Windshield wiper motor

Tiny
DOAUSI
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 GMC S15
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 179,000 MILES
While washing my truck I was rinsing off the windshield when the wipers jumper to mid windshield position. I checked the ignition and it was not on, could not move wipers by hand. Turned on the ignition and tried to move the wipers by using the switch (attached to steering column also used as a turn indicator) with no results. I then checked the fuse box and the fuse was good. Have no idea where the problem is! I have next to no knowledge about electrical systems.
Monday, October 8th, 2018 AT 9:08 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon.

From your description, it sounds like the wiper motor shorted from water intrusion.

Let it dry out and see if it comes back on line.

Roy

FRONT
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove windshield wiper arms.
3. Remove cowl vent and grille.
4. Loosen, but do not remove transmission drive link to motor crank arm attaching nuts, then disconnect drive link from motor crank arm.
5. Disconnect motor electrical connector and remove attaching bolts.
6. Remove motor by rotating up and outward.
7. Reverse procedure to install. Torque motor attaching bolts to 49-75 inch lbs.
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Monday, October 8th, 2018 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
DOAUSI
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Thank you very much. The mechanical end of it I can do. I will get right on it first thing tomorrow. I will be more than happy to relay any results of this operation for others to read.
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Monday, October 8th, 2018 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

We are always glad to help.
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Monday, October 8th, 2018 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
DOAUSI
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  • 16 POSTS
Hello Again! Well we have gone through the required mechanical steps. We have found NO moisture in or around the area of the wiper fitting to the control arm. The rubber between the wiper stud and the control arm is dry inside and out, ( couple cob webs and a leaf). I did try and move the cog and managed to move it a little with great difficulty. I could hear the gears inside working. Where to from here?
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Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Did you replace the wiper motor itself?

Roy
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Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 AT 2:29 PM
Tiny
DOAUSI
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Replacement of the wiper motor would be my next guess. The truck is old and I know the wiper motor has not been changed in twenty years. We will give that try and let you know.

Don
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Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
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Sounds like a plan.

Keep us updated.

Roy
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Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 2:42 AM

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