Skywise

Just got a weird problem this morning. Turned on the wipers to clean off some spray coming off the road for a few seconds and then turned them off.

The wiper arms retracted down to the off position, then came back up, did a swipe and then went back to the off position... then came back up, did a swipe and then went back to the off position.

All the switch positions seem to work correctly (mist, delay, lo, hi, even spray) but off won't stay... off.

I played with it for a bit and finally got it stay off (I'm thinking it's something related to the spray button/spring. While playing with the spray button I heard a faint "click" and then the arms went off and stayed off. But turning the wipers back on again brought back the same problem and I had to play with the spray button again to shut it off.

I searched around here for something similar but nothing came up. Has anyone else had this issue?

97QuasarBlue3.8

My guess would be there's a problem with the switch. "Mist" I think it's called on the old Smart Sticks is the "wipe once" option that is one click back from "off." If the switch is original, I'd try replacing that first, or finding another to swap with.

Skywise

I found a few other places on the net that talked about GM's wiper motors and a bad "park relay" in the motor. Though I'm not sure if my '97 Z28 uses the same motor. (probably does)

Rod Bender

I have encountered this problem with my 96. Is there not some way I could install a switch at some point in the wiring to open the circuit therefore stopping the flow of current to the wiper system? I notice in the schematic there is a purple wire going to the wiper motor. Could I put the switch there? I see there is a yellow wire form the wiper fuse to the wiper system, but the Haynes manual cautions about doing anything with the yellow wires because of air bag issues.

Injuneer

Why not try and fix it first? Did you look at the troubleshooting chart in the 1996 factory manual, for "Wipers run when switch if OFF"?

peterpar

I had a similar problem with my 93 GMC pickup. It started the same as you describe and it progress to stopping while running, to finally not turning on at all. After checking for power at the motor for all the different switch positions, I ended up replacing the circuit board in the motor to repair.

Injuneer

The service manual diagnostic chart seems to indicate most problems are resolved by replacing the motor cover, which would appear to contain the PC board.

Rod Bender

I would like to make a repair, but neither my Haynes nor Chilton manuals have a thing about it other than how to remove the wiper motor.

peterpar

Don't have a GM service manual for your year of Camaro, but I think it's similar to the later model 4th gens. Removing the motor will be the worst part, use the manuals you have for that. The cover of the motor is just held on with three screws. Before installing the new cover, be sure to point the inner cam on the circuit board to the three o'clock position while the underside of the cover is facing you and the wiring connector is on the top edge.

Injuneer

I can e-mail you a .pdf of the factory manual pages if you want.

Rod Bender

Fred, would you be so kind. My email is mbhauser@tampabay.rr.com
Thanks, Bill

Injuneer

I'll try and get that out Thursday or Friday.... I spent all day today on jury duty, and tomorrow I have a training meeting.

Injuneer

Sent

Rod Bender

Thanks Fred. I appreciate you taking the time to send all the info. It does look complicated, but with your manuals and peterpar's suggestion I check the motor cover and circuit board I may be able to make the repair. I hope jury duty went well. Thanks again. Bill