71 Wiper Door

[Gavin N.]

Hi, have done a bit of research and troubleshooting but can't seem to figure out why my wiper door will not open on its own. I have the chassis manual as a reference but not the trouble shooting guide that is available, but I'm thinking that this should be simple. Here is my situation: Wiper door will not open when wiper switch is turned on. I can get the door open and the wipers to work by pulling the override switch and then manually pulling up on the wiper door with my hands; the wipers then turn on (and off) with the switch on the dash. To turn off the wipers I flick the wiper switch on the dash and to close the door I push in the override switch - vacuum then pulls the door down. The only thing I can add is that the solenoid (behind tach) was replaced with no effect. Any help would be great as if there are any parts to purchase I would like to do it in Carlisle. Thanks in advance. Gavin

[Edward J.]

Re: 71 Wiper Door

Gavin, there really is no easy way to troubleshoot the wiper doors, But I can tell you from experience the vaccum switch thats under the wiper door is a common fault. you may want to remove it and check it out, you'll need to remove the cowl grille and manuelly open the door to acess it. It has black button on the top that the pass. side wiper arm rests on; the button of the swtich on the switch sometimes breaks off or the internal seal fails ( which is just a o-ring type seal).

Also take a look underside of the pass wheel well theres a vaccum relay there,make sure the hose hoses are attached.

[Paul O.]

Re: 71 Wiper Door

Gavin

From what you are saying I assume that the head lights work normally but the only problem is the wiper door. One quick check if this is the case bypass the relay behind the wheel-well remove the yellow supply hose and connect it to the front port of the door actuator if the door opens normally it is most likely this door relay is your problem. but you still could have other issues.

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Wiper Door

Hi Gavin,
I've had good success using the trouble shooting guide that Dr. Rebuild sells.
Employing a small vacuum pump with a gauge, (like a Mity-Vac), the guide coaches you on how to test the functions of each component individually.
I really found it to be well worth the few $ it costs. It covers both the headlight system and wiper door system.
Perhaps it would be a help to you.
Regards,
Alan

[Michael D.]

Re: 71 Wiper Door

R&R the wiper door vacuum relay.

[Gavin N.]

Re: 71 Wiper Door

Thanks everybody for the replies. I'll do the checks you recommended and will pick up the guide as well. Will advise when I get a minute.