Wiper Motor & Switch Troubleshooting 

I used your excellent videos to troubleshoot a wiper problem. The switch was fine. I took out the wiper assembly and assumed the wiper motor was gone which the video suggests. However, when I took the motor off of the assembly I discovered the linkage was rusted solid and wouldn't move and that was the problem. Thought I should mention that as one other cause for wiper problems.

Brother i really watched this video about 10 times as i have no front wipers on a nissan pulsar n14 hatch back .. i had already replaced the wiper motor and replaced the wiper stalk but still no action , i followed your steps with the multimeter and all was good , my next step was remove the wiper motor again .... It turns out there is a difference in a nissan pulsar hatch front wiper motor and a nissan pulsar 4 door front wiper motor .. found the exact model replaced it again and away it went ..... your video was really clear and easy to follow ..... thanks heaps

Richpin06a you are the go to guy for all things with auto repair, I find your videos are easy and no none sense, you make many of our lives easier, thank you and keep doing your awesome work.

Thanks man for your time and effort! I will be trying what I saw here tomorrow with my wipers.

Thanks for the resistance readings. Really helped get my brothers car fixed today:)

Schematic diagrams for these things are in short supply. I want to repurpose one of these motors and your troubleshooting has given me everything I need to do so. Thanks! Subbed!

Really useful and clear explanation. Thanks for taking the time to share it.

Your videos are great ! HAPPY NEW YEAR Rich !

Rich, luv the electrical stuff. It helps big time. Thanks

My bad Richpin06, I never finished the video. I just did your diagnostics completely and found thatthe answer lies in finish the whole educational video. Awesome stuff once again. Moter is shot

Thank you for letting everyone know to double check the transmission (linkage) as a possible problem.

Thanks so much. I replicated and works for my car.the difference my won’t be temporary fix. Will be a permanent.

@lebowski0308 Yes when the wipers do not want to park themselves it is usually the motor.

Thank you. It was well explained.

12 volts is correct for the yellow wire as it comes direct from the 25A wiper fuse.Were you blowing the fuse before you replaced the switch.

I just want to share my thanks to you for your excellent diagnostic video! Following the steps that you shared in this instructional video, I was able to successfully diagnose that the issue with my wipers not working correctly was to be found in the motor assembly, not the switch. When I got in there and checked, I found the bolts holding the motor to the mount were loose (not a good sign). I located another motor assembly at a local junk yard and tested it before I mounted it. Problem solved! Many thanks for your kind assistance!

I just checked and there is a 15A Horn Relay Fuse in the underhood junction block(top)I appreciate those clicks so much.

@dext3r315 I would start by checking the switch at the connector just like in this video to see if it is working properly.

@goatinapastlife It is not a switch problem because the voltage does not go through the switch.Look for the problem at or around the wiper fuse in the interior fuse panel.

Simple and precise video. Thank you

Your videos are perfect.

Ok, Thanks for the reply. Think it's time to trade her in. Keep up the good work.

The metal inside the car is a lot cleaner for better contact is why i ran the wire there.I ran my wire to the brace in front of the fuse panel.

There are differences between the 96-99 and 00-02.I have a video on the 00-02 Instrument Cluster Removal were i am seen removing the dash pad.

@gaoanyu1 The key is in the off position.

Excellent video. I would check the fuse first though.

simple excellent video, tank you sir 😎,,

Great vid brother thanks!!!!

I have a '98 Saturn SC2 with over 256,000 miles on her (original owner). My wipers seem to have a mind of their own. When I push the switch arm down, for the wipers to swipe once, sometimes they do, in fact, swipe once but there are times (numerous lately) when they will wipe multiple times before stopping and sometimes they just don't stop. The "high" position seems to work just fine. The low and intermittent settings vary in their "timing" of the wiper movement which is to say they're not working exactly as they have been over the years. I disconnected the elec connection to the motor (as per your video which is great BTW) and proceeded to do some meter readings. The readings on my purple and brown wire are fluctuating wildly vs what you show in the video. At one point the reading on one of those wires leveled out to a specific reading but starting fluctuating again when I barely touched the wiper switch arm. Based on that, I'm thinking the switch is toast. Am I barking up the right tree or did I miss something? Thanks in advance.

