2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Wiper problems help!

[Texis]

My 97 is having some wiper problems. The intermitent does not work, the low speed is very weak... barely moves at all, high speed works fine.



So is this the wiper motor or the smart switch on the column?



Thanks

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Texis,

I don't have a '97 schematic, but looking at the '98, and assuming not much has changed in intermittent schematics for the gen 2's I would venture a bet placing blame on the wiper motor. The intermittent and slow function of the wiper system share the slow speed circuit of the wiper motor, while the high speed has its own input. The multifunction switch regulates the switching (intermittent, slow, fast) and the inputs to the Integrated Electronic Module (IEM) for the variable wiping feature. When you select slow speed or high speed the IEM is essentially removed through the Multi-function Switch.
If you have a volt meter you can check for B+ voltage (battery voltage) on pin 1 - RD/YL wire on the '98 schematic (High speed) of the wiper motor connection when the ignition is in the Run/Acc position and wiper is in the High position. Then switch the wiper switch to Low and check for B+ at pin 4 - BR/WT wire on the '98 schematic (Low speed/Intermittent) of the wiper motor connector. The voltages should be the same. If the voltages are not close in value you may have a wiring or Multifunction Switch problem. Note: Pin 3 of the connector - DB on the '98 schematic - should have B+ voltage at all times while the ignition switch is in Run/Acc.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I forgot to ask... how does the wiper Park function work? Do they park more slowly than usual when turned off, or do they park at their normal speed?

 

[Texis]

The park function works on the high speed setting, which is the only thing moving the blades through their full stroke. The slow speed is so weak it stops at 1/2 stroke.



Assuming it's the motor, how big of a deal is it to change one?

 

[fest3er]

... Assuming it's the motor, how big of a deal is it to change one?

As with most such things, patience is needed most, to scope out the work.



Basically, remove the wiper arms from the posts and the 'cowl' parts behind the hood. Disconnect the linkage from the motor's drive arm. Unplug the motor connectors. Remove the bolts/nuts. Remove wiper motor. It's not like a minivan or some other FWD car where you have to remove the engine/trans to change the wiper motor.



If you're in there changing the motor, you might as well change all the linkage bushings/bearing as well. Also inspect the arm mounting posts and bearings; if they're badly worn/loose, consider replacing them, too.

 

[GAmes]

Texis, If you need a multifunction switch PM me. I have a brand new one that I'll sell very reasonable.

 

[Missouri Mule]

On the 97 you should have a Intermitten Wiper Module under instrument panel that controls the delay of the wiper moving thru the Multi-funciton switch varible resistor.

 

[AlSmith]

I do not have access to a wiring diagram but I do know the Gen 2 Rams had a problem with breaking wires in the steering column due to the tilt steering wheel. You might remove the cover and look for broken wires or wires pulled loose. I unfortunately experienced several symptoms due to this problem. Just a thought.

 

[shotgunslg]

Al,
Did your problem consist of the interior lights not working, wipers not working except for on high, and the power door lock not working. I keep blowing the fuse that controls all these functions and i cant find my short.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

How does the motor behave under no load? Can you lift the arms up from the glass to the "store" position and run the motor through its cycle—does it travel complete sweep? (watch the arm rotation) My vote as well would be for a motor winding fault (or brush fault) but I couldn't tell you what the resistance of each winding should normally be.

 

[Texis]

The wipers function normally under no load, full cycles, good power & speed, etc. As mentioned I have nothing on any setting but fast/high and I have noticed the park position only works about half the time... . the rest of the time I have to bump them around until they are down.

 

[budnate]

I have read here that there are a set of contacts inside the wiper motors and they open up over time and screw up timing makes sense to cause the goofy park issue is never right ,



I had similar problems with my truck last summer bought it used, I pulled the motor and wiper arms all at once it easier that way take out a few 10mm bolts and it falls out of the cowl,



I found my motor had been replaced already once it had a huge rebuilt stamp on it, hmmmm, looked on ebay and found a guy parting a truck in Cal, figured it probably didn't get used much in Cal, bought it... . pay attention to where your wiper linkage is indexed to the motor in park postion before popping it loose from the motor!!! anyway popped in a used motor works perfect, I think your wiper motor is worn out.



with as much as I have read on the subject here, Dodge stuck some cheap wiper motors in.

 

[AlSmith]

Shotgonslg, It seemed like every time something electrical went wrong I would find the problem in the steering column wiring. If you have the problems with the lights and other inside cab functions check the fuse first then check the wiring in the steering column. Everytime you tilt the steering wheel you are bending dozens of wires. Surely engineering could have found a better more flexible connection. Good Luck!

 

[shotgunslg]

yeah i will have to check the wires been down the fuse road... put a new one in and time how long till it blows which is about 7-8 seconds

 

[DODGEDADDIE]

I have a weird one for you guys...

The other day at work one of my friends told me I had left my wipers on. . (But I had the keys in my pocket). . !!!??

I went to my truck an the wipers were stopped about half a wipe.

I TRIED to turn them on BUT no go...



So I pulled the fuse just to make sure as not to burn some thing up or to run battary down.

I made an appointment at the dealership,,as I parked it at the lot. . I put the fuse BACK IN an it worked fine.

Dealership checked everything out an found NO ISSUES...



ANY IDEA'S



Mike In Maine

98 . . 12valve

 

[SRath]

The first thing that ever went haywire on my '96 after buying it used was the wiper motor. It's a foggy recollection (sorry), but it was the contact in the motor (works much like our fuel sender with an arm contacting a strip of copper) and I used JB Weld to fix it until I could find an affordable replacement.



That was 12 years ago and it is still working fine.

 

[Texis]

I still have not taken it apart. It works on high only... . been getting by with it.



Critical issue today is the PS pump bracket (called the vaccum pump bracket) is leaking oil like crazy. Picking up the Cummins seal kit tomorrow and headed to local dealer. I do the fun stuff... and it ain't gonna be fun!! Really a huge mess in there currently with oil flyin everywhere!!

 

[DODGEDADDIE]

MULE...

Is this module behide the speedo/tach ,etc ?

How do I know what it will look like an is this a dealer only item?



THANKS

 

[DODGEDADDIE]

I took the dash all apart an saw nothing that looked like a realy??
Any chance some one has a picture of this and where?

THANKS

 

[DODGEDADDIE]

MULE. .

Is this true on the 98 (12 vlaves) also?

I took the dash all apart an saw nothing that looked like a realy??

Any chance some one has a picture of this and where?



THANKS