Bypassing the Body Control Module for wiper activation?

skotchrox · #1 09-02-2005, 05:11 PM

My front wipers will not turn off (fuse now removed) due to faulty Body Control Module. All other functions of the BCM seem normal, so I would rather not replace this expensive component if I don't have to. Does anyone know if it is possible to simply bypass the BCM and wire the wiper motor directly to the battery/fusebox and operate the wipers with a simple toggle switch installed in the dash? I don't need variable speed intermittant, and I would settle for just 1 speed. Thanks in advance.

D Charvoz · #2 09-03-2005, 09:42 AM

I just did this on my 98 T&C as had similar wiper problem and suspect the BCM. You have to pull the wiper relay and connect to the +/- 12 volt connections. Make sure you use an in-line fuse to the switch. I used a 12 gauge wire and 15 amp toggle switch. If your the least bit uncomfortable with wiring, take it to a shop, you'll still save lots of $$ vs the $500+ for a BCM.

Good Luck

skotchrox · #3 09-06-2005, 11:36 AM

D Charvoz, thanks for the reply and info. Good to hear this can be done. So you now control the wipers with a separate toggle switch - do you have just 1 speed? Low or High? Can you select the speed when you rewire it? I think I will take mine to a shop, since I am unfamiliar with auto electrical stuff. At least I know what to ask them to do.

I am also looking at possibly swapping the BCM with one from a junkyard, but I've read conflicting comments on this site about trying that.

skotchrox · #4 09-26-2005, 03:33 PM

After trying to find a repair shop willing to bypass the BCM and put in a simple toggle switch, I discovered that it was going to be difficult to find someone who a) knew what I wanted, and b) was willing to do it. Real auto electrical shops will not bypass anything. So I went back to the internet and started looking for a salvaged part - then I found a place that will diagnose and repair your BCM for $145 (vs salvaged part of unknown quality for $100). If anyone is interested look at Directauto.com.

naiel · #5 11-30-2005, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skotchrox

After trying to find a repair shop willing to bypass the BCM and put in a simple toggle switch, I discovered that it was going to be difficult to find someone who a) knew what I wanted, and b) was willing to do it. Real auto electrical shops will not bypass anything. So I went back to the internet and started looking for a salvaged part - then I found a place that will diagnose and repair your BCM for $145 (vs salvaged part of unknown quality for $100). If anyone is interested look at Directauto.com.

I am having the same problem with my 98 Grand Caravan. I am interested in the Directauto.com service. Have you used them to rebuild your BCM?

B33p3r · #6 12-01-2005, 08:27 AM

I'm not sure how different the 2001s are from the 98s but the 2001s have a on/off wiper relay in the IPM. Don't know what troubleshooting you did, but a relay could cause the wipers to stay on if the contacts get stuck shut.

B33p3r · #7 12-01-2005, 08:31 AM

I'm not sure how different the 2001s are from the 98s but the 2001s have a on/off wiper relay in the IPM. Don't know what troubleshooting you did, but a relay could cause the wipers to stay on if the contacts get stuck shut.
You may also be dealing with the Front Control Module. Bith of these items are much cheaper to deal with than the BCM.

naiel · #8 12-01-2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B33p3r

I'm not sure how different the 2001s are from the 98s but the 2001s have a on/off wiper relay in the IPM. Don't know what troubleshooting you did, but a relay could cause the wipers to stay on if the contacts get stuck shut.
You may also be dealing with the Front Control Module. Bith of these items are much cheaper to deal with than the BCM.

I had a dodge mechanic test the BCM and he told me it was bad. I am going to try the rebuild service from directauto.com. I wanted to know if anybody has used this before. My mechanic gave me a price of $450 for the part vs $150 to rebuild it.

randomcaravan · #9 12-01-2005, 11:18 PM

Just jumping in here and I don't want to take the focus away from B33p3r but I'm suffering a similar problem with my 96 caravan and have been told it is the BCM except the quote for me to fix it is $850 plus the 100 already paid to tell me what is wrong.

Same as B33p3r everything else works fine the only difference is my wipers won't turn on (sometimes they kickin but then they just stop working again, once they worked for 3 days! go figure). I would love any suggestions to get around replacing the BCM.

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