Wipers do not work on high

Tiny
PETER ARBIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET 2500
  • 200,000 MILES
What kind of diagnosis can I do from either side of 3 pin washer wiper connection on the multi-function switch? Can I test the function/continuity of the switch? I have 12 v showing on the harness side of switch on both blue and yellow wires with key on. By the way, delay, slow, washer all work fine. What other circuits to test.
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 4:53 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

In the wiper switch in the vehicle, there are resisters. When it is on high, power is direct 12v via the dark blue wire with a white tracer at the switch which goes to a dark blue wire at the wiper motor module. Check to see if that wire has power when you place it on high speed, key on.

Let me know what you find. I did attach a picture of what I am referring to. Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

If you do have power out at the switch, then check to see if there is a connection issue at the module.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
PETER ARBIC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
If I unplug the connector from the multi-function switch I get 12v showing on both the blue/white wire and the yellow coming from the module when the key is on. Not even connected to switch so does it need to be turned to high?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
That is correct. The switch, when connected, supplies ground. I suspect the switch has failed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
PETER ARBIC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So bad switch or maybe bad ground in the column since my horn has been intermittent too. Am I safe to take out switch and or airbag to check grounds with just the SIR fuse for the airbag removed or do you think disconnecting both batteries is better? Thanks so much for the help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
I have to be honest, there are multiple zones related to the system. I would recommend disconnecting the battery. Also, this is extreme but wait around 30 minutes before you start working on it. That way all power is drained.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
PETER ARBIC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Cool, thanks. I’ ll disconnect the batteries before poking around. Must be a way to check conductivity through the switch before just throwing in a new one and any idea what the path to ground from the switch is. Cheers and good night!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
You are very welcome. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 7:09 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.