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Topic: Wipers dont wipe

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/1/08 5:32pm Message 1 of 7
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burleson, TX - USA
Joined: 8/30/2008
Posts: 58
Vette(s): 78 silver anniversary L82 black int
Ive traced the voltage throughout the wiper system. All seems good to the wiper motor.  When switch is on I only get a click.
Any Ideas before I order a new motor??



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Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/1/08 9:04pm Message 2 of 7
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
Check the ground at the wiper switch.  Our C3 wipers are always hot with the key on, and are turned on by controlling the ground with the wiper switch.  It the switch is not grounded where it mounts, not a seperate ground wire, the wipers wont work.


Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/2/08 6:09am Message 3 of 7
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York, SC - USA
Joined: 9/4/2005
Posts: 534
Vette(s): 1974 mille miglia red with oxblood interior 355ci, 320hp
not to hijack the thread but can you tell me how/where the switch is grounded?


Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/2/08 6:14am Message 4 of 7
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burleson, TX - USA
Joined: 8/30/2008
Posts: 58
Vette(s): 78 silver anniversary L82 black int
My diagram shows a dark blue wire going to ground but I havent found the end yet.


Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/2/08 10:19am Message 5 of 7
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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 switch grounds itself to the dash/gauge panel it is attached to. So...if the switch is loose, or the panel is not screwed into the metal of the dash nice & tight, the switch won't provide a ground for the wipers. More than one person has spent many hours attempting to check wiper operation with the dash apart, give up, put everything back together, and NOW the wipers work!
Make sure the switch is properly attached to the dash panel before anything else. Some folks will run a separate ground from the metal of the dash up to one of the screws on the switch...that way it always has a ground, in case the dash/gauge panel loosens up...Adams' Apple2008-09-02 10:20:19


Joel Adams
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Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/2/08 11:16am Message 6 of 7
Former Member
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burleson, TX - USA
Joined: 8/30/2008
Posts: 58
Vette(s): 78 silver anniversary L82 black int
Add me to the list.......put everything back together and now they work. It had to be exactly what you meantioned. Just reconnecting must have secured the ground.
 
Thanks again,     You always have the answers



Wipers dont wipe

Posted: 9/2/08 7:34pm Message 7 of 7
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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
Well now...I do NOT always have all the answers...but I can lie or make something up with the best of them!

Glad ya got them working, anyway. This is how we learn...trial and error. We've ALL been right where you are at some point.

Go forth, Grasshopper, and share your knowledge with others...


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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