Another good video of yours. Thanks for taking your time making these videos, sharing know how.

Good video, well explained, Thanks. I have a 2000 f150, wiper motor doesn't work. I can unplug, run hot wire from battery to motor, the motor will work. I'll try this.

Thanks. My VW wires aren't the same, but this give the principle. Now to correlate my VW wires to this.

Thanks Rich! My wipers came on for the first time in over a year last week, what would make them not run when activated? They haven’t come on since. I did order a new switch but haven’t installed it yet. Thanks again.

@MrBigb1975 Very few Cadillacs fords yes.

thanks for the great video. I have a Mercedes ML430 with wiper problem where it only works in the fast position. Before I start throwing parts at it; your video is very insightful in how to test the switch vs. motor problem (or fuse or relay for that matter). Going to be a pain to get to the harness...but I think it's better than trying to get the steering wheel off to try and get directly to the switch contacts (which probably isn't possible anyways). let me know if you have thoughts about my problem.

Thanks Roger Dahltry

Great video. The rear wiper on my Subaru Outback 2006 wasn't working though rear washer was working. Thought this suggested that the stalk switch was fine. So I replaced the motor, it worked immediately thereafter during a test. Then buttoned everything back together and wiper stopped working again by the following morning (no rain or extreme temps). Later that night I tried re-installing it including removing positive terminal from battery this time but no luck. Wiper motor ground was already attached and do not see any stressed, broken, or exposed wires leading to wiper motor back into the hatch/body of car. Fuse is also fine. Any tips? Thanks,

So when testing the resistance on the OHMs setting should you take the negative lead off the car battery? I was told to do that when testing resistance, just wanted to get your input on that?

You should prove that your test meter is working firstly on a known source before testing anything else

@easyletgo That could be a switch problem.

So where in the f*** did you locate that so I can do what you're doing? I'm glad everybody is here that just knows exactly what to do already.....

To remove the wiper motor you have to remove the dash pad to get to two bolts.I have a video showing how i did it.

Good video Rich !!! I`m having a problem with the wipers and right turn signal on 2004 3.4L Impala. I`m still waiting on the mail for the Haynes manual. The rear passenger signal is fine. The front has nothing. Hazards work. When I put the switch up for a right turn it clicks fast. When i put it down for a left turn it clicks slow. I get no wiper action at all except when I push the button to spray washer fluid and that is at slow speed for three swipes. Thanks

@rax2099 Thank you i hope you have one too.

The black wire is showing going to the IP splice pack 2 (ground).

thanks for that, I picked up some relays from the yard and still does not work. I also grabbed a horn, I'm going to try to put that in today. You ever known of the clicking sound problem from behind the instrument cluster around the air vents or below them on this 3.4L. When the car is running it seems to want to stop when I slide the Temp. switch up to heat. If it`s an actuator, I'm having a hard time locating it. That manual is dragging it's tail coming from California.

yeah, Thats what I'm feeling also. That part is very expensive. going to the junk yard today. LKQ here in Bradenton has a 2005 in the yard. BTW, would you happen to know anything about the impala horn issues. the only fuse box I have had time to look at is the on on the driver side and I do not recall seeing a fuse for the horn. Thanks Rich. I'll be hittin some clicks as normal for ya's !!!!1

good video, but I think you should use the ground in the motor connector, rather than running the ground from a different point. If the ground is open at the connector, then you will still have voltage on the yellow and see the switch functions working but the motor will not run.

happy new year

I was replacing the wiper bushings and when i went to try everything to see if it works the wiper motor blew the fuse. I changed the fuse and it blows one every time I turn the wipers on. I disconnect the wiring to the motor and turn the wiper switch on and it didn't blow the fuse. I just don't want to go out and buy a $70 motor to find out that wasn't it. I also hot wired the motor straight to the battery and grounded it, and it turn on. I was told that it was bad motor if it did that. I'm not very electrical incline but if you can walk me through it I'll appreciate it.

