Topic: Wiper switch issues '80.
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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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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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.
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
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.
Only 34 years together
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
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.
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"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Lifetime Member #192
Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
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.
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.
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
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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