Front wipers stopped working

Hi all

Today the front windscreen wipers just stopped working. That is
except when engaging the washer, then they work as normal for a
couple of turns.
Tested the relays (by replacing them with a couple of spares).
Disconnected the multifunction handle (turnsignal, wiper, haz).
Opened it and measured the resistance on the circuit board between
RTN and MUX (as it said on the print, where the washer "carriage"
runs). The values are between 0 and 1,2. Is this correct ? The
carriage also have connection to ground.
Any suggestions to what to do now ?
It is a -96 Chrysler Grand Voyager 3.3L

Thanks
Per Martin

 

These 96 wipers are known to do some funny things. There are a few TSB's
about problems. Go back to your multifunction switch. On the switch
connector side recheck pins
________________
|1 2 3 4 5 6 7 |
| 8 9 10 11 12 |
---------------------
Sw position Pins Resistance
OFF 6-7 Max 1.0
Delay 1 6-7 1.91 K ohm +/- 5 ohm
D2 6-7 1.00 K ohm +/- 5
D3 6-7 617 ohm +/- 5
D4 6-7 389 ohm +/- 2
D5 6-7 256 ohm +/- 2
D6 6-7 156 ohm +/- 1
LOW 6-7 65.4 ohm +/- 0.5
HIGH 5-8 Max 1.0
WASH 8-11 Continuity

It is the BCM that takes these signals and controls the wiper. Besides
'wiper on' and 'Wiper high/low' relays, there is also an internal park
switch in the wiper motor to tell the BCM when it is in the down/parked
position. Failure of the park switch usually results in other symptoms like
won't shut off, or does not park - stops in middle of window when switched
off.

Also check for bad ground G101 on block about half way down transmission dip
stick.

 

Thanks Mike



The multifunction handle is accordingly to you spec. You wrote: <there is
also an internal park switch in the wiper motor to tell the BCM when it is
in the down/parked
position. Failure of the park switch usually results in other symptoms like
won't shut off, or does not park - stops in middle of window when switched
off.>

That's how my problem started. Could be fine one day and completely insane
an other day, until they now stopped working.

Any way of testing the park switch ? I will try anything to avoid replacing
the BCM ($1200 + work in Norway)



Per

 

I tried testing the park sw in the vehicle and was not too successful. The
sw operates so quickly when in operation that I could not get good reading
from either a digital or analog meter. I removed the wiper motor, opened the
switch cover and was able to clean the switch to get it working again.
However, within 6-8 months was acting up again. Replaced the motor for final
fix.

It's pins 4-7 on the wiper motor side connector. Should be continuity with
motor parked. It places a ground signal (that G300 previously mentioned)
onto the BCM to indicate parked position. Check continuity to ground on the
pin 7 harness side to verify G300 is good.

 

Mike
Sorry to trouble you again. I'm going to check the ground connectors
tomorrow (Saturday). You mentioned that the connector G101 is located on the
block, half way down the transmission dip stick (haven't looked for it yet),
but where is G300 located ? Is that the one that I behind the heater control
panel ?
I must get a service repair book. any suggestions for a good one ?

Thanks
Per

 

G300 is not so easy to find, hence checking it by a continuity check. If you
do need to find it, it is on what they call the left cowl panel - kind of
near the top of the park brake peddle, and in front of it. Just near the
large twin 36 way connectors that go through to the engine. Not so likely to
be a problem as G101 is, just by the nature of its location.

As far as manuals, Haynes and Chilton's are generally considered only
adequate, with much good info, but often missing the real important stuff
you need when you get into difficult problems like these. There is nothing
like the OEM or factory service manuals. Much more expensive, but worth
every penny when you fix a problem like this, and save the labour cost of
the repair. In this case most especially, the wiring diagrams are much
better. Also generally many more and much better diagrams of locations and
procedures.

 

I agree with Mike about the manuals (aftermarket vs. factory) - except
I'm more adamantly against the aftermarket manuals - especially for
electrical troubleshooting ("typical" schematics are often worse than no
schematics at all - a schematic either shows you which wire or pin to
look at or it doesn't - no in between).

There is also the option of an on-line AllData (www.alldata.com)
subscription for your vehicle which costs $25 for the first year on one
vehicle, $15 for each additonal vehicle and renewal after the first
year. With that, you get on-line access to the schematics and other
information right out of the FSM, and you get access to complete TSB's
specific to your vehicle.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with AllData other than being a happy,
paying user of their product.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")