I get 0.30 ohms when checking for resistance. I can hear the motor do a small click when plugged in, but not movement. There seems to be water both inside the plugs of the motor and the plug. Any input?

And I assume you pulled up a wiring diagram so you knew which wire was connected to low/high/intermittent while testing resistance? And are low and intermittent running through the same wire because I saw you only checked 2 wires for resistance when there’s the 3 settings? Sorry for all the ?’s but I am going thru the same predicament with my rear wipers on my 07 Rav4

Be sure, your moving wiper,control lever up or down."Intermittent"(stop position )found by lever up or down,wipers to dry spot,under cowel.

Great video. I am working on the same vehicle (99 SL2). Electrical is my weak point. The wiper motor works but blows the fuse when wipers are on high. All tests with multimeter were in the ballpark with the purple and brown wires. The yellow wire was reading 12.56. Is that voltage to high or is it normal? Could it be the motor blowing the fuse? I have replaced the wiper switch and now have an airbag light on :/ I really don't want to install a new motor with the same results.

Hi i am working on a 1997 saturn s series same as in your video ,when i do the resistance check on either the purple or the brown my meter does not change from the 1 that was showing prior to you turning on the wipers low or high,is there any other positive test to prove that it is the switch,witch i suspect is the problem,I have no wiper's working at all,but the 3 cycle mist wipe still work's ,I tried a new motor from the local part's people they let borrow it ,plugged it and nothing.any idea's would help,thank's

On my 2004 Chrysler Sebring I can put the test light to just the motor or the wiper arms and it's showing power coming through them is they're short in the motor or switch

i have 92 f-150 my washer works all sigles work 4 ways work high and low beem work just none of the speeds for the wapers well work i put brand new waper motor on and still the same and tested the ground has good ground from motor too firewall i did the oms test and no mater what seting ur on it stays at 1 does move from 1 at all any ideas

I have a 2008 outlook and the wipers and washer jets stopped working randomly when I started the car. I tested the motor with a 12v battery and the wipers work, but the column switch isnt doing anything. There is around 11 volts going to the plug that goes into the wiper motor, but again changing it doesnt do anything. I ordered a new column switch so hopefully that fixes it. Any other reasons why both the washer jet button ( on end of switch) and the wipers would go out at once? fuses and relays were all good.

Could you give a tour of your garage? nice videos

'98 SC2--- Two weeks ago the delay wiper started doing strange things. No matter which of the 3 delay speeds was selected routinely the wipers would start wiping very quickly with only a momentary stop between each. This would last about 20 seconds before returning to "normal" for a short period of time, then it' would repeat the cycle. If you turned the wipers completely off while in this rapid delay that wipers will continue to function for about 20 seconds before turning off. Relay?

I replaced the switch the other day but I didn't get the results that I was looking for. After I installed the switch I put the car in the "run" position (i.e. did not start it) and the wipers worked just fine in every position. Timing of the intermittent settings was as it used to be. No problems. But...always a "but"....but here's the weird thing....when I started the car the wipers went back to not working as described in my previous comment. ??? The only thing I can think of is that the wiring harness has gone screwy on me. I'm thinking I should do some continuity tests on it. What's your thoughts?

It sounds like the motor could be bad.I have replaced those switches before and never had the air bag light on afterwards.Maybe a wire got pinched.

Could be the motor or the transmission.Taking the linkage off would tell which is the problem.

Hope I can troubleshoot the intermittent problem of my 2002 CR-V.

Excellent. 👍👍👍

i just replaced the windshield wiper motor on a 2011 Volkswagen jetta, working good..problem I'm having is the wipers stay in the service position.. how do I find the problem??

