Help! WSW won't stop even with the key out

[Michael L.]

Guys,

So while I was trying to trouble shoot the WSW washer system last week, the wipers started not turning off. This has never happened before. I ordered a new switch hoping it would fix both the wiper and washer issues and just installed it but no luck. Even after priming and flushing the washer system the washer still isn't working. Now I also noticed that the wipers continue running even after the key is removed. I'm guessing it was this way with the old switch as well. I pulled it apart and with the WSW switch plug removed the wipers are still on so whatever is happening isn't something in the switch. the only way to stop the wipers is with the underdash knob. How could this possibly happen??? I thought that there was no power to the wipers with the key out??? I realize now I've left this stuff too much to the last minute before getting it squared away for upcoming judging and hoping I didn't screw myself with something that's gonna take forever to figure out. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Mike

[Tim G.]

The problem is in the wiper motor internally. Mine happened at Operations Flight Judging and I had to disconnect the hot wire to turn the system off. I had to have the wiper motor repaired.

[Michael L.]

Thanks Tim. I’m not an expert on electrical stuff and in fact it’s my least favorite thing to have an issue with but how is it possible for the wipers to work with the key out? I would have assumed that all those wires were cold with no power to any of them with the key out.

[Tim G.]

Michael, I agree with you. I even changed out my wiper switch with another '67 that was working. It was acting like a possessed wiper motor.

[Michael L.]

Yeah I guess that wire to the wiper must always be hot and a relay inside the motor must control it. I swear if it kept running after I disconnected the battery I was ready to call a priest! Do you know if I have to remove the WSW door on a ‘69 to replace the motor? Does anyone sell correct date coded ones I could just swap this out for? If I have to send the motor out to be repaired I’m afraid I’m gonna miss the TX regional for the second year in a row. Ugh.