Wiper motor repair fail

[jballard81]

Well, figure I should share my fails when they happen as well so that maybe someone can learn from them!

Pulled my windshield wiper motor since it's never worked. I found the motor 'spindle' was actually rusted into the arm mechanism. Took me a minute to pry them apart.

Even though it's not a serviceable part I figured I would give it a shot.

Forgive me if I use incorrect terminology. The copper stator where the brushes rub was pretty rough

Took some 220 grit and shined it up and cleaned it out with some electronics spray.

Added some fresh grease to the gears

And slapped it back together. It all looked pretty good so I thought for sure it would come back to life.

It didn't

I'm going to check the switch, but I hear a relay clicking when I turn the wipers 'on'. Might try and direct power the motor before calling it. You can't win them all!

 

[SenorNoob]

It's amazing how similar that looks to a small engine starter...

 

[RobbieD]

Don't give up yet.

I haven't tore into one of these yet, so I'm sorry that I can't send you any pearls of wisdom.

I'm assuming that you did . . . but . . . you did confirm both power and ground were at the motor with the wiper switch on?

 

[jballard81]

Don't give up yet.

I haven't tore into one of these yet, so I'm sorry that I can't send you any pearls of wisdom.

I'm assuming that you did . . . but . . . you did confirm both power and ground were at the motor with the wiper switch on?

Literally just performed the test on 81-3 of the EVTM. I had 12v on both 63 and 56 pins

 

[jballard81]

It's amazing how similar that looks to a small engine starter...

Just need to find a compatible small starter to adapt for it LOLOL

 

[Terrys87]

I always try to see if I can fix a broken part. Previous owner tried to tap the motor on mine and broke the magnets in it. Sometimes a little maintenance can go a long way on getting some parts working again.

 

[jballard81]

I might tear it back apart and test stator windings. I think i saw something on youtube on how to do that

 

[jballard81]

I always try to see if I can fix a broken part. Previous owner tried to tap the motor on mine and broke the magnets in it. Sometimes a little maintenance can go a long way on getting some parts working again.

it's weird b/c it spins nicely. magnets are in place. i'm guessing there's a short in the windings from it sitting idle for so long...

 

[RobbieD]

I always try to see if I can fix a broken part. Previous owner tried to tap the motor on mine and broke the magnets in it. Sometimes a little maintenance can go a long way on getting some parts working again.

Me too. Nothing holds a candle, compared to the original parts.

I'll rebuild something, if possible. It kills me to turn in an original as a core charge part.

 

[RobbieD]

it's weird b/c it spins nicely. magnets are in place. i'm guessing there's a short in the windings from it sitting idle for so long...

The windings can be ohmed out, to test for an open or a short.

 

[jballard81]

Well, interestingly enough... There's a QR code on the part

So I'm going to assume not an original part.. wonder if that's part of a date code. 2016 for the year maybe?

 

[jballard81]

Update time!

received my new wiper motor today and plugged it in to make sure it worked.
-key to on, tried wiper nothing. ran wiper all the way to 'hi' and it worked!

started following the service manual diagnostics, got the part about testing the IWW module and decided to google it. found a youtube video:

so i pulled the multifunction switch out, promptly dropped it and broke a bunch of plastic.. but it was still mostly all there

looking at the circuit board, i had the EXACT same cold solder joint that the guy from youtube had. can't really tell here, but its def a bad solder joint:

Added some more solder, put it back together and plugged it in... and now i have interval and 'lo' speed wipers again!

**special note on installation of wiper motor clip**
the service manual makes it look like the wiper motor clip has plenty of room on the spindle. it doesn't. further, it feels like the wiper arm assemblies take up too much room. i fiddled adjusting them for 10 minutes then decided to just TRY to put the motor clip back on.
even though it feels like not enough room, you will eventually catch an edge and get it to halfway install. don't give up there and retry like i did 10x. if you get one side of the clip mostly on, you can just PUSH DOWN the other side of the clip until it fits into position.
My replacement motor came with a new arm/spindle thingy. i finally figured this out by test fitting the motor clip onto the spare one i had.

this was very much my least favorite fix so far on this truck
i'm about 5'8" and trying to tip toe on a stool while leaning over the engine was less than pleasant...but it's done and now i don't have to be scared of the rain...

 

[RobbieD]

Damn good work.

SALUT!

 

[Terrys87]

Getting that clip back on is a total pain in the rear. Such a tight fit. Great job on finding the issue.