It could be the switch or motor doing this test in this video will tell you which one it is.

my wipers dont work in intermitent but works on medium and fast setting. its a 2002 accord

what does -14.65 measuring from motor voltage & fuse box? how can it be fixed?

That does sound like the board in the motor.

why is my windshield wiper motor so loud when its in use? is that how they are or should i change it?

One more question Mr. Rich. Is the multi-colum switch replaceable or is part of the whole steering wheel?

I have not run into that problem on the impalas that i have worked on.

my wipers stopped working on a 2000 saturn sl 1 at first they went to just one speed then they would not shut off then the washer fluid ran unitl empty then wipers quit working altogether now the fuse keep blowing as soon as i put a new one in and turn car to acc not starting

Hello,....need some advice....I have a Malibu 2004 and my problems with the wipers are as soon as I put the wipers on, i can't stop them anymore....the only solution is to stop the car or remove the fuse. What would you recommend me to do? thanks...Mario, Nova Scotia, Canada

secretorganisaton, Did you park the system before installing the wiper arms.

Question, i have a 98 chevy malibu ls and my wipers only work if i turn the switch to the highest setting, what should i replace?

superb

Why would the wipers not want to shut off on these saturns? I am having a problem with it wanting to stop after a few minutes after I shut it off.

Hello. I test the yellow wire but have 6volt. I test battery have 12.60v 2007 bmw 550i anr ideas I test the wiper motor is good replace relay and fuses test good????

Hello I tested wiper and got 12v, wipers only work if I hit the motor but then stop working again. I changed the motor with one from a wreck but have same issue. Is it just bad luck or something else

Hey richpin06a why has to be 12 volts on the multimeter? I'm cheking the connector and it has blue, blue with white, black and red wire colors. Is that right if I clip the ground(COM) with the black color and the red one with red one?

i have a 95 chevy silverado and the wipers work they just stop in the middle of the windshield and i have to turn em on then off and they will either stop at the top or somewhere else could it be the pulse board?

Let me ask you a question if the blue what you think if the blue wire is not working at all .

How do you know which one is the wiper fuse?

What if intermittent 1 and 2 are low but make the washer fluid spray 3 is intermittent (sometimes) low does nothing and high is high pulling the wiper fluid switch cuts off the fluid motor only while its depressed as soon as I let it go the motor kicks back on

Hi, Great video. Would that be the same test for an 1998 s10 blazer? I was going down the road in a down pour and the wipers just stop working. I know the motor works because i took the pulse board out and where the board connects to the motor on them 3 tabs i put 12 volts to it and the motor worked. And it's much cheaper for the board than the motor $20 vs $60. Thanks.

Thank you for posting the video, it is very informative and helpful. Do you know where i can find the fuse of windshield wiper motor in Corolla 97. I did check the voltage, which is 14 v. but when I check the resistance I don't see the changes when I switch to different wiper level. Thank you in advance.

Great video Richard. When you test resistance at the socket, did you put the key on off position or accessories/run? Thanks.

how do i turn the rear wiper off on my Volvo 2002

i have '98 dodge caravan and the wiper always stays high when the engine is started. the switch has no control. Any suggestion would be much appreciated. Thanks.

wiring diagram ? i took one from a 97 Saturn sl

So if I do not get any continuity , its the multi-colum switch?

I have a 98 Saturn SI2 one day my wipers just stop worken i was go to take it to a shop the up comen weekend and then they start worken and now they stop worken a gain how do i know if its the moter or a shortage

My wipers dont work in slow and medium setting..only high speed work..what the problem..is that motor or switch panel?

Getting constant power to the yellow wire. New motor, switch and new ignition switch.

What if the switch part isn't working properly, do I replace the electrical cord?

I already bought a switch... Now, I can tell is probably the motor. LOLz

I have a f150 wipers don't work I try replacing motor and din not work I replace multi switch still nothing if you can help please let me know thanks

what about if the motor its on but wiper does not moving?