Guys;

I have Gremlins inthe windshield wipers of my '89 S-10: They turn on, make one swipe and then turn off. If I go over a bump they turn on, make one swipe and then turn off. When I make a turn (left or right) they turn on, make one swipe and then turn off. When I use my turn signal they turn on, make one swipe and then turn off. Sometimes just driving down a perfectly smooth, well paved road they turn on, make one swipe and then turn off. Heeeelp!!!!!

A clue might be that if I bang on the the steering wheel with the palm of my hand they turn on, make one swipe and then turn off. But I'm not sure. I could probably kick the trailer hitch and they would do the same thing. Could it be a loose wire in the smart stalk or somewhere? How does one remove and inspect a smart stalk?

Or do I need an excorcist?

Best regards,
Ken

 

The first thing I would try would be to remove the wiper pulse module (circuit board inside the wiper motor housing itself) and check for cold solders on the board. If you see any cracked solders, just heat them back up with a soldering iron to flow the solder, fixing the connection.

On an older truck however, I would suspect a problem with the multifunction switch (turn signal stalk).

I would check the wiper board first as it is a pretty easy and practically free fix if you already have a soldering iron.

 

ya to me it sounds like a loose connection of some sort i would go and do what kyle said and check all of ur connections and wires for the wiper assembly. this would sometimes happen to me once in awhile at random when i hit the turn signal my wipers would wipe across once. it was wierd. but it doesnt really happen anymore

 

Ok, I know exactly what you are talking about, I bought my 89 GMC S-15 Jimmy new and I have had the mystery swipe since the car was new. Over the years I replaced every component related to the wipers and still the mystery swipe. Just a few months ago I stumbled on a tech service bulletin that addressed this issue. I had the local Chevy dealer install and ever since my wipers no longer swipe at random. Do a internet search on Phantom Wiper Swipe and you should be able to find the Tech Bulletin on it. If i can find it I will post it as well.

 

Ok, here is the TSB 902668E May 90 - Intermittent Phantom Wipe (No Driver Input). Like I said I had this done at my local chevy dealer and no more phantom swipe. I believe parts and labor was under $150.00 for the repair. Call your local dealer and give them the TSB number and get a quote. Now if only i can solve the back glass rattle I would be in dog heaven. I have done, tape, WD-40, Adjusted the latch to be very tight, adjusted the tailgate. The tape/grease/WD-40 works for a little while but nothing so far has been final. I have another idea i am working on and I will post when i have the results.