1997 wipers won't work; replaced motor, relays okay, fuses okay

R

RISH REINEN

New Member
I own probably the Guinness Book's world record holder for the worst vehicle for repairs ever known. I swear [though I never swear] that---as a mechanic since I was about 15 and now I'm 68---I have never owned or seen a vehicle that will go from one problem to another right after I get one fixed . . . another goes out. It's terrible and spendy. Now I'm trying to solve two problems . . . the wipers just quit . . . and the brake lights won't go off . . . and I've replaced the brake switch. Any ideas? I used my volt-ohm meter, first thing, to check out the fuses [fine]; then I checked the relays [fine]; then I checked the power to the motor . . . and it seemed fine, but still it didn't work. So I replaced the motor . . . still doesn't work. Is there a way to check out the wiper column control? I've not done that before. And, what about the brake lights staying on . . . any ideas?
 
My guess is the multi-function switch in the steering column (turn signal switch). It controls the wipers, turn signals and hazard lights. Bear in mind that the brake light circuit passes through this switch also, so if you have a short either in the switch itself or the harness that feeds it, that could produce the issues you are having. Good luck!
 
First of all . . . THANK YOU SO MUCH mhoward for your very kind and thoughtful reply. I didn't realize that the column switch does so much. I do realize NOW [after looking at some of the prices online] that it is a very expensive little switch to replace. So, I'll make an attempt to find one at a wrecking yard first . . . to spend the least amount of money possible to see---for sure---that THAT is the problem. But, wow, when a person deals with an issue for a while, it really means a LOT when someone like you takes the time to write a note to help. Thanks a bunch . . . and may the Lord bless you for your kindness. Rish, West Salem, Oregon
 
Always happy to help where I can, Rish! I hope your local wrecking yard has a donor for you. It is quite easy to change out, so you won't have a lot of work ahead of you. :)
 
mhoward said:
My guess is the multi-function switch in the steering column (turn signal switch). It controls the wipers, turn signals and hazard lights. Bear in mind that the brake light circuit passes through this switch also, so if you have a short either in the switch itself or the harness that feeds it, that could produce the issues you are having. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Have you clerked the ground wire from the moter to the frame . On the wiper mothr and on the truck moter . Ground wires do weird things when not making good contact .
 
mhoward said:
My guess is the multi-function switch in the steering column (turn signal switch). It controls the wipers, turn signals and hazard lights. Bear in mind that the brake light circuit passes through this switch also, so if you have a short either in the switch itself or the harness that feeds it, that could produce the issues you are having. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Hello Mhoward . . . I'm trying to remodel an old 1937 house from a 1700 square foot place to a 5400 square foot abode all by myself [I'm on my 10th year of this project], so, I haven't had a chance to get back to the Ranger Project . . . until today. And, I went to a wrecking yard and bought a signal switch and installed it . . . . . . and the wipers still won't work and the brake lights won't go off unless I put a bunjy cord on the pedal. I am just plain perplexed like I can't remember being perplexed. I've been doing mechanics and fixing my own vehicles for many years [I'm going to be 69 July 8th], and this one has got me. I have---to date---replaced the wiper motor (even though it checked out to be okay with my volt ohm meter) . . . replaced the turn switch, replaced the brake pedal switch, checked all the fuses I can find and the in-engine compartment relay switches . . . and STILL, NOTHING has solved my problems with the tail lights and the wipers not working. They worked when I bought the car . . . but, right after---even before I drove it home---I gas tube to the tank---the wipers stopped working . . . and my neighbor told me that the tail lights were on . . . and they have been [unless---like I mentioned---I put a bunjy cord from the brake pedal to the searing column. Wilfvoakes suggested that I check the ground wire to the wiper motor . . . and the one to the engine. I just replaced the wiper motor, so, I did get that ground wire on tightly . . . but I will have to keep looking for the engine ground wire, because I haven't found it yet.

So, does anyone have any other ideas? Even though my income is very limited . . .I may have to take it to the pros on this one. I'm idea'd out.

Rish
West Salem, Oregon
 
wilfvoakes said:
Have you clerked the ground wire from the moter to the frame . On the wiper mothr and on the truck moter . Ground wires do weird things when not making good contact .
Click to expand...
Hello wilfvoakes . . . It's been a while since I replied which I will explain in the following paragraph that I sent to another suggester of what to do . . .

