Chevy & GMC Vans

Ok, this just started. I was driving the van yesterday, and for no apparent reason the wipers would run once. The switch is off, but every once in a while there go the wiper blades across the window.

Obviously this is some sort of electrical problem, but what? Where should I look? It doesn't really bother me, but I would like it fixed.

I just went through the same problem with my 93 Safari, inside your wiper motor is a printed circuit, remove the 1 bolt on the front and pull the cover and you will see it. Went to the salvage yard to get just the printed circuit, the wouldn't sell me just the circuit board, I had to buy the whole motor. Gave them 35.00, installed the motor and now it works like a champ.

There was/is a recall for that circuit board. Check with your GM dealer. It gets replaced for free.

Mine does the same, but I think the problem is in the multiswitch. Sometimes when the turn signal returns to the off position after making a turn it will trigger the wipers one beat. But then again, I do have occasional random wiper events.

What's the issue with the circuit board in the motor? Is it a loose connection that causes the problem?

The connector pins were cold soldered and lose connection after a while. The fix is to re-solder the large connector pins where they go through the circuit board.

I would check all the soldered joints on the board 1st, its a common problem (at least it has been over here in the UK) ....Johnny

Ok, I had to re-solder the board to the rear wipers (broken cold solder joint) so having one on the front is no surprise. So where is it located?

safarirod wrote:I just went through the same problem with my 93 Safari, inside your wiper motor is a printed circuit, remove the 1 bolt on the front and pull the cover and you will see it. Went to the salvage yard to get just the printed circuit, the wouldn't sell me just the circuit board, I had to buy the whole motor. Gave them 35.00, installed the motor and now it works like a champ.

....Johnny

Let me be more precise, where is the motor where the circuit board is in?

Look under the hood for the wiper motor mounted up high on the firewall. The big plug is plugged directly into the circuit board. The circuit board plugs into the motor. Just remove the plug and then the small screws for the circuit board cover. The cb will then pop out.

Here is some pics to give you a better idea of what you need to resolder.

Oddly today, even with lots of driving, they didn't go off for no reason even once, and they still work normally. I will still check the board when I have time this week though. I'd rather fix it now than in the middle of winter.

coincidentally, I hit a hard bump this morning and mine took a swipe across the windshield. I think I'll pull the circuit board soon and do some soldering. It got to be easier than replacing the multiswitch, and if it solves the problem that'd be really great.

My van was doing this about two years ago. The wipers would sweep once at random or if I used the turn signal, or sometimes when I turned the key on. Or it would be totally normal for days at a time. I replaced the multi switch lever and it never happened again.

You're describing the Phantom Wipe Syndrome. The solution is to resolder every contact on the wiper motor circuit board or, as was stated, get GM to pony up with the replacement board.