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Topic: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

in Forum: C3 Electrical

Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 3/27/13 9:47am Message 1 of 11
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Over the winter I pulled the dash out of my '69 to tidy up some of the work that was done during the actual restoration. Lights, etc, that didn't work before now work, but I cannot get the wipers, which were fine before, to come on. I've checked override switch under the dash and also under the hood--all good. Nothing under the hood was touched so I know it has to be under the dash. Fuse good, all wiring double checked. The only thing I haven't done is replace the relay. Ground wire missed somewhere?? Wire from ignition switch??? Help! I'm pulling my hair out, and I don't have that much to spare! Thanks in advance for any clues.


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Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 3/27/13 10:06am Message 2 of 11
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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
The most likely suspect is that you didn't get the wiper switch screwed back on completely, or the panel is loose. The wiper switch itself has to be grounded for the wipers to work. The switch screws into the metal trim panel, and then that screws into metal tabs on the dash. If any of those screws are not making proper contact, the wipers won't work. A lot of guys run a separate ground wire up to the switch, and put it between the switch and the trim panel, with the screw holding it all together. That way the switch will have a good ground.
Since you said you checked the over-ride switch, then I have to suspect the wiper switch is not grounded.


Joel Adams
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Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 3/27/13 10:22am Message 3 of 11
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OK thanks I will check that and let you know.


Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 3/27/13 11:22am Message 4 of 11
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OK tried that. Still nothing. sigh...


Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 3/27/13 5:38pm Message 5 of 11
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Zachary, LA - USA
Joined: 1/27/2013
Posts: 201
Vette(s): 1974 L-48 Auto. Just your basic Vette. GM crate motor w/vortec heads and intake. Crane cam. Scorpion rockers, Edelbrock carb. Lots of parts still in boxes... :(
Did you unplug the wiper switch (remove the center stack)? When you plugged it in, is it possible that one of the three wires going to the switch got pushed out of the back of the switch, and isn't making contact any more? The terminal ends have a small barb on them that hold hem into the plastic plug housings. They can become bent over time and get pushed out.




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- Brother Dave Gardner

Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 4/5/13 3:21pm Message 6 of 11
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Still pulling my hair out on this. Did I miss a ground or something? I also had steering column apart during this project. Could that have something to do with it? Turn signals, etc all work OK.


Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 4/6/13 8:09am Message 7 of 11
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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
It may be a problem with the limit switch, under the wiper door outside, but why would that just stop working, if you were only working on the interior?
It's possible you loosened a connection under the dash while working on the column. Do you have a wiring diagram for the car? If not, I can send you one. I may also have some info on the wiper system, as far as how it works, and the components involved.



Joel Adams
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Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 4/15/13 8:32am Message 8 of 11
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Lancaster, PA - USA
Joined: 8/24/2008
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Vette(s): 1970 Green Convertible

Check to see if you have electric at the wiper motor using a voltmeter. If you have electric, then make sure the wiper door is raised up high enough to make contact with the relay. Make you checks with the engine running. Vacuum is a haunting nightmare.

Jan



Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 4/15/13 9:58am Message 9 of 11
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
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Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.
I've had this problem before.  There is a vacuum switch on the back of the tachometer (or maybe its the speedo) that you may have hooked back up wrong or didn't get the vacuum lines right.  It's a PITA to get to as you have to pull the speedo/tach panel out to get to it.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~dyndetail~Z5Z5Z50000036b~Z5Z5Z5AACRS~P79.95~~~~S3RG0RK7LT96226114924G~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000036b





   

Re: Wiper electrical issue on my '69

Posted: 4/15/13 3:42pm Message 10 of 11
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Canada
Joined: 6/19/2012
Posts: 230
Vette(s): 1975 Corvette 383 stroker w/Patriot 190 heads, Eagle stroker kit, Comp 279TH7 cam, DUI distributor, Edelbrock 7116 intake, Edelbrock 1806 carb, Hedman Hedders, TH400 w/TCI Breakaway 2400 stall, Transgo 1-2 shift kit.
My wipers quit working last year one day. Turned out to be a loose connection at the wiper motor. Took it apart, cleaned it and away it went. Worth a try.


 
Build Date: May 7, 1975. 383 w/267 RWHP/310 RWTQ

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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