Home » 1958 - 92 Impala/Paris - Wiper Related » 1: HELP - Wiper Motor Testing

1: HELP - Wiper Motor Testing

SKU: WiperMotor

This guide is designed to prevent problems before they arise by providing clear instructions on testing wiper motors. It addresses common issues with certain new or reliably rebuilt parts, particularly GM wiper motors from 1968-84 models, which are sometimes returned due to faults like failure to park, start, or being dead on arrival. Despite thorough checks and pretesting at the US assembly point, including genuine remanufactured units, these problems occasionally occur. This article offers expert advice on bench testing to help identify and resolve such issues efficiently.

WIPER MOTOR BODIES ARE THE EARTH.. NOT A TERMINAL..
A thought to keep in mind if you get one..... regardless of were, who or how you get one ... new (if made) or reco or ex a mates junker etc etc....... don't just "bench test" a wiper motor it by sticking a wire here or there. .... don't try to figure out the "irrelevant fact" that some come with 3 wire terminals & another 2 .... or 4.. by touching a wire here or there & hoping somehow.... it will pop out magically with multiple speeds & auto shut offs working etc etc.
Often by then you have stuffed it... ! simple as that.
A similar case involved a frustrated customer arriving early with a brand new window motor, claiming it was dead on arrival. The issue arose because he connected positive and negative to both the Up and Down terminals simultaneously, which is incorrect. These motors require a body earth and power to only one terminal at a time. We demonstrated the proper connection and powered it up correctly in front of him. Although he left grumbling, he likely appreciated the clarification. Had this been a wiper motor, the incorrect wiring would have almost certainly caused damage.
Just like household electricals.. they're so unforgiving.. be careful out there.
Maybe buy a good digital multi-meter and watch a few videos on how to skill up and use it well.
..... make sure your wiring is right.. your cars earths are strong.. before you buy one. Could it be a burn't out wiper switch?? maybe its one with AUTO PARK ? .. ...and make sure IT works too.. don't stuff up pulse boards etc..
Get hold of a wiring schematic or look up youtube for wiring demo / testing wiper motors vid before you do buy one maybe..? and google "Wiper Diagram" IF you need to test a new one.. if you do .. ask why...first.. before "testing it"...
Below is a video demonstrating the testing procedure, which may assist anyone working with these components. It also covers several of the six or seven different wiper switches used exclusively on 1970-81 Camaros. Incorrect wiring, especially in modified dashboards or custom fiberglass mounts, can easily damage these electrical parts and cause them to fail. Proper testing and wiring are essential to avoid such issues.

 

You tube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtDOmpRzRA But be careful.. do NOT earth any of the 3 splade center pins..you will blow the motor. It is earthed via the side strap.. watch the video.

Printable for club mags here /usgmsp/images/files/WiperMotorTesting.pdf

 

$0.00

This guide is designed to prevent problems before they arise by providing clear instructions on testing wiper motors. It addresses common issues with certain new or reliably rebuilt parts, particularly GM wiper motors from 1968-84 models, which are sometimes returned due to faults like failure to park, start, or being dead on arrival. Despite thorough checks and pretesting at the US assembly point, including genuine remanufactured units, these problems occasionally occur. This article offers expert advice on bench testing to help identify and resolve such issues efficiently.

WIPER MOTOR BODIES ARE THE EARTH.. NOT A TERMINAL..
A thought to keep in mind if you get one..... regardless of were, who or how you get one ... new (if made) or reco or ex a mates junker etc etc....... don't just "bench test" a wiper motor it by sticking a wire here or there. .... don't try to figure out the "irrelevant fact" that some come with 3 wire terminals & another 2 .... or 4.. by touching a wire here or there & hoping somehow.... it will pop out magically with multiple speeds & auto shut offs working etc etc.
Often by then you have stuffed it... ! simple as that.
A similar case involved a frustrated customer arriving early with a brand new window motor, claiming it was dead on arrival. The issue arose because he connected positive and negative to both the Up and Down terminals simultaneously, which is incorrect. These motors require a body earth and power to only one terminal at a time. We demonstrated the proper connection and powered it up correctly in front of him. Although he left grumbling, he likely appreciated the clarification. Had this been a wiper motor, the incorrect wiring would have almost certainly caused damage.
Just like household electricals.. they're so unforgiving.. be careful out there.
Maybe buy a good digital multi-meter and watch a few videos on how to skill up and use it well.
..... make sure your wiring is right.. your cars earths are strong.. before you buy one. Could it be a burn't out wiper switch?? maybe its one with AUTO PARK ? .. ...and make sure IT works too.. don't stuff up pulse boards etc..
Get hold of a wiring schematic or look up youtube for wiring demo / testing wiper motors vid before you do buy one maybe..? and google "Wiper Diagram" IF you need to test a new one.. if you do .. ask why...first.. before "testing it"...
Below is a video demonstrating the testing procedure, which may assist anyone working with these components. It also covers several of the six or seven different wiper switches used exclusively on 1970-81 Camaros. Incorrect wiring, especially in modified dashboards or custom fiberglass mounts, can easily damage these electrical parts and cause them to fail. Proper testing and wiring are essential to avoid such issues.

 

You tube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtDOmpRzRA But be careful.. do NOT earth any of the 3 splade center pins..you will blow the motor. It is earthed via the side strap.. watch the video.

Printable for club mags here /usgmsp/images/files/WiperMotorTesting.pdf

 
REVIEWS

Recenty Viewed Products

  • Brake Line Kit: 76-81 Camaro factory Disc Front and Drum rear.. full brake line kit.
    pontiworld
    Part # : PWCCB76Z1

    Brake Line Kit: 76-81 Camaro factory Disc Front and Drum rear.. full brake line kit.

    In stock
    $385.20
  • Brake Line Kit: 79-80 Trans Am Disc Disc STEEL 7 Pce kit
    pontiworld
    Part # : PWPFB8002

    Brake Line Kit: 79-80 Trans Am Disc Disc STEEL 7 Pce kit

    In stock
    $372.36
  • Brake Line Kit: 79-80 Trans Am Disc Disc STEEL 7 Pce kit
    pontiworld
    Part # : PWPFB8002

    Brake Line Kit: 79-80 Trans Am Disc Disc STEEL 7 Pce kit

    In stock
    $372.36
  • Hood Insulation Pad: Camaro 1970-81 - MOLDED
    pontiworld
    Part # : PW2411K

    Hood Insulation Pad: Camaro 1970-81 - MOLDED

    In stock
    $325.04