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Topic: Wiper switch issues '80.

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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Wiper switch issues '80. (1/7)
 1/30/15 2:16am
EDeBella
Former Member

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Edmonds, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1980. Black with T-Tops.


Joined: 9/21/2014
Posts: 46

Among the problems in my dashboard I am having a problemnwith my wipers.....which I believe trace to the switch. When i got the car from my dad a year ago the wipers would intermitently not activate. Some times they would work. Other times they would not activate in the slowest setting but would activate in the highest setting. Then if I backed down to the slowest settng it would work. At other times I could not get the wipers to start moving unless I pulled the switch downward into the single swipe setting then move it into the slowest or other constant on settings. Now they will not come on unless I push the switch in and activate them in the wash setting and nothing will make them stay on in any of the constant settings. I am presuming this is a switch with worn out contacts. Any experience with this particular problem, advice on getting at and replacing the switch if that is where the problem lies. Thanks.
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Re: Wiper switch issues '80. (2/7)
 1/30/15 12:27pm
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Do you have the "delay" wiper feature or just Hi Low Off?

If you have delay/intermittent/pulse (whatever term your familiar with) it's most likely the module that control is failing. Once the module fails you no longer have wipers. So if it is indeed the module, there are a couple ways of fixing it. One is find a OEM NOS module that costs stupid amounts of money...or Lectric Limited make a updated module for a third of the price...or get a bypass plug in unit for even cheaper. 

I put the updated module in mine a couple years ago for peace of mind on road trips. The pulse of the wipers is more steady that the OEM unit. 


______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


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Re: Wiper switch issues '80. (3/7)
 1/30/15 3:00pm
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

Mines done the same for 24+ years.  I'm rarely in the rain with it so it might only show up every couple of years.  I purchased a switch and called off the install when I tried to get in there to do it.  It's on the list of things to do.

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      Only 32 years together
Re: Wiper switch issues '80. (4/7)
 1/30/15 3:49pm
dads2vetteLifetime Member
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Ash Fork, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Red Interior White exterior


Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1052

If the relay isn't the problem Wilcox Corvette has a good video on YouTube that shows how to bench test the wiper motor and a "how to" document on repairing the switch.  I did all three of those things and discovered a bad ground(and eventually bad switch). Getting to the switch is the worst out of those options as a removal of the dash is probably in order.  I say probably because I'm not sure if you can reach the switch by just removing some of the driver side screws from the dash and trying to wiggle your hand in there...I couldn't.

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Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!!      Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"


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Re: Wiper switch issues '80. (5/7)
 1/31/15 12:29am
EDeBella
Former Member

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Edmonds, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1980. Black with T-Tops.


Joined: 9/21/2014
Posts: 46

From top to bottom switch positions....Hi low off ....single swipe when pushed down below off....then pushed inward is wiper fluid and three swipes.
Re: Wiper switch issues '80. (6/7)
 1/31/15 1:42am
tb2k82ceLifetime Member
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.


Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041

By the way if you have not replaced your dash be really careful as they can crack as you have to twist them a little to get them out.  Also some of the other plastic that you have to take off may break.  I had to replace my dash so I do not worry about that anymore I can pull my dash in about 2 easy hours.  

Even without the worry about breaking something, it is a pain so do make sure about the switch before you do the dash thing.
Re: Wiper switch issues '80. (7/7)
 1/31/15 9:31am
dwa175
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leesburg, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6


Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

just for fun  last year taking my 79 to resto shop it started  to rain  how do you put the wipers on ,   in 15 years I have used wipers,they worked not good but worked  just a story ,it may never see rain again  dwa
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