Interval wiper black box failure
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 137
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Interval wiper black box failure
I installed an interval wiper switch and black box (module) a few months ago in my truck. They worked beautifully until the other day when the wipers stopped altogether. I have three other black boxes from the wreckers, and none of them work, they all just buzz.
I have a Computer Engineering background and I took the box apart. I havent had time to do proper trouble shooting, but I suspect its one of the two or both capacitors that have failed. None of them appear to have leaked, but has anyone else tried fixing these boxes? I'm not buying a new one, or getting more defective ones from the wrecker.
I'm probably going to change the capacitors anyway and see if they work after that, I'll post my results in a few days.
Thanks.
Ryan.
I have a Computer Engineering background and I took the box apart. I havent had time to do proper trouble shooting, but I suspect its one of the two or both capacitors that have failed. None of them appear to have leaked, but has anyone else tried fixing these boxes? I'm not buying a new one, or getting more defective ones from the wrecker.
I'm probably going to change the capacitors anyway and see if they work after that, I'll post my results in a few days.
Thanks.
Ryan.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 137
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Changed caps, didn't work
looks like its probably one of the transistors as all the resistors are good, and the diodes are ok as well. The relay works fine, I was able to test them.
Will post the results once I have time to try it again.
Ryan.
Will post the results once I have time to try it again.
Ryan.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
If you know how to check diodes, you should be able to check the transistors. I usually look up the number on the transistor on the web, so then I will know the pinout and then be able to check it with the diode checking function on the meter.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
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I did test them, and they check out.
I know what you mean that they should test like a diode, and they seem to be fine that way. The only thing we can come up with is that they might not be switching properly. The relay is only getting around 6 volts, should be twelve, which might explain why it buzzes as its trying to open(or close) and keeps doing it over and over, kind of like a dead battery makes the starter solenoid click repeatedly.
Hopefully I can get some time to do this soon. I might have to use my truck if it rains as the forecast shows here.
Ryan.
Hopefully I can get some time to do this soon. I might have to use my truck if it rains as the forecast shows here.
Ryan.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 137
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Fixed it, black boxes were fine.
Turns out, of all things, it was the wiper motor, stuck in the park position. The black box would buzz because the motor was locked up, and was soaking up a ton of current trying to turn over, but something is stuck, so the black box was going nuts.
So, Looks like I have about four replacement black boxes that work fine.
Ryan.
So, Looks like I have about four replacement black boxes that work fine.
Ryan.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: East Coast
Glad you found the problem. I have a similar problem that crops up with my delay wipers, sometimes they'll stop in mid windshield. The non delay settings always seem to work though. If all else fails I could disconnect the box. and have two speeds to get home.
