Wipers won't Stop: Relay, Stalk, or Both??

[KerryM]

'78 SC. When I parked the car yesterday I heard a faint clicking sound (kind of like a clock) after I shut off the ignition. Sounded like it was coming from behind the speedo, but was in a hurry so did not investigate further. Started up just fine this morning, but now the windshield wipers are going on intermittent, even with the stalk in an off position.

So I'm now thinking the obvious...the clicking was the wiper relay. I can replace the relay easy enough, but do you think the issue may be caused by the stalk switches not operating correctly?

Before I open things up, I would love to hear your collective opinions. Thanks!!

[Psee]

I am not an expert, that said basic troubleshooting tells if the relay is making clicking sounds continously it is getting continious power. Thus doing its job i would suspect the power coming into the relay(from stalk). If you can pull the relay you can check it by making a continuity check across the switch. If the relay is disconected from power and the normaly open switch reads 0 ohms the relay is bad. At the same time you should be able to check power coming into the relay. Check the voltage an and change the position of the stalk switch. Power should come and go with switch position. Unfortunatly it may not be as easy as i described you may need a schematic of the circuit.

Hope this helps

[dap930]

If the "Park" contacts in the motor/gearbox are corroded/out of adjustment then the wipers will continue to run with wiper switch turned off. Just another possibility.

[86 911 Targa]

Have you checked that the round variable wiper speed knob on the dash is CCW?

Gerry

[T77911S]

Originally Posted by dap930

If the "Park" contacts in the motor/gearbox are corroded/out of adjustment then the wipers will continue to run with wiper switch turned off. Just another possibility.

bingo.

on my 930 the wiper plug is right under the dash near the steering column, unplug it when the wipers get to their parked position. I keep putting off pulling my wiper motor to fix the same thing on my 930.

[KerryM]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

Have you checked that the round variable wiper speed knob on the dash is CCW?

Gerry

That was it! I love it when the problem is due to simple owner ignorance and can be fixed quickly at no cost.

Thank you to all who responded.