Wiper motor went sideways

[Blitzboy54]

As the title says my wipers started acting up. Specifically I have been testing them (along with everything else) whenever I get on the road. Today was no different. I occasionally cycle them on for a few minutes then back off at random. Today I did the same without issue. Then later in the ride I did it again but this time they didn't shut back off. I can cycle them to fast and to normal speed but when I turn them off they keep cycling.

Long story short I pulled the switch and tested it. I happen to have a spare (FFR supplied switch) and they both tested as working normally. I checked them to each other and to the schematic in the instructions. I have continuity where I am supposed to when I am supposed to. If I pull the park wire (yellow) the motor turns off when off (they just stop where they are) both high and low work and the motor shuts off when it should it just doesn't park. This behavior is the same whether I pull the park wire from the switch or the motor. I have continuity on either end of the park wire.

So to me it looks like the motor has an internal short. Is there any other test anyone can think of that I should try? Unfortunately it's packed in there pretty good and not easy to remove. I have a call in with FFR. I may need a warranty replacement.

[yahrt]

I cannot comment on your issue, just wanted to mention that conventional wisdom says do not run your wipers when the windshield is dry as it puts undo stress on the system.

[Blitzboy54]

I cannot comment on your issue, just wanted to mention that conventional wisdom says do not run your wipers when the windshield is dry as it puts undo stress on the system.

Great point! I should have mentioned I removed the arms.

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Jesse,
I don't think the motor has an internal short. If it did, the wiper circuit would blow a fuse instead. It is the parking circuit that is a problem. There could be several reasons for the wipers not to park.
1. The parking contact in the motor gearbox assembly is welded closed. This would prevent the wiper motor from stopping when the wipers reach the part position.
2. The mechanism that opens the parking contact in the motor assembly is broken, or out of adjustment.
3. Because you have removed the wiper arms, there isn't as much load on the motor and it might be overshooting the parking position which will then push it through another wiper cycle. Hope this last one makes sense.

I have never actually pulled one of these apart to see how they work, but I'm pretty confident of the circuit design and I can draw you a sketch if you like. Just not at my computer right now.

Cheers,

Nige

[Blitzboy54]

G'day Jesse,
I don't think the motor has an internal short. If it did, the wiper circuit would blow a fuse instead. It is the parking circuit that is a problem. There could be several reasons for the wipers not to park.
1. The parking contact in the motor gearbox assembly is welded closed. This would prevent the wiper motor from stopping when the wipers reach the part position.
2. The mechanism that opens the parking contact in the motor assembly is broken, or out of adjustment.
3. Because you have removed the wiper arms, there isn't as much load on the motor and it might be overshooting the parking position which will then push it through another wiper cycle. Hope this last one makes sense.

I have never actually pulled one of these apart to see how they work, but I'm pretty confident of the circuit design and I can draw you a sketch if you like. Just not at my computer right now.

Cheers,

Nige
That’s makes lots of sense. I’m going to put some resistance on the arm and check it out.

Thanks Nigel!!

*Update*

And just like that Nigel figured it out. I put a little resistance on it and it went back to park. I need to fix my wipers anyhow (I got a flaring tool from Scott) and I will bet my issue is sorted once I do.

This is like the 3rd or 4th thing you’ve helped sort in my build all the way from Australia. I really appreciate it.

[Ducky2009]

Reduce the dry resistance to test it. Install the arms and place a paper towel between the blade and windshield.

[Nigel Allen]

That’s makes lots of sense. I’m going to put some resistance on the arm and check it out.

Thanks Nigel!!

*Update*

And just like that Nigel figured it out. I put a little resistance on it and it went back to park. I need to fix my wipers anyhow (I got a flaring tool from Scott) and I will bet my issue is sorted once I do.

This is like the 3rd or 4th thing you’ve helped sort in my build all the way from Australia. I really appreciate it.

No worries, mate. Glad I could help. We'll go for a beer when I am in town.

Cheers,

Nige