Topic: Slow Wipers on 1979 Corvette
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Lifetime MemberWetumpka, AL - USA
Joined: 1/9/2014
Posts: 27
Vette(s): 1975 Stingray Coupe
2014 Stingray Convertible
I have a 79 Corvette that my wiper speed is extremely slow. Is the
motor bad? I replaced the switch no change. Anyone ever have this
problem as to why the speed is so slow. Please help me figure this out. Thank you in advance because I am sure someone has seen this before.
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I have a similar issue with my sons 78 that he just got this past weekend. The wipers only work if the hood is open and then they sound like they are about to die. Sounds Like a spring pops with each rotation. When I close the hood they stop completely and it looks like they will hit the hood when they do start moving. It is an stock hood. Has anyone had this issue or have any advice. Thanks
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Slow wiper speed can be due to a worn wiper motor, but could also be due to binding transmissions(the pivots for the wiper arms). I would suggest removing the linkages from the wiper motor, and see if the motor still runs slow or not. Then move the wiper arms by hand and see if they feel like they are binding.
Verify that you do have a FULL 12v(or battery voltage) at the wiper motor, also.
As to the wiper arms hitting on the hood, that tells me the wiper blades/holders have been replaced with the incorrect replacements that are too tall to fit under the hood with it closed. This is a problem with a LOT of aftermarket wiper blades. The only solution is to get the proper wiper blades/holders.
Verify that you do have a FULL 12v(or battery voltage) at the wiper motor, also.
As to the wiper arms hitting on the hood, that tells me the wiper blades/holders have been replaced with the incorrect replacements that are too tall to fit under the hood with it closed. This is a problem with a LOT of aftermarket wiper blades. The only solution is to get the proper wiper blades/holders.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Adams' Apple said: Slow wiper speed can be due to a worn wiper motor, but could also be due to binding transmissions(the pivots for the wiper arms). I would suggest removing the linkages from the wiper motor, and see if the motor still runs slow or not. Then move the wiper arms by hand and see if they feel like they are binding.
Verify that you do have a FULL 12v(or battery voltage) at the wiper motor, also.
As to the wiper arms hitting on the hood, that tells me the wiper blades/holders have been replaced with the incorrect replacements that are too tall to fit under the hood with it closed. This is a problem with a LOT of aftermarket wiper blades. The only solution is to get the proper wiper blades/holders.
Verify that you do have a FULL 12v(or battery voltage) at the wiper motor, also.
As to the wiper arms hitting on the hood, that tells me the wiper blades/holders have been replaced with the incorrect replacements that are too tall to fit under the hood with it closed. This is a problem with a LOT of aftermarket wiper blades. The only solution is to get the proper wiper blades/holders.
I went ahead and just replaced the motor and the wiper blades with original ones. Definitely more clearance under the hood. The new makes it better but it seems to run the same on all speeds. Not sure why. I found the reason they would only work when the hood was up was because of a plunger that when pushed the wipers won't work. I does anyone know what this is or why.
Wiper Pic
(modified large image to link-aapple)
|UPDATED|12/24/2015 8:03:49 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Geeeez Gary....
That switch is for the alarm system...it has nothing to do with the wipers, unless someone has been messing around with the wiring for some reason. It's possible someone has used that switch as a ground for the wipers....you may need to start tracing the wires on the switch, and see where it goes.
That switch is for the alarm system...it has nothing to do with the wipers, unless someone has been messing around with the wiring for some reason. It's possible someone has used that switch as a ground for the wipers....you may need to start tracing the wires on the switch, and see where it goes.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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