94 wiper problem

[gmack221]

I have a 94 Cavalier that the wipers only work when the switch is on high, it does not have intermediate wipers. Sorry if this is posted somewhere else, but I couldn't find it. So is it the wiper motor, the switch, or the wire harness? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[94VL]

Do the wipers park properly? GM wiper motors are notorious for problems,that would be the easiest fix first.Afterall,its 11 years old.If its not that,at least you know what it should be (the darned stalk on the column).

[gmack221]

Yes the wipers do park properly.
Yeah thats what I was thinking (motor), but I was thinking maybe someone could share thier experiences with the motor or switch going bad that might help point me to the right one on the first try. At $80 for the motor it isn't a cheap try, if you know what I mean. Thought i'd try the educated aproach before I drop cash and don't get it fixed.

Anyone have the low and medium quit working, but have high still work on the wipers? What was the part that ended up being bad?

[Tookie]

One of my 94s had this problem, and I traced it to the wiper switch assy mounted on the steering column. I found a small spring rolling about inside the assy, and judged it's purpose as being part of the assy that helps contacts to engage firmly. The symptoms included a wiper speed selector arm that operated sloppily and did not indent properly nor with a positive feel. You might also find the stationary part of the switch assy may have become unseated and partially rotated, making only the hi-speed contacts available to the restricted range of motion in the control lever.
hth

[gmack221]

Thanks Tookie, good information there, its been a while since i've driven it, I'll look into the feel of the switch to see if that could be it. But I don't remember it feeling funny, so im still leaning twards the motor, maybe I could get some junk yard parts, that would be cheaper to try.

I had a 97 s10 that had a bad joint in the electronic board on the motor, kinda did the same thing, I was wondering if this was also a problem with this year car?

thanks again for all the help

[Tookie]

Adding to my last post, I rem'd having replaced a wiper motor in a 94 much time ago, and I'll be kicked if I didn't find the junked piece sitting on a shelf in the shed..lol
A quick test reminded me that the wipers went from stalling on the winshield at intermittent or low speed, and would only reactivate when the the hi-speed section of the circuit was engaged. Symptoms of impending complete failure (iirc), were grinding noises caused by the internal cog assy slipping, when the crowns were worn badly. Sounded like a thurrrump-thurrump, and progressed to a continuous vibrating grind. Theres a centre shaft that could be the culprit if it has too much longitudal play; which would effectively allow the cogs to ride above/below the norm position.

[gmack221]

Tookie, excelent information, you have confirmed my suspisions, thanks for taking the time to look, I will let you know after I replace the motor if the same thing happend here, I hope to get to that this weekend (but something always comes up). just didn't want to start with the motor if alot of people have had switches go bad and cause the same sort of problems. thanks again

[roth_k]

Have IDENTICAL problem with my 03 Cav. I actually had the problem while it was still under warranty and brought it in (to get ac knob fixed) and also told them about the wiper problem and they said they worked just fine... They still don't work properly, but I'll try what was posted in Post #4 above. I'll give that a shot.