My wipers don't work, motor runs. What do I have to do next?

Something in the assembly is binding and stripping out the motors. Check the pivots in the linkages for friction and wear.

Hi Maddie, I'm glad to help! Below, I have posted a diagnostic procedure to see why the wipers are not working on your Dakota. Hope this helps and have an awesome day Maddie!



DIAGNOSIS
WIPER MOTOR

The following are wiper motor system problems,
tests to be performed to locate the faulty part, and
the proper action to be taken. If the malfunction involves
only the delay mode, switch, or wiring, see the
diagnosis for Intermittent Wipe Module and Wiper/
Washer Switch.
CONDITION
Motor will not run in any wiper/washer
switch position.
PROCEDURE

(1) Check fuse 10 in the fuseblock module. If OK,
go to step 3. If not OK, replace fuse and go to next
step.
(2) Check motor operation in all wiper/washer
switch positions. If not OK and fuse blows, go to step
5. If not OK and fuse is OK, go to next step.
(3) Place wiper/washer switch in LOW position and
listen to motor. If you cannot hear it running, go to
next step. If motor is running, check motor output
shaft. If output shaft is not turning, replace motor
assembly. If it is turning, drive link to output shaft
or linkage is not properly connected. Replace worn
parts and/or properly connect drive link to the motor
output shaft.
(4) Connect a voltmeter between motor terminal L
and ground strap (Fig. 1). If there is little or no voltage
(less than 1 volt), move negative test lead from
the ground strap to battery negative terminal. If an
increase in voltage is noticed, the problem is a bad
ground circuit. Make sure the motor mounting is free
of paint and that mounting fasteners are tight. If
there is still no indication of voltage, the problem is
an open in wiring or faulty wiper/washer switch. If a
small increase (greater than 3 volts) in voltage is observed,
the problem is a faulty motor assembly.
(5) Disconnect motor wiring connector and replace
fuse. If fuse does not blow, motor is defective. If fuse
blows, wiper/washer switch or wiring is at fault.
CONDITION
Motor runs slowly at all speeds.
PROCEDURE

(1) Disconnect wiring harness connector at motor.
Remove wiper arms and blades. Connect an ammeter
between battery and terminal L on motor (Fig. 2). If
motor runs and average ammeter reading is more
than 6 amps, continue to next step. If motor runs
and average ammeter reading is less than 6 amps, go
to step 3.
(2) Check wiper linkage or pivots for binding or obstruction.
Disconnect drive link from motor. If motor
now runs and draws less than 3 amps, repair linkage
system. If motor continues to draw more than 3
amps, replace motor assembly.
(3) Check motor wiring harness for short between
high and low speed circuits. Connect a voltmeter or
test lamp to motor ground strap. Set wiper/washer
switch to LOW position. Connect other lead of voltmeter
(test lamp) to terminal H of the wiring harness.
If voltage is present, there is a short in the
wiring or wiper/washer switch. If no voltage is
present, go to next step.
(4) Set wiper/washer switch to HIGH position.
Move voltmeter (test lamp) lead from terminal H to
terminal L of the wiring harness. If voltage is
present, there is a short in the wiring or wiper/
washer switch.
CONDITION
Motor will run at high speed, but not at low
speed.
Fig. 1 Voltmeter Between Terminal L and Ground
Motor will run at low speed, but not at high speed.
Fig. 2 Ammeter Between Terminal L and Battery
WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS 8K - 3

How do you know motor is fine, you jumped a wire across from battery to motor? if what you say is correct then it has to be the wiper control switch, if when u jump wire across and motor turns but not wipers the the attachment from motor to wiper assembly is stripped, disassemble and find if it's shaft or plate that's stripped happens when people don't clean windows off from snow ice and just turn wipers on.

Just by your discription of the way it acted up i would think it's the pulse board . This pulse board screws on the wiper motor .

Go to Bing homepage

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_parts/wiper_pulse_module/cadillac.html

First and for most, check the fuse, that has probably burnt out. I am pretty sure that is the issue. Next if after finding fuse in panel , and replacing it, still don,t work, then next step would be checking washer/wiper motor. Thanks, please let me know, mike from fixya

try to find the wiper motor when it is running.i am not sure where it is. some wiper motors are inside the cowling under the wiper arms making it hard to get to. if you see it try connecting a seperate wire,positively to the metal of the motor and a good engine ground or back to the battery.if it works fine now try to locate the original ground wire connection,it may be right next to the motor screwed into the body or the wipermotor mounting itself.

a screw is missing from the part u attatch the whper to

HI. This is a possible motor issue. To confirm, use this procedure. it will help isolate the actual issue at hand.

1.Make sure the battery has a strong charge and is in good condition. Use a voltmeter to get a reading if necessary.

2.Connect a jumper wire between ground and the wiper motor. Turn the key on but don’t start the engine. Turn the wiper switch on. If the motor works, check for a corroded or loose ground connection.

3.Turn on the car key but don’t start the engine. Turn on the wipers. Check for voltage at the wiper motor with your voltmeter. If you get a good voltage reading, turn the key off and disconnect the motor from the wiper linkage.

4.Move the wiper arms by hand. If they are stuck, you have found the problem. If the wiper arms move freely by hand, go to step 5. If voltage is not reaching the motor go to step 6.

5.Remove the wiper motor by disconnecting the plug and removing the bolts using a wrench or ratchet. Use a pair of jumper wires to connect the wiper motor directly to the battery. If the motor does not work, replace it.

6.Turn on the key but don’t start the engine. Get a voltage reading across the wiper switch. If there is voltage, use a jumper wire to bypass the switch, if the motor works now, replace the switch, otherwise go to step 7. If there is no voltage at the switch, go to step 8.

7.Check for continuity at the wire between the switch and the motor. The wire could be loose or disconnected.


8.Check the wire coming from the fuse panel to the wiper switch. It could be disconnected or loose.

I have the same problem with my 1989 Dakota. I found a part: A-1 CARDONE Part # 40387 which is listed as a Wiper Motor. Is that the same thing?

1. check the fuse to the rear wiper motor
2. check for power to rear wiper motor at the motor (power wire going in to the wiper motor with rear wiper switch on)
If you have good fuses & have power going in to the rear wiper motor...
3. Pull old rear wiper motor and install a new rear wiper motor.
Thank you please drive thru......