Windshield Wiper Speed Issue

Hi guys,

Searching the forums I haven't seen this questions asked, but I am newbie'ish so forgive me if it is already out there and didn't see it.

I have a 2007 Double Cab TRD Sport with a weird problem. My wipers work fine on "intermittent" at all intervals and "low" speed, but when I switch them to "high" speed they move slower than the "low" setting. The motors also sound like they aren't getting enough juice.

In reading the other posts about wipers and motors it sounds like it is likely in the steering column stalk/wiper controller itself and not the linkage or motor...sound right? I'm a dope with a multi-meter so I wouldn't know how to test it without specific instructions. I would probably just replace it if everyone agrees.

Thanks in advance!

 

Looking at the schematic it seems that all of the speed control is in the stalk switch assembly. I would go there first.

 

I think the 2 speeds are accomplished by a high speed brush and a low speed brush in the motor. It may very well be a problem with the high speed brush. Somewhere there's probably a testing procedure. Check for power at the _____ color wire with the switch in the ______ position, etc.

 

Thanks for the information. Any advice/tests on how to differentiate between the motor brush or the switch? For example, would there be reduced continuity through the switch if it is going bad? Would a bad "high speed" motor brush be more likely to blow a fuse?

 

I really don't know the test procedures. You're going to have to search for that. I wouldn't just throw parts at it. You're bound to guess wrong.

 

Here:

http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old.../06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/052001.pdf

This circuit may be easier to follow:
There is a lo speed power lead at the motor and a Hi speed power lead. Check the above to see if you have 12 VDC at each lead in the preceding link with a test procedure.

 

I want to say thanks to all on this topic and update those who contributed as well as share a little video for those who work better with them versus descriptions/pictures (will update with link once it is done downloading).

First, the schematics provided are fantastic, but beyond me. If you need computers rebuilt or crazy spreadsheets created, then I am your guy, but the schematics look like Sanskrit to me.

The way I resolved the problem was to purchase the easiest part to test and replace which I estimated to be the wiper motor. I removed the wiper motor cover, unplugged the original motor and plugged in the new one without actually hooking it up to the transmission (just held it in my hand right above the installed/original motor). I had a friend turn it on and sure enough it was the high speed motor brushes that must have been bad (shout-out to
Muddinfun) as the replacement motor worked fine at both speeds. A few hours later (yep, it will take 30-45 minutes once I figured it all out) I had working high speed wipers with new motor installed.

Points of advice for other newbies:

1. Be careful removing the long, plastic wiper motor cover. The plastic tabs are fragile.
2. Plug the new motor in before installing to make sure it works properly and verify it isn't a bad switch.
3. Run the new wiper motor through a cycle when powered on so it gets to its "neutral" location before installing. If you don't do this you will connect the motor to the transmission and bad things will happen i.e. the wiper blades will go down towards the motor compartment instead of up.
   
4. Make sure the arm that connects the motor to the transmission is also in its "home" position when you connect the two so you don't turn the wipers on for the first time and have the wipers go down instead of up.
5. Run the wipers before re-installing everything to make sure you have the motor and transmission synced up properly.

After returning the core it cost me $60 out of pocket to replace it which was $370 less than the dealership quoted.