves worked as they should. Once I released the switch the stream of water (i got tired of putting fluid in there) resumed. Once or twice the flood quit and the washers functioned normally, i.e. only when activated (!).

This disposes me to favor the switch diagnosis. If this were a short down the line I would think that the switch position would have no effect, but I may be wrong. I have not tried disconnecting the multi function altogether but may do so later today.

Ok, disconnected multi function wiper switch altogether. Ran car for about ten minutes without washer coming on.

Conclusion: wiper multi function switch (he hopes!)