Intermittent Wiper operation

[JPul]

My son and I went to the Detroit auto show yesterday and took my 06 truck. Just before leaving home, I engaged the wipers to clean the remaining snow off the windshield and nothing. There was some ice build-up around the base of the wipers so I got that cleaned off and the wipers began working. Reasonably normal so far.
Parked in downtown Windsor and took the bus over to the show. When we returned, I again turned on the wipers to clean the remaining snow, and no action in any stalk position. Checked the wipers and they moved freely. Tried again and no movement in any position. We drove away and headed out of Windsor. We stopped for supper at the edge of Windsor. Multiple attempts were made during this trip to operate the wipers and each time, no action in any position. I tried the washer at one point and got a squirt on the windshield but no wiper action. After supper, tried again, no action, wiggled wipers freely and tried again, no action. We headed home 50 miles away. Got into traffic and tried again. After several attempts, they began working again in all positions. Occasionally checked on the way home and success each time.
What's going on here. I hate intermittent operation because its tough to diagnose and besides, its pretty damn cold here right now.

Anybody had this happen or have any idea what's going on. I appreciate any help I get on this.

Regards, John

 

[AnOldBiker]

My '06 has had on and off intermediate operation issues that I have yet figured out. Before the last trip, I even took it to the dealers to see if they could figure it out.

Symptoms: In slow or fast mode, no problems.

Intermediate mode: only in the slowest and 2 steps above, will swipe part way on first stroke, stop for a 1/2 second and finish wipe. It might wipe several times and then repeat either on the up OR return stroke. It will do it with engine running or not. It will happen even if you clean the window and have new blades on. There is no pattern to report.

The dealers tech did not find any problems electrically or physically. In fact, when he was testing, it didn't happen (gremlins ???).
The only way I could show him was a video of the problem from my iPhone.
He believes me but since it did not happen when he was testing, he had nothing to recommend.
I thank God he didn't charge me either.

Since then, I have had perfect use and then it started up again. Like I mention before, no pattern.
Never had a issue like this in all the years I have driven, and all the vehicles I have owned.

Frustrating at the least !

I can't recommend anything, but if someone has an answer, I'm with you, I want to know.

 

[JLandry]

The wiper motor is controlled by a circuit board within the "Totally Integrated Power Module" located under the hood on the driver's side. I suppose there could be a problem with it, or the wiring connected to it.

John L.

 

[seafish]

Also it could be the multi function switch going bad...it happens ALOT onthese trucks--you can remove and clean it yourself pretty easily by reading these threads.

Remove MFS-- https://www.turbodieselregister.com...nction-switch-replacing&p=2336193#post2336193

Repair MFS-- https://www.turbodieselregister.com...4-Multifuction-Switch-Repair&highlight=switch

If you end up wanting to buy a new one, use part #CNH3X200AA as it is MUCH cheaper then the oem part# and is the EXACT same switch.

 

[seafish]

JUST realized that your truck is a 2006, and the warranty on the MFS has been extended to 150,000 miles and 10 years--

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...on-Switch-warranty-extension&highlight=switch

 

[EDankievitch]

My 05 did the same thing it ended up being the wiper motor. There are a few after market units out there but as I found they all are as poor as what the truck came with. Dodge up dated the wiper asy while not cheap around $300 as I recall it was well worth it. New unit was quiet and smooth and did not do the double triple wipe when in intermitant setting.

 

[JPul]

Its been very cold (for us) and windy here so I haven't had a chance to see if the intermittent operation is still there. But based on the above, this could get expensive and will have to wait for a while until the weather gets decent or bigger bucks at the dealer. Thanks for the replies.

Regards, John

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Mine did the same thing. I took the switch out, cleaned it, greased it and reinstalled it. Switch has worked perfect ever since.