Windshield wiper not working?

Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 188,750 MILES
It's cold/ice cold. I tried to turn the wiper on, it tried and stopped. The windshield is clear, I can't find that specific fuse description in the IPM, there is no interior fuse box that I can find.
Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 1:09 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

There is no specific fuse for the wipers. Power supply is provided by the TIPM printed circuit board.

If you look at pic 1 below, I attached the schematic showing the wiring for the wiper motor. With the key on and the wiper turned on low speed, check to see if there is power to the brown wire with a white tracer at the motor connector. Do the same on high speed but check the brown wire with an orange tracer. If power is present, the motor itself is the first suspect. If there is no power, we need to work backward.

We need to determine a few things. First, and the easiest, is to have the can-bus scanned. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the different modules are tied together via a few wires and communicate with each other. The TIPM is no different

A TIPM can fail in different ways. First, an integral electronic module can fail to operate and prevent power to the control side of the relays. Additionally, it can lose the ability to communicate with other modules on the vehicle's network. If this happens, you will likely have codes stored in the TIPM or other modules. Those codes will direct us in the right direction.

Here is a link that shows how to scan the can-bus:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Keep in mind, the TIPM is known for having pins break or corrode in the wiring connectors. That is another consideration, but we will cross that bridge when we reach it.

Let me know if you have questions and what you find.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 3:48 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Thank you for your prompt response, I spent a lot of time looking for that fuse. Google and even some car forums kept referring to a second fuse *interior fuse box with images and suggested locations. In the "How to scan a car computer" video there is a reference to a CAN scanner from Amazon, can you recommend one that would be appropriate in this situation? I have some background in organ repair but I've been an electrician for most of my life. I haven't been outside yet but this needs to be done. Again, thank you and I will follow up shortly.
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Friday, January 27th, 2023 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Sounds like a plan. Let me know what you find. As far as a scan tool, look for one that indicates it is capable of CAN communication. Since this isn't something, you will use every day, I would go with a low priced one.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, January 27th, 2023 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
I have voltage at bn/wt on low and bn/or on high. I tried another motor and it still doesn't work. Is it possible that a pin/socket connection could read voltage but not carry enough current to run the motor?
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Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, that is possible, or you have no ground. I have had the TIPM on these vehicles show power with the component disconnected, and when a load is placed on them, they fail.

You can test this by having the connection made at the wiper motor and back probing the power supply to see if it maintains voltage.

Try that and let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
There is no ground at the motor, I took apart and cleaned both ground points near the left front strut tower to no avail. I added a ground to the black wire on the motor connector and the wipers work, so there is probably a broken wire between the connector and G102. I assume the park sw sens, W7 is an input to the TIPM, is that correct?
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 3:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, the park switch is powered by the TIPM and grounded at the same ground, G102. See pic below.

I would simply make a new ground. What are your plans at this point?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic.
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
JERRYSIDDOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
I did make a new ground, I spent some time tracing down the existing ground but never found the break, unless it's in the bundle coming through the firewall. Thanks for your advice and direction...
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Yep, it is likely hidden. In this case, I would do just what you did. Make a new ground. If it is working properly, that is what we want. LOL

If anything changes or if you have questions, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 5:11 PM

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