1988 Fiero GT Wiper problem

[monzilla80]

I have a 1988 Fiero GT. The wipers make one swipe when the key is turned on. They work normally besides that. I have disconnected the swith. Still does it. I have replaced the board and the motor independently. Still does it. I have disconnected all the circuts from the wiper board except the ignition. Still does it. There is no voltage spike. Voltage stays below 12V without the engine running. Its got me? Help?

[Old Lar]

The fantom wipe you describe was a common occurance for the 88 Fiero. I've not read about the cause for this action, or a successful repair.

If you try to rationalize a cause, it may be in the steering column. The key in the ignition switch, and the wiper stalk just opposite of the ignition switch. A power surge when the key is turned on, triggers the wiper cycle.

It seems that it is more common in the 88 than in other years.

[monzilla80]

I will give it a try. The thing that concerns me the most is the fact that it will do it, with only the ignition power and no signal circuts wires, attached to the wiper motor. Possible accessory back feed? I will disable the switch and install direct battery power through an alternate switch and see what I get. Thanks!

[Black Lotus]

Originally Posted by monzilla80

I will give it a try. The thing that concerns me the most is the fact that it will do it, with only the ignition power and no signal circuts wires, attached to the wiper motor. Possible accessory back feed? I will disable the switch and install direct battery power through an alternate switch and see what I get. Thanks!

It's doubly weird when you first get in the car, and start it up, you get the one wipe. After a short drive, shut it down, do your business and come back out to drive the car again. When you start it back up, no phantom wipe!
I interrupted the power to the wiper circuit at the fuse block. With the switch off, no phantom wipe, no wiper washer either. Now driving down the road and you turn the bypass switch to on, there's the wipe.
Amazing!
Sorry, I'm stumped too.

[monzilla80]

Replace the wiper switch. It just might fix it.