Windshield Wiper Gremlins

[Egan]

So, we're finally getting some rain in Kalifornia and I start having wiper issues with my 05 H2. Every once in a while the wiper would just stop working when it was on intermittent. I have a short commute so I didn't really notice it, and changing the the delay up or down a notch resolved the immediate issue.

However, this morning I had a new, weird problem. About 4 miles into my 12 mile commute, with the wipers on the slowest intermittent setting, the washer fluid sprayer came on and did not stop. The only way I could get it to stop spraying was to push the sprayer button forward and hold it there (for the next 8 miles). I even pulled over and shut off the engine for a minute without success. I kept letting off the switch every mile or so to see if it fixed itself and it wasn't until I pulled into the parking garage at work that it went back to normal operation.

I was planning to pull the washer pump fuse (assuming it's a separate fuse from the wiper motor) but looks like I won't have to.

Any idea what caused this? I'd rather replace the part now than have this happen again in the future. Any idea what part needs replacing?

[LoJac963]

I've read of multiple people having these issues. The wiper motor is not correctly sealed and can get water inside the housing. Once inside the corrodes the boards and causes all sorts of electrical issues. Some have taken the motor housing apart, cleaned everything up, assembled, and sealed it all shut and ran without issue.

[Easy Ed]

6th post down here http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29583

4th post down to get to it http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38537


Hope it helps, Ed

[PaHumBug]

I vote we make a sticky about this issue. Someone asks about it every couple months.

[Hellz]

i had a issue with my wiper motor about a year ago.
wiper worked on and off. made very loud whining noise. no issues with it dumping fluid.

so ya, it basically water leaking into the motor and causing issues. people have pulled the motor and cleaned up the contacts and sealed it with silicon.

for my issues, it didnt seem like that would be a fix for me, so i opted to buy one off of ebay. dont remember the price, but it was a little over $100 for a new motor. was very simple and easy to remove the old one and install the new one. it took me about 1.5 hours, but that was due to me working on it outside in the middle of winter in minnesota. in warm weather or a garage, i would give this about 30 mins.

[PaHumBug]

Yeah it's an easy fix, the hardest parts is getting the damn cowl on and off.

[Hellz]

ya without breaking any of the tabs.
not the plastic grommets that hold it on, but the tabs where the grammets go through.

i know i broke one when i did mine.
cold + plastic = not good

[Egan]

Thanks for all of the helpful info. I'm going to tackle this today. Fortunately it's supposed to be 80F. :)