Wiper motor issues

Gotta love that wiring . . .
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DaveB7
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 8:24 pm
Your car is a: 1977 124 Spider

Wiper motor issues

Post by DaveB7 »

After doing some work behind the dash I noticed that the wipers were not working, the relay made a clicking sound and there is power to the motor. I took the motor apart, cleaned commutator which was grooved, checked brushes which seem fine. Reconnected. Nothing, now when connected the relay doesn't click. Any ideas?
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bradartigue
Posts: 2183
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:35 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Sport Spider
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Wiper motor issues

Post by bradartigue »

The motor is weak and the connections are among the worst of the Spider's electrical features. A weak motor will usually work with the wiper arms removed (no friction) but not installed, or just not work at all. The key issue is the ground is about a mile from the motor, and the motor is exposed to the elements. It's just a recipe for corrosion; corrosion=electrical resistance=trashed motor.
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: Wiper motor issues

Post by vandor »

There is one wire to the wiper motor that always has power with the ignition on. This is what the motor uses to park once it has been switched off. So for the motor to work you need power at TWO wires. Look at the wiring diagram and you will be able to figure out which wires need to have power.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
spider2081
Patron 2024
Patron 2024
Posts: 3015
Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:45 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Wallingford,CT

Re: Wiper motor issues

Post by spider2081 »

Are you sure the mechanical linkage parts all move freely by hand with the motor disconnected. The motors are marginal in torque and any extra physical resistance in the mechanism will be a problem. I have seen more than one Spider where the delay timer is clicking and the wipers don't more. The cause has been frozen bushings where the arm passes through the cowl. I now drill an 1/8" hole in the outer area to keep lubricated.Image
wizard124
Posts: 752
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:27 pm
Your car is a: 1980 124 spider FI
Location: Sheridan, WY exSan Rafael, CA

Re: Wiper motor issues

Post by wizard124 »

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