General 1997 Z-71

Okay, I'm only sixteen so bear with me here. My mom bought me a used 1997 Z-71 C/K series. It has a 5.7 liter V8. The previous owner ragged this truck out. We have taken it to the shop multiple times for repairs everytime it has returned with even more problems. E.G. Repaired an 02 sensor came back with windshield wipers that dont work. My mom is tired of the truck being broken so I'd like to fix it myself. Alas, I know only basic vehicle care. Does anyone know how to fix the windshield wipers on this truck? I think it has something to do with the wiring but I'm not sure. What are some things I should be looking for? Your help is GREATLY appreciated.

i would start with buuying a repair manual (HAYNES or CHILTONS) the hayens are easier to read for beginers. next check your wiper relay, and fuse. im not too familiar with the interior on these trucks so i couldnt tell u where to look.

My truck ('97 Z71, 5.7L, ext. cab) had wipers that would work intermitantly and then stop at any time, don't know if you are suffering the same problem. My fix was to replace the circut board on the back of the wiper motor (3 screws, black plastic cover) part was less than $80 cdn. way cheaper than motor unit ~$350. If they're not working at all, trace wires, check fuses, check for power at the wiper motor.
All the best
Jac

Thanks guys. I think I have the same problem as you did squiggs. I'm going to replace the wiper motor. While I'm at the dealership I'm probably going to ask for a repair manual also. Thanks a lot guys.

If the motor still works at all, just replace the circuit board it's far cheaper. the power for the motor comes in to the circuit board and goes straight to the motor. the circuit board just tells the motor when to stop turning when the wipers are in their home position, it's a locating device. on my old one, the two contacts had worn away.

there is a recall on your truck for the wiper circuit board. if you have not replaced it yet, go to a dealer and they will repair it for free. if you have, they will refund your costs of the part. ive got a 96 z71 and do most of the repairs on it myself to save money. email me if you have anymore problems w/your truck cause chances are ive been there fixed that with mine

there is a recall on your truck for the wiper circuit board.
I have a 98 K1500 with this issue. Do you have a recall number for this? I'm not finding anything for my '98
Thanks
Patrick

98's weren't covered by the recall, just 94-97.

If you own a soldering iron, just remove the circuit board- under hood mounted to wiper motor, three torx head bolts holding cover on. Remove connector from board, apply heat to solder joints for the connector(4?)- just enough to melt solder and it should be fixed

Is this problem also known to happen on 1993 model Cheyenne wt/1500 6 cylinder trucks? My wipers recently have started to intermittently fail after driving in the rain for 15 minutes or more from a cold start. After about 15 minutes, the delay quits working, then the low speed. Finally they will only run on high speed, no other speed works.

They also will not return to home. They will stop an inch or so above normal resting place when turned off. Is this also a symptom of a bad circuit board mounted to the wiper motor, and NOT the motor itself?

If the wipers are still moving freely then chances are it is just the circuit board. Try tremoving it first and looking at the contacts where they meet the disk attached to the wiper motor. If they look worn (flattened) or are dark from electrical arcs, they are probably causing the problem.

where is the wiper relay located on a 94 Silverado? I have a Haynes book at home but haven't looked at this yet. My wipers will work great one time, them the next time you turn them on to say once per 10 seconds (lowest setting), they keep going like they are on continuous low speed. I think the relay is what controls the variable speed settings right?

98's weren't covered by the recall, just 94-97.

If you own a soldering iron, just remove the circuit board- under hood mounted to wiper motor, three torx head bolts holding cover on. Remove connector from board, apply heat to solder joints for the connector(4?)- just enough to melt solder and it should be fixed


This is the best way to handle it. Takes about 3 min. of your time. The hardest part of this fix is waiting for the soilder iron to heat up.