Wipers not working?

1998HONDAUSER

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
2WD
MANUAL
125,000 MILES

I recently had a problem where my windshield wipers wouldn't turn off. After research and posting on this forum it seemed like replacing the wiper switch was the initial repair to try.

Until I could make the repair, I removed the wiper blades because I could not reach the fuse to remove it. The wiper motor continued to run constantly whenever the car was running.

I replaced the wiper switch with an aftermarket part. The wiper motor no longer runs constantly. But when I turn the wipers on I can hear the motor engage but the wipers only move about 1/4 to 1/2 inch and then return to the down/off position.

Any ideas on what could be the problem? Thanks in advance.

Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 7:22 PM

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,610 POSTS

Hmm, that is strange, I would say the new switch is defective, did it look the same with the equal amount of electrical pins in the connector? Some switches do not have delay or vice versa. I would compare the oil switch to the replacement unit. Also, you may have a "park switch" that is bad inside the wiper motor.

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Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 AT 8:55 AM

1998HONDAUSER

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Thanks for your message. Unfortunately, I've already tossed the old switch. It broke when I was removing it. But I did compare the old and the new switch and they seemed identical. One thing though, is that the vendor sent the new switch in a flimsy envelope with no padding or packing material, so it could have very well have gotten damaged during shipping. I will inspect my installation and make sure everything is connected properly and also that I reconnected the wiper arms correctly and report back in a couple of days. Thanks again for your reply.

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Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 AT 12:59 PM

KEN L

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54,610 POSTS

The fact that the switch changed the situation but the wipers are still not working would make me think it is the switch, but I would check the black wire at the wiper motor. This guide can help, make sure the wiper motor is unplugged.

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Thursday, September 18th, 2025 AT 10:02 AM

1998HONDAUSER

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Thanks for the link. I do have a test light that I can use. I might check the switch first. I saw a YT video where someone was troubleshooting a wiper issue and he shows how to open the switch and check continuity on all the wiper settings. Since I need to check if I connected the switch properly anyway, while I have everything open I may as well remove the switch and check continuity. If the switch tests out okay I'll test the wiper motor wire you suggest. It'll be a couple days before I can get to this. But I will post back on the results when I am able. Thanks again for your help.

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Friday, September 19th, 2025 AT 2:05 PM

KEN L