Windshield wiper only runs when using washer '96 T&C

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Fieronut, Nov 16, 2006.

  1. Fieronut

    Fieronut Guest

    The above problem has bothered me for almost a year..but not much rain in
    TX so it didn't bother me much. But with winter coming on, where do I
    start? Switch? Relay? Motor? And when I press the washer button, the
    speed of the wipers is determined by the speed setting of the wipers. In
    other words, when it's set on fast, even tho it doesn't work normally, it
    runs fast with the washers. And slow...slow. Very frustrating! TIA,
    John
     
    Fieronut, Nov 16, 2006
    #1
  2. Fieronut

    Steph Guest

    Somewhat common problem in the '96-98 year models.
    Also appears as a "phantom wiper" operation, where the blades wipe once
    or twice without any intervention (and for no reason).

    I had a '97 dodge with the above problem.
    Most often the causes I heard about were:
    steering wheel clockspring
    ground to passenger side wiper motor
    ground wire somewhere that escapes me currently
    bad BCU

    Once my wipers quit altogether (except sometimes with the washer like
    yours) I opted to trade it in. I am in southern California, so also not
    often much need for wipers, but we do get a bit of fog and mist and it
    got annoying.

    Good luck!
     
    Steph, Nov 16, 2006
    #2
  3. Fieronut

    Bill Putney Guest

    First step is get schematics for the wiper assembly (from a real FSM -
    not from an aftermarket manual - you can buy an FSM, get the dealer to
    photocopy the appropriate page(s) after you look at theirs and pick out
    the pertinent page (s), or get an on line alldata.com subscription for
    your vehicle - on-line availability if all schematics specific to your
    vehicle right out of the FSM come with the subscription). Second step
    is, from the schematics, logically determining what could fail that
    would cause the symtoms. Third step would be to narrow it down and
    pinpoint the cause with a multimeter and good troubleshooting skills.

    Obviously the motor itself is OK, and the path that provides voltage to
    the motor from pressing the washer button is good, but the main path for
    normal wiper running has a problem.

    Bill Putney
    (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
    address with the letter 'x')
     
    Bill Putney, Nov 17, 2006
    #3
  4. Fieronut

    Fieronut Guest

    Sounds like a deal. I have the FSM and can check it. I just thot if it
    was a common problem, as it seems to be, someone might have a quick fix.


    Thanx.
    John
     
    Fieronut, Nov 17, 2006
    #4
  5. Fieronut

    Bill Putney Guest

    Yep - good deal. You're welcome.

    Bill Putney
    (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
    address with the letter 'x')
     
    Bill Putney, Nov 18, 2006
    #5
  6. I have the same problem I think. I only got part of this thread.

    The wipers on my 96 T&C are very picky about when they will work. The
    washer does make them activate. They work some times. I changed out
    the whole turn signal arm assembly and it seemed to work for a short
    time, but I think it was just a fluke.

    Have you found out what this may be?
     
    Just Me (remove, Nov 19, 2006
    #6
  7. I have the same problem I think. I only got part of this thread.

    The wipers on my 96 T&C are very picky about when they will work. The
    washer does make them activate. They work some times. I changed out
    the whole turn signal arm assembly and it seemed to work for a short
    time, but I think it was just a fluke.

    Have you found out what this may be?
     
    Just Me (remove, Nov 19, 2006
    #7
  8. Fieronut

    philthy Guest

    checking the wipers to see if they work on spray is a step in troubleshooting
    the wipers when they are inop. it's in the service manual
    there is a tsb for testing the system since there has been so big time issues
    with the wiper system so i would first check for fault codes in the bcm then
    go from there so parts are not thrown at it.
     
    philthy, Nov 20, 2006
    #8
  9. Does anyone have this TSB?

    26-07-99D JUL 99 Wipers/Washers - Wiper System Test Revisions
     
    Just Me (remove, Nov 28, 2006
    #9
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