Windshield Wipers Won't Turn Off!

While driving my windshield wipers have been spontaneously turning on but will not turn off! I've tried contact cleaner but it only helps for a short period of time. Any ideas on what is wrong or how to fix it?

 

sounds like you may have a bad fuse, or the wiper motor has a short or bad ground in it. im leaning toward the latter.

 

Haven't you ever heard of intermittent wipers?

hmmmm, guess that wasn't very helpful.

 

I'm just worried the switch may be bad and the entire steering column would have to be pulled to fix it. Because my wiper fluid doesn't work at all either.

 

except for going through and looking for exposed wires what is the best way to search for a short?

 

Thanks alot I am still a newb with my truck and just try and figure out things as I go. I am starting to think that it is a short because the wiper problem started started again after getting a couple of inches of rain last night. I am going to pull up the diagram and try and fix the problem tonight.

 

I checked the wiper motor/washer pump and did not see any obvious breaks in the wire. I pulled apart the wiper motor assembly and checked for any water, but there wasn't any so I sprayed the contacts with contact cleaner and resealed the assembly. If the problem isn't fixed I will check the wire junction between the wiper motor/washer pump to see if there is a split. Wish me luck that I don't have to check for shorts behind the firewall. Thank you very much for your help!
tmantstud

 

I am pretty sure the washer pump is just plain dead. It hasn't worked since I got the truck 2 years ago, and is really corroded. I'm just going to replace that pump they aren't very expensive.

 

Did you find out what the problem is? I'm having the same issue with my wipers turning & staying on.

 

did they come on right after a heavy rain? my problem came back again after after receiving 3inches of rain in one night. If that is the situation then there is going to be a short somewhere in the electrical lines, look for exposed wires.
Hope this helps

 

Yep, it happens every time there's heavy rain. I'll look for a short.

Thanks

 

The problem has returned. I have had the switch checked it is just fine. There do not seem to be any splits in the wires or junction in the engine bay. I have checked and securely sealed the grommet leading the wires through the firewall. Before they would come on when when I turned the key to the second position, now they come on and wont turn off only if the truck is started. Do I need to pull off the cowel and check for leaks behind the firewall? If so what is the easiest way to take it off without breaking the plastics clips that hold it down?

 

I just pulled off the cowl and wiper motor to inspect to shorts but I didn't find any. I'm pretty sure the motor should be fine cause under dry conditions everything works the way it should. It only seems to happen when it rains or snows. But ill try the check system.

 

Just break em off j/k...

Check for a bad fuse

 

just changed the fuse. No luck there. hmmm frustrating

 

I just replaced the switch. what i find odd is that they will work normally through all the speeds while the ignition is turned to it's 2nd position, but as soon as i start the engine the wipers wont respond and stay constantly moving at the 2nd down setting(low) for the switch. I'm getting limited to either the wiper motor is bad or the relay by the washer pump...