Topic: Wipers won't shut off!
in Forum: C4 Electrical
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Austin, TX - USA
Joined: 5/31/2013
Posts: 9
Vette(s): 1992 Corvette convertible - exceptionally low miles
My windshield wipers turn "on" properly when I move the stalk switch to "on', but when I then turn the switch to "off", they will NOT shut off.
My 1992 Corvette convertible has only 9500 miles on it (not a type, 9500 miles only), so it's not likely somehting has "worn out".
What could be causing this?
How do I fix it?
My friend who runs a car restoration business says that it is possible that the windshield wiper "module" is not working correctly, and that the cure would eb to replace that module. But, he has no idea of cost or where it is located on the C4 Corvettes.
Jim G
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
if you turn the key to off and back on do they stop then. the switch is most likely in the steering column. age and not miles can affect things. maybe some corrosion built up .
the dynamic duo
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Austin, TX - USA
Joined: 5/31/2013
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Vette(s): 1992 Corvette convertible - exceptionally low miles
Yes, if I turn the key off and then back on, yes, the wipers stop. (However, this is inconvenient at 60 mph! :) )
What does this tell us?
Jim G
What some people refer to as the wiper module OR wiper motor module is the wiper motor assembly. Your C4 has a switch, wiring and the wiper motor....there is no seperate relay or module. Typically if the wipers won't turn off and "park" the wiper motor itself is bad.
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Austin, TX - USA
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Vette(s): 1992 Corvette convertible - exceptionally low miles
SAYWHEN said: What some people refer to as the wiper module OR wiper motor module is the wiper motor assembly. Your C4 has a switch, wiring and the wiper motor....there is no seperate relay or module. Typically if the wipers won't turn off and "park" the wiper motor itself is bad.
Before I go buy a new wiper motor: Is there any chance that the switch on the steering column stalk is the problem, or not?
Jim G
my 90 does the same, turns on but has a mind of its own when i turn them off, they may turn off straight away or upto 30or so more wipes.from what ive read on other forums, water seeps in under the hood and finds its way to the switch on the stem,dont know what the solution is but dont rush off and buy another wiper motor in a hurry.
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Austin, TX - USA
Joined: 5/31/2013
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Vette(s): 1992 Corvette convertible - exceptionally low miles
The fix turned out to be easy in my case:
I bought a CD version of the 1992 service manual, and read the wiper section thorughly, especially the diagnostic table. That table says that when the wipers won't shut off, the cause is most likely a defective park switch. But, my reading of other forum psotings suggests that the problem is not really a bad park switch itself, but rather a corrosion deterioriation of the electrical contact between the park switch and the motor assembly.
Early this morning, I unplugged the "Park switch" wiring plug from the driver side of the motor assembly, cleaned the terminals in it a bit, and plugged it back in. The wipers now shut off properly.
This weekend, I plan to do a more thorough cleaning of BOTH the plug and the receptacle on the motor assembly, using some tiny tool with electrical contact cleaner on it, then coat it generously with dielectric grease (to "waterproof" and protect from further corroison) and plug it back in. Then, apply more dielectric grease to the exterior of the "joint" where the plug plugs into the motor assembly. Hopefulyl, that will protect it a bit better.
It appears the underlying problem is that water gets into that plug / motor assembly interface, and corrodes the contacts until the electircla contact is no longer sufficient to work.
Note that my fix did NOT require taking the lid off the motor assembly, but merely unplugging the EXTERNAL wiring plug to the park switch that is mounted inside the motor assembly.
Jim G
Jim, good for you investigating further to find the cause and get it handled. And, thank you for posting your findings/results. This is the kind of valuable information we all appreciate!
~Laurie~
1985 and 1995 coupes:
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Austin, TX - USA
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Vette(s): 1992 Corvette convertible - exceptionally low miles
laurieb said: Jim, good for you investigating further to find the cause and get it handled. And, thank you for posting your findings/results. This is the kind of valuable information we all appreciate!
As forum members, we contribute, as well as consume, information! :)
The net results are better running Corvettes, lower repair and modifications costs, and comraderie, for ALL of us.
Jim G
in Forum: C4 Electrical
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