Wipers Won't Turn Off: 73 w/Hidden Wiper Stock Setup

[camaro73lt]

Has anyone had this problem with their wiper switch? Mine starting acting up and now will not shut off the wipers when the car is on. My setup is all stock. No one has messed with the wires or done any changes. My first guess is the switch has gone bad. Anyone ever opened one up and repaired it? The "W/O hidden wiper" switch seems to be a common replacement, but I am not finding the Hidden Wiper switch just yet. I pulled the gauge bezel today and will check out the switch. Any advice or suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mallard]

You likely have a problem with the switch mechanism attached to the motor itself.

 

[72SS9681]

I agree with mallard I think your problem is in the motor itself. It's been years since I've played with one but if memory serves when power is cut off from the switch the motor continues to run until the mechanism "parks" itself or in the down/hidden position. The mechanical switch/relay has possibly failed and continues to run even though there's no power from the switch. To test your switch you can try unplugging the connector from the back of it and see it the wipers stop but I'm betting the problem is in the motor.

 

[camaro73lt]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree, the issue is likely within the motor's park switch. I have the wiper motor on my bench and plan to do some troubleshooting this week. There is an excellent video on YouTube by "Double R Restorations" on these motors / switches.

 

[Budz]

 

[camaro73lt]

Update - I got the wiper motor working on my bench using my wiper switch, a spare 12v battery and the video from Double R Restorations. My issue appears to be with the "Park Switch" in the motor. It will not trip /engage when the wiper switch is switched to "off" position. I can see the park switch lever twitch, as it gets the off signal, but the solenoid / relay doesn't deploy the arm to park the wipers and shut-off.

I looked on the "bay" and found numerous Delco wiper park switches. Can anyone tell me how to find the part number of the wiper park switch? This is the one I think is correct:

OEM GM Windshield Wiper Soleniod Park Switch Part # 22048274​

I have no idea what reference would have parts for the wiper motor. I have a 73 wiper motor, 1st series, hidden wipers model.

I removed the park switch and gave it a light spray of electronics cleaner as a first attempt. I'll work on it some more. Looks to be a solenoid or relay of some kind.

Thanks!

 

[camaro73lt]

Possibly got the problem solved. After spraying the "park switch" a few times with electronic cleaner, the motor is going into "park" mode and stopping properly. I am continuing to test and plan to re-grease a few parts and wrap this up. Thanks again for everyone's help and especially "Double R Restoration's" video; I would never have gotten the wiring setup right without his example.