My 86 Bronco has an intermittent problem with the wipers that's becomming more frequent. The intermittent wiper feature doesn't work - turning to the intermittent function only gives the same low speed with no delay. Low speed and high speed work ok, but the wipers will not park by themselves. I'd guess it's the delay module, but the parking function is usually part of the wiper motor. Can anyone tell me which part is the problem?

 

The wiper motors receive their signals from the delay module. They are nothing more than electrical motors and dont have any kind of "delay" function built into them. If they work in low and high, then the motors are OK. From what you described, I would bet on the delay module being bad.

 

However, the "park" function relys on positioning of the motor gearing. The motor has a set of contacts in the gearhead that keep the wipers running until they are in the "full down" position. If the contacts in the gearhead are corroded or broken they will not park. And every time the intermittant relay triggers it starts the wiper motor but relys on the "park" contacts to stop the motor in the right position. The intermittant function is a recylcling time delay relay that changes time based on changes in input voltage from the delay dial and resistors.

 

That's what i wanted to know - thanks...

 

Ummm OK. Thanks greystreak! Clear as mud.


I didnt know about the park contacts. Nice info.

 

Billybob,

I try... most people's patience, but I try. The delay module you referred to is the recycling time delay relay I was talking about and the input voltage change is affected by moving the dial on the intermittant setting for the wipers. The dial changes the resistance value feeding the delay module and thats what makes the relay cycle at slower or faster intervals. Hopes thats a little less murky.

 

LOL Yea I tend to do that to.

LOL I got it the first time. But if you read it fast..hehe sounds really techy and I love doing that to people.

THanks Grey!

 

Well. I had a heck of a time replacing the wiper motor - I bent two windshield moldings and the cowl panel. I did it at night, and I was determined to ""git er done" as they say. I won't do that again.
As if it weren't bad enough, it wasn't the wiper motor - though it sure acted like the parking contacts were worn out. I unplugged & reconnected the connector at the wiper switch, and it worked again. There's $40.00 (plus cost of replacing moldings) that could have gone toward a new paint job.
It was a good guess, but still just a guess. In any case, it's a lot less than a car payment.