Ok, here we go with the first of many issues I am uncovering with my 1986 Buick Wagon resto project. HISTORY: The old wiper motor would not turn on and then out of the blue would turn on to complete the cycle and then park. Washer used to work fine, but all of the sudden would not work, although I could hear it "clicking" when I pushed the wiper switch lever to "wash." I purchased a used wiper motor with delay with a 90 day warranty. Installed it last night and the basic wiper functions work: on, off, delay(intermittent) and mist. But, when I clicked the wash lever, it will only wipe one cycle and then park, exactly like the "mist" setting. No fluid gets squirted through the lines at the windsheild edge. If I hold the wash lever on, I can get the motor to activate the washer pump, but I hear a horrible loud clicking/banging sound as I watch the piston lever activate the pump. I tried swapping out the washer diaphram from my old pump which I know worked fine, but still no fluid is getting pumped through the lines. I checked the fitting at the washer reservior for blockage, but it is free flowing. I pulled the washer diaphram again and while I activated the washer, I can see the plunger moving freely in and out of the cylinder. Can I somehow swap my old "mechanical parts" into the newer pump and just exchange the newer "electronic" board and relay? I have already contacted the seller, but in the meantime, is there a way to make one good wiper motor from two? Can I somehow swap a part(s) from the newer motor that makes the wiper functions work properly into my old motor which has a quieter and properly functioning washer assembly? This sounds like an epic, but I would like to have functioning wipers when I drive the car to the body shop this weekend in case it rains here. I pulled the covers off both and can see a plastic "relay" block that has three-four wires plugged into it. Is that the part that died/is malfunctioning on my old motor? Or, is there something I can swap onto the newer pump to get the washer assembly working properly? Like I said above, everything else works fine on the newer pump. I just don't know if the reason for the newer motor nto activating the washer pump is because of a safety mode or just a broken (hence the loud clicking/banging sound) part inside the motor assembly. I have not tried to disassemble the newer motor since it was too late last night. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Ted Total PITA at midnight last night
Those parts are readily available. Pumps are like about $20. I'd swap in a known good relay, they're cheap. Could it be the switch?
Thank you for the response. Is the relay the plastic covered part that has three to four wires hooked to it? How does it come off? I have another switch in the replacement steering column which I can test out once I install it, but I would think the problem lies with the motor assembly, not the cloumn switch.
http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/relay.html Relays just plug into a socket. You need a legend of some some to identify the right one. Often these are printed on the cover of the box the relays are in. If not perhaps someone here has a wiring manual and can set you on course for that. This info can usually be googled up too.
First, there is no relay in the B-body wiper motor circuit. There is one built into the wiper motor, but it is not replaceable. Second, the delay and non-delay wiper motors are different. It's not as simply as swapping the board. Third, there is a special alignment requirement between the pump cam and the motor when you replace the pump. Get this wrong and the pump won't work and you may even jam up the motor. My advice: get a rebuilt motor and pump assembly and be done with it. I've messed with the wiper motors on my B-body wagons (and I even rebuild my own automatic transmissions) and I've never been able to get the pump cam timing exactly right. Don't waste your time.
Hi Joe: I took your advice and had my dad buy a rebuilt unit -- only cost him $60 from the local parts store. Not a bad deal. I am going to just return the "used" part I bought for him and chaulk it up to experience. The only thing that he needs is a replacement rear license plate light housing where he cracked when loading up a trailer and a cool keychain fob. Other than that, he got a really nice wagon for an early Christmas gift. Check out my photos in the garage and gallery sections. I also have a ton of photos taken before and during the resto. Thanks for your info and I will continue to check back on this site to check the status of members' projects. Keep them on the road!! Ted
Strangely enouph I'm having ishues with my wiper motor.... Lately and only in the mornings when is't damp If I turn my wiper on for just one wipe and TURN THEM OFF they keep going at low speed full wipe. and just won't stop perioud. I have figured out that after 15-20 minutes of driving with them set al low intermit I then can turn them off. Only happens in the mornings.
