Wipers don't work

[aevansgatech]

Wipers have been dead ever since I got the car (just 3 weeks ago), but where is the best place to start in troubleshooting?

First off, where are the wiper motor and relay located in a '79? I'm thinking I need to check the column switch, wiper motor itself, and whichever fuse goes with the wiper circuit.

[TX82FIAT]

There are a couple answers to this. The cowl above the hood is easily removed to gain access to the wiper motors. When removing the cowl I highly suggest you tape the edges and pull it out slowly to avoid any scratching of the paint. Once the cowl is off you will see the wiper motor as well as the mechanical linkage. The linkage is pretty straightforward. It can be bound, jammed or stuck pretty easy. It is always a good idea to clean and lubricate this entire assembly. As far as the motors and electrical circuits are concerned. You will need to test the circuit for voltage at the motor and work your way back. If voltage at the motor what is the reading. The electrical piece might involve many steps to have the motor running properly. If you are lucky, you will have slow moving wipers after cleaning and lubing the assembly under the cowl. By todays standards, even properly working wipers are a little slow.

[johnsje6]

A little more detail - raise the hood, then there are 6 sheet metal screws that hold the cowl on, and you have to kind of wiggle it out from under the windshield. Unplug the connector on the passenger side and the washer hose, then you should be able to take it to your workbench and work on it.

[aevansgatech]

Spent Sunday working on the wipers

Verified earlier that my wiper motor was shot and the linkage completely seized up, so I took it all apart and soaked the spindles and connection points with penetrating oil / lubricant. My question is, how freely should they move with no motor attached? I got them from completely stuck to moving with moderate resistance. In my opinion, it's still not "easy" to move them by hand.

Any suggestions or just keep soaking and moving them?

Good news is I have a verified good motor going in once I'm satisfied with the linkage

[azruss]

without the motor and wiper blades, it should move freely. If you are trying to move them by the spindle, it may feel like drag because of the lack of mechanical advantage. If you move with the connecting arm, it should feel pretty free.

[aevansgatech]

Ok, I'll keep working them free. I can move them back and forth using the connecting arm, but it's still pretty gunked up inside.

I figured it's best not to burn out my working motor with a sticky linkage

[spider2081]

I drill the outer casing to make a lubrication hole. Then spray PB Blaster into the hole. After it is free I lubricate using the same hole with a heavier oil. Here is a photo of the drilled hole.

[aevansgatech]

Brilliant! I will definitely need to do that. I could not find a way to get the spindle itself apart so a small hole like you have would accelerate the de-gunking!

[aevansgatech]

I ended up drilling the lubrication hole and voila, a big difference in how freely the linkage moves.

Finally got it put back together with the working pump. I've never been happier to see a wiper go back and forth