windsheild wiper delay

[kcabpilot]

With the rainy season approaching I've just noticed my wipers have a problem. They work but there is a 5 to 8 second delay from turning the switch on until they start to run. Doesn't matter if I go to intermittent, slow or fast position. After they start they run normal. I've looked at the schematics and figure that all the circuits are intact but the command does go through a thing called the Intelligent Driver Module (IDM) Anyone have a clue what that does?

 

[narinder]

Your linkage may be seized up. I had the same type of problem and on disassenbly discovered that the passenger side spindle was seized up. I'm trying to free it now but it looks ike I'm into buying a new wiper assembly...motor and all.

 

[ptschram]

Well, since you don't have your vehilce liste din your profile and didn't indicate what variety of truck you have, I can't help you.

 

[Matt Kendrick]

yeah, mine do the same thing. have done it since new. (DII)

i just deal with, doesn't seem to matter once they get going.

 

[kcabpilot]

Well, since you don't have your vehilce liste din your profile and didn't indicate what variety of truck you have, I can't help you.

oops - sorry, I meant to do that.

2001 Discovery SE7 - added to my profile info

There doesn't seem to be any binding but I haven't taken the system apart to check. The delay seems to be some sort of capacitive charge issue because I'll turn them on and it will take about 8 seconds for them to start then if I turn them off and immediately back on it's only about a 1 or 2 second delay. They weren't doing this when I first got the truck but this being California the last time I turned them on was probably about 4 or 5 months ago so maybe it is a binding issue.

 

[snodog]

Ive had the same problem,replaced wiper motor assy.
no change. Mine problem occurs only when cold outside.

 

[kcabpilot]

Well with a handle like snodog I guess it gets cold a lot where you are. I'm an avionics and electronics tech and I figure this has something to do with the BCU or the IDM (even though I'm not really sure what the IDM does) so hopefully I can figure this out and get a solution for all of us who are afflicted.

It's good to know I'm not alone

 

[BaldEagle]

i have an explorer that when its cold wipers, windows, and interior lights dont work. i think the cold makes the ecu or relay or something not work. once the interior of the truck warms up its fine.

 

[kcabpilot]

It's possible. I only used them in the morning when there was dew on the windshield and it was a bit cold (well, California cold, it was below 60) I just went out to the store and tried the wipers - they are working fine now.

I can't troubleshoot a problem if it doesn't exist so we'll just have to wait and see...

 

[Twilsey]

So I guess I am joining the bitchy windshield wiper club today.

Got in my car this morning and yuppp windshield wipers won't work. While messing with the switch back and forth, I finally got them to work just in between intermitent position and slow speeds. But they would not park sometimes and other times they would and I got it to work on intermitent a few times as well.

The funny thing is each time, I could hear the relay activate perfectly but not always would the wipers work. Does this sound like a motor problem to anyone else? I have experienced 4 or 5 second delays before but never like this.

Oh yea and it was 10 degrees this morning.:yawn:

 

[echo63]

01 DII here. Same bitchy wiper symptoms as snodog. Cold temperature definitely affects my wipers. Haven't felt anything unusual in warm weather, but earlier this week when the temps dropped to 50s here in norcal (we're talking serious cold), the wiper decided to have a mind of its own and ignore my command to operate. After about 10 seconds, however, it worked fine.

Similar problem was observed last winter up in Tahoe. It would take a couple of minutes for the wipers to come on in the morning, and while driving through the snow at night, felt as if the wiper at interval was a bit sticky. If anyone finds a cure for this, please share with the rest of us. In the mean time, anyone know a cheap source of a replacement wiper motor?

 

[Redwood]

Same problem here. I talked to my LR guy and he said that most of the time simply taking apart the interior wiper arm and regreasing the contacts in the switch will fix it. Has anyone done this that can help walk me through it?

I promised myself I'd fix this before another winter of is-that-a-truck-I'm-about-to-hit-or-just-a-guard-rail oh shit moments.

 

[kcabpilot]

Don't know about that. I bought a new switch (think it was about 50 bucks) Took about two minutes to replace and haven't had a lick of trouble since - works as advertised.

 

[Redwood]

Forgive my ignorance but how did u access the switch?

 

[SGaynor]

Search on here for "RAVE CD," go to the appropriate website and download it. It's the factory service manual. That will tell you how to do it.

Basically, you remove the steering wheel and the switch/arm comes out. Not that hard to do, you just have to be careful with the airbag and the clockspring.