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weak wiper motor when cold?

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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 09:12 AM
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Question weak wiper motor when cold?

Today getting a lot of snow and it is 7 degrees outside, I have noticed in the past when my truck is cold the accessories are weak or slower than normal.today they never sped up and they even quit at one point then started working about a minuite later????? I have seen posts before that touch this subject but cannot find in my search?
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 09:15 AM
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The wiper motor is independant of the engine type. It is running right off of your electrical system. I would do a voltage check on your electrical system while the engine/wiper is running to verify you have about 12.6V or so. If you have low voltage your motor will run slow. If you have full voltage and it is running slow I would suspect a defect in the motor and/or speed control.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by vettdvr
The wiper motor is independant of the engine type. It is running right off of your electrical system. I would do a voltage check on your electrical system while the engine/wiper is running to verify you have about 12.6V or so. If you have low voltage your motor will run slow. If you have full voltage and it is running slow I would suspect a defect in the motor and/or speed control.
I checked voltage when running low idle is 11.7 to 11.8 with headlights on defrost on high and wiper motor running. I thought it should be closer to 13?
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:03 AM
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probably just low on wiper motor fluid... LOL JK
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by rblaine9000
I checked voltage when running low idle is 11.7 to 11.8 with headlights on defrost on high and wiper motor running. I thought it should be closer to 13?
If it's cold out and this reading was taken right after you just started up, your GPR is on and your volt reading will be in the 11.8 range until your GPR turns off. Your GPR can stay on up to 2 minutes after first start in the morning to heat the cylinders.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:29 AM
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that is correct I think i will start my truck and check in a bit
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:39 AM
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well I checked it and it was on high idle for a minute then I pressed brake checked batteries and they started to drop from 13.7 to 11.9 12.0 with nothing turned on! I think I have a faulty alternator
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by rblaine9000
I checked voltage when running low idle is 11.7 to 11.8 with headlights on defrost on high and wiper motor running. I thought it should be closer to 13?

I think your alternator might have a blown diode, (just 1) it will put out power but only about 2/3 capacity. I suggest you take the truck or alternator which is easier for you and have it checked. if you are below about 12.6 volts you really aren't charging the batteries much if at all.

You might try the wipers with everything off but the wipers and verify the voltage. You really should be about 12.6 with just the wipers on and every thing else off. Be sure to check the a/c / heat and make sure the blower is off. But sounds like not getting a full charge. Possibly a bad cell in the battery also. Does it start slower than normal?
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 01:05 PM
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I may have a dying alternator or battery(ies). Just for giggles, double check your battery cables for corrosion - cheap and free fix.
 
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