Issue with intermittent windshield wipers

Tiny
DAVEPEC
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I have been having a problem with my windshield wipers. Sometimes they work normally, sometimes only the fast speed will work (this happens most), and occasionally they do not work at all (most rare).

I first went ahead and bought a multi-function switch on eBay, used, and swapped it out. The problem persisted, so I thought either the switch was bad, or it was something else.

So I went and bought a new switch, just because I needed to be sure, and the problem still exists. So I know it is not the switch, any ideas as to what could be causing this? It seems that almost every time I start my car, one of the three issues may occur.

My switch allows three settings, the adjustable intermittent, the slow and the fast. The only setting that I have seen is either all three, none, or the third. I have not seen it where only the intermittent or the slow setting will work, or any other combination. Before I take it in to pay someone who knows how much to find out what it wrong. I am hoping you might let me know if there is a reason this is happening that I might be able to fix.

Thank you for your help!
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 AT 10:07 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
Well as the switch has been replaced multiple times the only other part is the wiper motor itself. I would start by removing the wiring connector on the motor, plug it in/out a few times and spray it with contact cleaner. If it starts working, you have corrosion, either in the plug or on the motor pins. Clean them some and see if it works properly. I'm guessing this will njot help much but it is a fast test.

Replace the wiper motor. But either take the current motor with you or take pictures of it. There are different motors for US and Japan built cars and even different motors for each country. They all use the same plug but they do not physically interchange.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2017 AT 2:58 AM
Tiny
DAVEPEC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Steve,

Thanks! I will give that a try this weekend! Ill reply back and let you know how it went.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
Good Luck with it, While you have it apart check the wiper drive bushings and apply a bit of silicone grease to keep them happy.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
DAVEPEC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will have to take it in, I cant remove all the assembly's to get to the motor myself, Im not that adept of a mechanic! Hopefully its just a loose/corroded wire, or if I have to, just replace the motor. But thank you very much for the help & info.
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Sunday, September 24th, 2017 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
Some of the wiper systems are easy to work on, others may as well be the control system for a reactor!

You're welcome. Come back anytime with your automotive questions, and thank you for using 2carPros. Com.
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Sunday, September 24th, 2017 AT 2:50 PM

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