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Intermittent Windshield Wipers Not Working

Tiny
CODERWIL
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I was hoping you could help.
My continuous 'fast' or 'slow' wipe setting works correctly.
My single swipe setting works correctly.
My windshield washer setting works correctly.

If I turn the knob to any of the 'intermittent' settings, the wipers will do a single swipe and then stop swiping the windshield.

I spoke to the parts store person who said that I might have to replace the entire windshield wiper motor. I had thought that it would be similar to a 'turn signal' fuse.

Is the first step to replace that motor?

Thank you very much,
William
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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 4:52 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
It is common for the wiper module to go out on these cars here is its location so you can change it out. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
CODERWIL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have attempted to use the wipers in several different weather conditions, from dry to sprinkling to downpour and they don't turn on. I don't know how to tell if I have the moisture sensing type, can you instruct on how to find that?
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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 10:49 PM
Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
The first thing, is it a DHS or DTS? Next there would be an optical sensor attached to the windshield near the rearview mirror mounting. And possibly 'auto' would be printed on the wiper switch stalk.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
DONFIRESTINE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you. The new module and motor fixed it.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
TARGADSM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE
Electrical problem
V8 two wheel drive automatic 165,000 miles.

I am having an issue fixing this car. The wipers stopped working, I checked the fuse and relay, both were fine. I tested the wiper motor and pulse board, both also good. All these being good would lead me to believe the multi-function switch is bad but here is where it gets tricky. If the car sits for a while off and it is started they will work on any speed until car is turned off, then they may or may not turn back on. I got them going today, took the car for a ride hitting all the bumps I could and they did not miss a beat, got home and turned the car off then bam, no more wipers. I have never heard of a multi-function switch that is bad not fail under fiddling and if its the wiring would not it fail with bumps? Any help that could point me in the right direction would be awesome! The owner would love to get his car back!
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
  • MECHANIC
  • 513 POSTS
Being that it is intermittent I would try checking wires and connectors when it does not work. Trying moving all wires checking powers and grounds. Also try jumping motor with direct 12 volts.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TARGADSM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I checked voltage and with the wipers switched on low or high the three prong plug on the motor did show the far right at twelve volts, nothing when on intermittent, but on one setting of intermittent one of the middle prongs on the harness going into the pulse board showed voltage and nothing on the motor harness. I was going to try hooking twelve volts directly to the motor but was unsure if damage would occur with the pulse board connected. When I checked for voltage I used the block as a ground, maybe checking for a constant ground in the harness would not be a bad idea given that the motor showed twelve volts. But, would not the ground working as it pleased make the wipers stop when the ground broke connection? Or will they keep running like a 1960's GM with no battery?
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
  • MECHANIC
  • 513 POSTS
Multi function switch do commonly go bad. Just sugguesting a few more checks before replacing. If you had a loose ground This condition could be. But if you jumped ground to block its most likey something else. Also when not working try tapping on motor to see if the internal motor brushes are seizing.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PEGGYLYNN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,000 MILES
My wipers stopped working all of a sudden. I checked the fuses and they were good. I bought a new wiper motor and that didnt work. Someone said it may be the circuit board on the wiper motor so I bought a used motor with a board on it. This also didnt work I returned it and they gave me another one to try. It still wont work and im desperate for answers. I dont know anything else to try. Help please
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
Does the wipers operate in any mode, how about washers? Does the vehicle have moisture sensing wipers (RPO CE1), the rpo codes are on a sticker on your spare tire cover. Did you check the accessory fuse in the rear fuse block as well as the wiper fuse in the underhood? There is an accessory relay in the underhood relay center that supplies the power to the switch. If you can find that relay and one identical near it, then swap them. The info at this point can also apply to the moisture sensing option. If we are inoperative in all modes, and have no washer, it sounds like no power to switch.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAULA SOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • 18,000 MILES
Wipers stopped working. Replaced multi function switch on column. Still nothing. No power seems to be going to wiper motor after testing. Fuse not blown.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Check the two wires I highlighted in the attached diagram.

The purple wire should have voltage with the wiper in high-speed mode. The other highlighted wire should have voltage at the lower speeds.

Roy
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAULA SOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I haven't checked them out yet. It's not quite 7:00 am here. I was wondering if there is a governor module on my car listed above Concourse, and if so, where is it?
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No such module.

The controls are inside the wiper motor itself.

Do the voltage checks and get back to me.

Roy
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAULA SOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Tried the two wires no power from either wire. Tried connector that's on side of wiper motor, no power.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAULA SOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello Roy. I did what you asked testing both wires plus a plug that's on the far right side of wiper motor. No power from them.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, check the yellow wire at the wiper switch. There needs to be power from the accessory relay.

Also, check both fuses listed for power on both sides with the key on.

Roy
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)

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