Windshield wiper slow to start
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From: El Paso, TX
Windshield wiper slow to start
I have a 1991 ford ranger,4.0 6 cyl, and my windshield wipers seem to take a while to start working. What I mean is if my engine is cold, the blades do not move, and if I leave the switch on, about 5 minutes into the drive they start moving, very slowly at first. On warm days, they work, but very slowly. I do not know if this is a motor problem or something g else. Where should I start looking?
Most likely the motor but need to test voltage
Does the washer fluid pump work OK to spray water?
Does the heater fan motor work and does its speed vary with engine RPM
Battery voltage with engine off should be 12.8v(new battery) to 12.3v(5 years old)
Start engine, should be above 14volts but under 15volts
It will drop down to about 13.6v after 5 minutes or so
Wiper motor and washer fluid pump share the same power, so if both are slow then could be a problem in Multi-function switch(turn signal stalk)
Wiper on High gets full voltage from multi-function switch, its a separate wire than Low or intermittent, so test that
Does the washer fluid pump work OK to spray water?
Does the heater fan motor work and does its speed vary with engine RPM
Battery voltage with engine off should be 12.8v(new battery) to 12.3v(5 years old)
Start engine, should be above 14volts but under 15volts
It will drop down to about 13.6v after 5 minutes or so
Wiper motor and washer fluid pump share the same power, so if both are slow then could be a problem in Multi-function switch(turn signal stalk)
Wiper on High gets full voltage from multi-function switch, its a separate wire than Low or intermittent, so test that
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From: El Paso, TX
The washer fluid pump does spray water just fine, just adjusted the flow direction on it this morning.
Heater fan fan works as well and the speed does vary with rpm.
I need to purchase the tool to check voltage, so I owe you an answer on that.
Based on on your response, seems that because I have good fluid, heater fan is working, and high wiper blade is working, the problem is more than likely the wiper motor, is that correct?
Thanks for all all the info and your fast responses RonD!
Heater fan fan works as well and the speed does vary with rpm.
I need to purchase the tool to check voltage, so I owe you an answer on that.
Based on on your response, seems that because I have good fluid, heater fan is working, and high wiper blade is working, the problem is more than likely the wiper motor, is that correct?
Thanks for all all the info and your fast responses RonD!
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From: El Paso, TX
Just tested battery, and I am using an old analog meter, but I got 12.4 volts engine off. It is not a new battery. After start I got it 14 volts and after five minutes running I still have 14 volts. Should I consider a new wiper motor?
Not a system voltage issue, battery reads 4 to 5 years old
I will post wiring diagram, its 1993 but 1991 should be the same except for wire colors
Multi-function switch is still in the picture along with the motor itself
When you press the washer button do the wipers come on and sweep the window twice?
They should
If not then Low speed on motor may be the problem if High Speed works, 2 different contacts in the motor
In the diagram you can see wiper and washer power all comes from one place
And all flows thru multi-function switch
The "box" just below multi-function switch is actually part of the motor.
Do the wipers self Park in high?
If you have a volt meter then maybe unplug the motor wires and test them for voltage with key on and wiper switch set to different speeds
I will post wiring diagram, its 1993 but 1991 should be the same except for wire colors
Multi-function switch is still in the picture along with the motor itself
When you press the washer button do the wipers come on and sweep the window twice?
They should
If not then Low speed on motor may be the problem if High Speed works, 2 different contacts in the motor
In the diagram you can see wiper and washer power all comes from one place
And all flows thru multi-function switch
The "box" just below multi-function switch is actually part of the motor.
Do the wipers self Park in high?
If you have a volt meter then maybe unplug the motor wires and test them for voltage with key on and wiper switch set to different speeds
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From: El Paso, TX
Thank you for your time again on this one RonD.
I looked over over the electrical diagram and I wish I could understand it more.
When end I press the button the blades do move twice and Park. And the blades do park on high.
It it has cooled down outside and now the blades are running a bit smoother, it seems like on low the blades stick to the windshield and get stuck, so it is almost like the motor does not have the torque in low power to move the blades. It seems like there are some electrical problems on this old truck!
I saw a video of someone who took a cover off the wiper motor, and there are three contacts on the cap. Is that worth popping off and seeing if one of the connectors needs to be bent out to get better contact?
I looked over over the electrical diagram and I wish I could understand it more.
When end I press the button the blades do move twice and Park. And the blades do park on high.
It it has cooled down outside and now the blades are running a bit smoother, it seems like on low the blades stick to the windshield and get stuck, so it is almost like the motor does not have the torque in low power to move the blades. It seems like there are some electrical problems on this old truck!
I saw a video of someone who took a cover off the wiper motor, and there are three contacts on the cap. Is that worth popping off and seeing if one of the connectors needs to be bent out to get better contact?
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From: El Paso, TX
I will try to pull the motor and check the connections on the motor. I assume these go bad, and considering the truck is so old, it may just have run it’s lifespan and need to be replaced. Once I pull it, I will update. Thanks again!
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