UPDATE FIXED: Wiper/Washer system not working

I'm a little stumped. I brushed some snow off my truck and turned on the wipers. The wipers jolted and then stopped working. Never had a problem before. I checked the motor with a friends truck, it works. I swapped the fuse, no change. I checked the wiper transmission, it works. I put in a new combo switch, still doesn't work. I checked the wires for continuity, they all have it.

I also noticed they put 16 gauge wire on a 20A circuit. Seems odd.

Anyone else have similar problems and/or found a solution? I'm currently at a loss.

'01 3.4 xtra cab.

 

Could be the integration module/dash fuse box at fault. There’s some internal logic to it that perhaps is responsible for the washer circuit.

 

Sounds dumb but are the wiper blades frozen to the windshield ??

Snow and Ice leaves other frozen junk in the transmission tunnel keeping things from moving

If your getting voltage to the motor they should move.

 

I'm not getting voltage to the motor, but the wires all have continuity. They could have been frozen at the time, but I'm far away from the snow now. Was just up there for thanksgiving.

 

Is there a way to check this without buying a replacement?

 

There should be instructions in the Factory Service Manual. I don’t have it handy.

 

Unless things changed looking at my 2000 EWD

You have voltage at the wiper fuse with the ignition switch on ?? Voltage comes via the ignition switch.

Every thing else is in the wiper /washer switch.

Did you check the old switch at all?? Just where did the new switch come from??

Does the washer Motor Work ??

Even though it plugs in the pins may very well be different .The replacement switch does not work from new ?

In changing things did one or more of the pins get bent??

 

I had the opposite (but same?) problem with my wipers: they came on with the switch in the off position, and would not turn off. Washer function did not work. I had to pull the fuse to get them to stay off.

Turned out to be bad wires down at the washer pump. Others on here have reported a problem in the same location. Mine was just up from the connector to the washer pump.

I think these wires were damaged at the factory or wire harness maker. Gradually, that weak point corroded failed. They were nowhere near anything to rub or get pinched.

 

hope this helps

 

Wanted to update in case someone has the same problem.... also thank you to everyone for your input

I traced the problem to the J/B no. 1 under the dash. I literally had to take it out and test the continuity of all the relevant lines. There was a break between 2 (1I) and 13 (1G)... but the break was only somewhere along the line of the actual 20A Wiper fuse or possibility with the fuse holder itself. All other lines that used the 2(1I) power input were OK. (And if you were wondering, yes the fuse was good... I was way past that point)

To fix the problem I ordered an inline fuse holder off of Amazon and t-tap spliced one side to the B - Y 2(1I) wire and the other to the L (blue) 13(1G) wire. The fuse in the junction box still needed to be inserted to start the car though, which was odd to me considering the schematic below... but it worked!!

I couldn't find the short originally because I had only traced the circuit back to J/B no. 3, instead of continuing all the way back to J/B no. 1.



I now have functioning wipers again. Just in time for.... a dry las vegas summer.


inline fuse holder link:

$12 Nilight - 50029R 120 Pcs Standard Blade Fuse 5A/7.5A/10A/15A/20A/25A/30A AMP Assorted Set with 10 Pack 14AWG ATC/ATO Inline Fuse Holder, 2 Years Warranty, 1 Count (Pack of 10)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q9PL4R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Glad you figured it out.

I do think you mean open rather then shorted .

A short means open fuses or burnt and melted wires at worst a visit from the Fire Department.

Open is just that a open in the circuit not allowing the circuit to be complete.

 

@Wsidr1 I've had the exact same issue. What was your fix? Don't have much experience rewiring and can't seem to find an entire replacement harness. Any tips or info you might have would be greatly appreciated.

*new to posting here, apologies if this isn't the right thread/posting etiquette

 

I just cut out a short section of the damaged wire and re-connected. Problem never came back. I suspect that there may have been a localized damage of the wire that allowed water to get inside the protective cover over the wires. Basically, water got inside the wire and corroded it. Once repaired, all good.

 

Right on. Thanks for the response.