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Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Yahoo Message Number: 101437
Hello,

The windshield wipers on our 2007 Tribute 260 were operational an hour ago, now they are inoperative for no apparent rhyme or reason. All other 12vdc items (lights, radio, heater motor) on the dash operate normally.  I tried the windshield wiper washer button; the pump does not generate any spray and the wipers do not move. The Hi/Low and delay buttons on the steering wheel produce precisely the same result.
 The same fault condition happened to us about two weeks ago. For reasons to be determined, the windshield wipers returned to normal operation.  I haven't been able to determine why.
 When the fault originally occurred, I checked the  wire connected to the wiper motor. The voltmeter read 12 volts while the wipers were still inoperative.
 Does anyone have any insight or suggestions for further troubleshooting/problem resolution?

Thank you,

Joe Allen

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101439
Thank you Marvin. That would explain the presence of the 12 volts to the wiper motor while in the fault condition.

How does one interface with the computer, do you know?

Regards,

Joe Allen

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101440
I would check the other features of the smartwheel to see if they operate correctly.  I just had the clock spring replaced in mine.  My symptoms were that none of the smartwheel features worked nor did the horn.  Sorry I can't advise you on real diagnostics.

Britt

2004 Intrigue 11836

www.cojobluegrass.com

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101443
Britt

Thank you for the reply. All cruise control functions on the smart wheel are fully operational.

Regards

Joe Allen

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101444
We had this problem once.  One of the plugs under the steering wheel was not seated correctly.  Pushed the connector into the socket until is snapped and voila everything worked.

Bob

'05 Intrigue 11872

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101448
I had a SmartWheel problem for a year before it was finally solved at a CC Rally. Mine was intermittent. Sometimes could travel 1000 miles before failure and other times 50 miles. It would resolve itself. So bad that I wired an emergency windshield wiper switch on the dash. When I lost the ability to set Cruise Control, my Windshield wipers would fail too. Even tried a new clock spring for the steering wheel. There are 4 wires in the clock spring, when depending on their respective voltages would activate some smartwheel functions. The only two functions that were a problem for me were Cruise Control and Wipers. In my case, the problem was so intermittent that it would never fail at a repair shop
 Problem was traced to a bad crimp on one of the four wires where it entered the molex connection that plugs into the control box on the firewall to the left of the steering wheel below the dash, near the floor, as I recall. In fact, it looked like the one wire was held in place by only two copper strands. New pin crimped and problem permanently solved.
 Hope that helps. Do you have the voltage chart for the four wires. Just search google and found this great diagnostic PDF file -- copy the whole link please:
 http://beaveramb.org/PDF/PDF%20Manuals/David%20Henery%202000%20Marquis/SmartWheel%20Troubleshooting%20Guide.pdf

or from this page:

http://www.rvtechlibrary.com/electronics/smartwheel.htm

Herb

2007 Allure 31466
Forum Moderator

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101451
Sorry about one of the links in my post being out of date.

Here is an excellent URL for the complete smart wheel product line including all voltages, pin to pin, on the steering wheel clock spring for trouble shooting.  (It is listed under smart wheels in this group's LINKS section.).  Www.vipwheels.com

Btw, before replacing the clock spring, just jumper the new one from the steering wheel hub to the moles connector on the steering column -- to see it it fixes the problem while parked in the driveway.  For me, the clock spring was not the problem and it saved me some work.

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101454
Herb

Many thanks for the helpful information.  The wipers started working again on their own. I've identified the control module and molex connectors under the dash and will perform the voltage checks when the wiper next malfunctions.

Best regards

Joe Allen
 

Re: Windshield Wipers Inoperable

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101458
Since you found the connector you might want to open it and spray contact cleaner on the connections and plug together.  To prevent the problem from coming back.

Ray O 
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