Hello Mhoward . . . I'm trying to remodel an old 1937 house from a 1700 square foot place to a 5400 square foot abode all by myself [I'm on my 10th year of this project], so, I haven't had a chance to get back to the Ranger Project . . . until today. And, I went to a wrecking yard and bought a signal switch and installed it . . . . . . and the wipers still won't work and the brake lights won't go off unless I put a bunjy cord on the pedal. I am just plain perplexed like I can't remember being perplexed. I've been doing mechanics and fixing my own vehicles for many years [I'm going to be 69 July 8th], and this one has got me. I have---to date---replaced the wiper motor (even though it checked out to be okay with my volt ohm meter) . . . replaced the turn switch, replaced the brake pedal switch, checked all the fuses I can find and the in-engine compartment relay switches . . . and STILL, NOTHING has solved my problems with the tail lights and the wipers not working. They worked when I bought the car . . . but, right after---even before I drove it home---I gas tube to the tank---the wipers stopped working . . . and my neighbor told me that the tail lights were on . . . and they have been [unless---like I mentioned---I put a bunjy cord from the brake pedal to the searing column. Wilfvoakes suggested that I check the ground wire to the wiper motor . . . and the one to the engine. I just replaced the wiper motor, so, I did get that ground wire on tightly . . . but I will have to keep looking for the engine ground wire, because I haven't found it yet.

So, does anyone have any other ideas? Even though my income is very limited . . .I may have to take it to the pros on this one. I'm idea'd out.

Rish
West Salem, Oregon
 
I know its been almost a year since this post but im new here an got caught up reading your post, so heres my 2 cents...take the wiper motor off and bench check it to make sure it actually works...if it does and you have checked everything else id go for the clock spring in the stearing column as far as the brake light problem its either a simple adjustment to the switch or replace the pedal return spring (if there is one)
 
RISH REINEN said:
Hello wilfvoakes . . . It's been a while since I replied which I will explain in the following paragraph that I sent to another suggester of what to do . . .

Hello Mhoward . . . I'm trying to remodel an old 1937 house from a 1700 square foot place to a 5400 square foot abode all by myself [I'm on my 10th year of this project], so, I haven't had a chance to get back to the Ranger Project . . . until today. And, I went to a wrecking yard and bought a signal switch and installed it . . . . . . and the wipers still won't work and the brake lights won't go off unless I put a bunjy cord on the pedal. I am just plain perplexed like I can't remember being perplexed. I've been doing mechanics and fixing my own vehicles for many years [I'm going to be 69 July 8th], and this one has got me. I have---to date---replaced the wiper motor (even though it checked out to be okay with my volt ohm meter) . . . replaced the turn switch, replaced the brake pedal switch, checked all the fuses I can find and the in-engine compartment relay switches . . . and STILL, NOTHING has solved my problems with the tail lights and the wipers not working. They worked when I bought the car . . . but, right after---even before I drove it home---I gas tube to the tank---the wipers stopped working . . . and my neighbor told me that the tail lights were on . . . and they have been [unless---like I mentioned---I put a bunjy cord from the brake pedal to the searing column. Wilfvoakes suggested that I check the ground wire to the wiper motor . . . and the one to the engine. I just replaced the wiper motor, so, I did get that ground wire on tightly . . . but I will have to keep looking for the engine ground wire, because I haven't found it yet.

So, does anyone have any other ideas? Even though my income is very limited . . .I may have to take it to the pros on this one. I'm idea'd out.

Rish
West Salem, Oregon
Click to expand...

I had the same issue I replaced the wiper motor they worked once. Then I found out that there is a GEM module behind the radio. I unplugged it and took it out looked fine put it back and the wipers worked fine, now I don’t know what the problem is the GEM module or the wires connected to it but now all I do is unplug it and plug it back and they work, I know when it will not work because it’s also controls the door ajar and seatbelt not connected warning try that it was my issue.
 
Same problem here with 97 B2300 Mazda, same as ranger but body parts. Fuses, relays check good, gem module works for dome light delay, so guessing thats ok, but could be half broke. Lol. Help,appreciated, and if i find it I will post what it was.
 
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