How To: 1997+ Testing Wiper Park/Intermittent Switch Function

[Alexia]

The 1997+ Factory Service Manual(FSM) states that the intermittent and park function of the wiper switch module can not be tested. Those switches are expensive and it would be better to test the functionality before replacing it on a hunch.

Tools Needed:

• 3x Alligator Clip Test Leads(Preferable two black and two red.)
• 1x 9 volt battery(Enough to trigger the relay. The vehicle battery can be substituted.)
• Large(PH #2) Phillips screwdriver
• T20 Torx Screwdriver

Switch Removal:

1. Remove the lower kick panel, plastic and metal. This has to be removed to access a screw on the dash column cover.
   
2. Remove the dash column cover. Two Phillips screws towards the front that attaches to the column and one in the rear that holds the bottom cover to the top cover.
   
3. Remove the rubber covered metal water splash guard that covers the hazard flasher switch and turn signal switch. Two Phillips screws on the top and one T20 underneath on the left.
   
4. The wiper switch and stalk should now wiggle free. Disconnect the wiring connector by depressing the locking tab and pulling.

Switch Testing:

1. Looking at the terminals on the bottom of the switch position #1 is the furthest away from the stalk and position #6 is the closest to the stalk.
   
2. Hook a black ground test clip up to terminals #1 and #2.
   
3. Hook a red positive test clip up to terminal #5.
   
4. Place the stalk in the intermittent position.
   
5. Hook the black ground wire that is connected to terminal #1 to the negative terminal of the battery.
   
6. Hook the red positive wire that is connected to terminal #5 to the positive terminal of the battery. There should be an immediate sound of the internal relay clicking on.
   
7. Tap, but do not hold, the ground wire hooked to terminal #2 to the negative terminal on the battery. The relay should click back off indicating the logic circuit has detected the wipers in the park position.

If the relay fails to click on there is likely an internal issue with the intermittent function and the module should be replaced.

Please note that it is common for the feeler contacts that ride against the rotor wheel inside the motor housing to wear out or break. If the switch is ruled out then investigate the motor as the culprit.