Wiper problems

[wymjym]

Several months ago my mfs gave up the ghost..(the wipers worked now and then and very inconsistantly) I cleaned the insides and they almost worked okay (two of the speeds were a no-go), I bought a new mfs and installed it, all was well and everything worked just fine.

Then… my tranny went out and it basically took 6 weeks to get the car back (long story)
I now find that the washer portion of the switch does nothing (no wiper action no pump action). I pulled it apart to clean but it looks just fine, I then noticed that one of the contact strips doesn’t really allow for any contact (I think)
I’ve attached an image, can anyone tell me if this outer contact needs to be a bit higher in order to make contact or…is there some other problem that this picture might show?







Thanks in advance
wj

 

[firebat45]

I haven't taken apart my switch, but that outer contact is bent way out of shape and should be up close to the same level as the other contacts. Just bend it straight and it should be ok, but there may be another problem in the switch that led to the bent contact in the first place.

 

[Izzmo]

I'm interested in this. My wiper blades work, but sometimes they just go whenever they want even if they are on the slowest setting. So sometimes if it's on the slowest setting, it will be on constantly.. who knows.

 

[slowstuff]

I'm interested in this. My wiper blades work, but sometimes they just go whenever they want even if they are on the slowest setting. So sometimes if it's on the slowest setting, it will be on constantly.. who knows.

Mine does the same thing, it's like the settings set the minimum speed not so much the speed they go. As it never goes slow on high, but on low they just do whatever they feel like.

 

[wymjym]

it has been posted many times to clean the contacts, this probably works most of the time.
fwiw, the four 'centered' contacts should all be clean and at the same height.
the inner contact 'board' should be cleaned and visually inspected, if groves exist where the sweep pattern is cut into the copper/brass circuit then you might need a new assembly. I would try cleaning it further with some scotch bright pad. The outer contact should be very low, a little lower than the one pictured. This contact activates the washer and one pulse wiper action. The inner section of the push **** has a protrusion that pushes this outter contact down to the board when pressed in to activate the washer circuit.
If this outer contact is too high it will always make contact and the pcm will sense it as a fault and disable it. If one or two of the four centered contacts do not make contact you will various wiper speeds or possible only one or none...depending on which contacts are making contact. The pcm once again jumps in and handles the activities as it sees fit.
I hope this helps clear matters up a bit.
wj

 

[wymjym]

after trying quite a few cleanings and replacing the mfs with a new (china made) unit I decided to pull apart an older (oem) unit and clean/fix it.

I found that one of the wires had its insulation worn off and the wires frayed. So I repaired the unit, cleaned all of the internal contacts and installed it with high hopes.
Still no joy! everything works fine except for the washer portion.
I then checked the relay and found that with the key in the on/run position there was a constant 12v to the washer relays coil. I assume this is wrong. If someone knows I would appreciate a response. If it is wrong then I am assuming the GEM module is at fault....or?????????????????
wj

 

[SHOZ123]

Wiper relay should have two always hot contacts, one for the coil and one for the switched power. Coil is grounded by the GEM to activate the motor.