Wipers not working

Tiny
MANUEL88
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 DODGE CALIBER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,000 MILES
Wipers continue not to work even after replacing the motor and switch and I can’t find a bad fuse or relay.
Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 AT 9:29 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

These vehicles have what is called an integrated power module. Although the modules last, a common problem is the small pins tucked into each connector are known to corrode, break, pull out, and so on.

First, if I am reading the wiring schematics correctly, fuse 17 in the under-hood fuse box (see pic 1 below) is what powers the wipers. If you haven't already, check that fuse. If it is good, make sure there is power to and from it. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If the fuse is good and has power, the easiest thing to do next is to confirm that the ground wire at the wiper motor (black in color) has continuity to ground. See pic 3.

If that checks good, then we need to confirm if there is power to the motor. If you look at the wiring schematics below (pics 2 and 3), notice I highlighted two wires. One is brown with a white tracer and the other is brown with a light blue tracer. The brown/white powers the low wiper speed and the brown/lt blue powers high speed.

Turn the key to the run position (engine off). Turn the wiper switch on high speed and check the brown/light blue wire for power using a test light or a voltmeter/multimeter.

Do the same on the brown/white wire with the wipers on low speed.

If you have power to both with the harness disconnected, connect the harness again and see if they work. If they don't, perform the same test with the connector at the motor connected. See if you have voltage with the wiper on and off. Let me know the results.

Here is a link you may find helpful when testing wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
MANUEL88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Well, I checked fuses for power all good. But when I checked for power on the harness connector going to wiper motor there was no power at the low or high speed. Ground wire was good. Any other suggestions or recommendations?
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

We need to disconnect the totally integrated power module to inspect the connection.

The connectors are under the TIPM (fuse box). First, make sure the battery is disconnected (neg terminal). Next, follow the directions in pic 1.

Once the box is loose, carefully lift it up to gain access to the wiring/connectors under it which plug into the module.

If you noticed in the first schematic I sent, the wiper speed power is supplied via connector 11 (C11) at pins 10 and 12.

Connector C11 will be green in color. If you look at pic 2 below, you will see how it's shaped. Disconnect the connector and inspect the two pins I highlighted in pic 2. Are they corroded, broken, or damaged in any way? Also, check on the receiving end for corrosion or damage.

The last pic below simply shows what the two pins power. Since there is no power at the motor, I suspect this is where the problem is. Check it and let me know what you find.

Also, don't be overwhelmed by my directions. It's easier than it sounds, and I'm here if you have questions.

Take care and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
MANUEL88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks.
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
MANUEL88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It turns out my fuse box is causing the problems.
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Friday, January 7th, 2022 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
MANUEL88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for all the help.
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Friday, January 7th, 2022 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad you found the problem and were able to fix it.

Thanks for the update and please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You're always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, January 7th, 2022 AT 6:08 PM

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