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Wipers will not turn off

63K views 33 replies 10 participants last post by  47750  
#1 ·
the wipers on my 2004 CTS will not turn off without removing the fuse or unplugging the motor. I have also tried disconnecting the battery to reset the computer without success.

Several other members have reported this problem but the thread does not reveal the solution/fix, e.g. replaced motor or switch, etc. Any help on this would be appreciated.
 
#11 ·
The part number is 88958118 and I bought it online from gmparts4u.com. The part was $107.35, but after shipping and taxes it came to about $130. Still alot cheaper than from the dealer where it was $186.

It really didn't take very long to replace once I figured out how to remove the complete wiper assembly. It wasn't as bad as I initailly thought it was gonna be. I'd say it probably only took me about 30 minutes or so.
 
#15 ·
I have the "wiper won't turn off" problem. I searched the posts and everyone replaced the motor to fix the problem. Has anyone been able to repair the module?

I saw on a Pontiac forum, someone cleaned the relay contacts and that fixed it. Just wondering if anyone on the CTS forum has tried that. It it possible to get to the module? someone said that the module is in the motor, can we open the motor to get to it?
 
#17 ·
I pulled the WPR SW fuse and the wipers still run all the time so the problem is not the switch.

I took the motor apart today. The circuit board is in the cover. I couldnt get at the relays to try and clean them. the cover part number is 88958118 and now changed to 88958172.

The lowest price that I could find the motor was Adanced Auto Parts for $128. The lowest that I could find the Cover ( module ) was $73 at GM Parts Direct. I should have it in a few days and will update the post.
 
#21 ·
my wipers will not stop, till i pulled the fuse on my 2005 cts, it is right hand drive european model, and i would like to know if i buy a module in the usa will it fit my right hand drive or is the part just for us cars, this just happen as the rainy season starts in scotland for the next six months so i need to fix it asap, many thanks for any help
 
#22 ·
A few months back the wipers on my 2005 CTS came on when I started the car, and would not turn off. They are stuck on the second to highest speed. I can not go any lower than this, but can turn them up to the highest speed. The only way to stop them is to remove the fuse.

All suggestions I've seen have pointed toward the motor cover that houses the pulse board to control the wiper motor. I'm in the UK and my car is RHD, so the part for this is expensive (https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-cover-kit-88958126.html).

I did manage to get one from a salvage over here though for ÂŁ10 (bargain), as the guy told me the wipers on his CTS outright don't come on. I presumed this would be down to the motor, not the board, so paid the ÂŁ10 for the board.

Fitted it today, but the problem still persists - wipers stuck on second highest speed, so I am guessing the board was actually fine.

Only thing I can think of now is the wiper motor itself, but again, RHD so ridiculous price to get imported and seeing as the wipers do actually work Im not sure that is the problem. Before I do this, I'm wondering if there could be any other electrical fault that anyone knows about.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
#23 ·
I doubt it’s the motor.

With the facts you stated... wipers actually work, so motor is good. Wipers turn on as soon as car is turned on, normally this would be the logic board. But you replaced it and it’s giving the same problem. Albeit an used one from a car that didn’t have working wipers. It’s quite possible this new board has the same problem. Just the previous car had other issues for the non-working part.

So now, if I were you. Remove the cover for the steering wheel column and unplug the cable to the wiper controls. If the wipers stop, then I would point to the wiper controller stock. If however they continue to wipe, then somewhere between the column and logic board. If you can, with the logic board unplugged and controller stock unplugged. Test each wire with a meter to see if there are any shorts between the wires.

KOT
 
#24 ·
Cheers KOT.

Wanted to look into your suggestion straight away, so set about getting to the wiper controller stock today.

Unfortunately, I got stuck when it came to removing the ignition cylinder. Was following this video, but cannot for the life of me get the thing out. Vid starts at relevant point: https://youtu.be/N05Mmyz6T04?t=229

Can not work out what exactly he is doing when sticking that t20 in hole. When I stick mine in, I feel nothing, no button or anything like that. Not sure if Im meant to. If you have taken one of these out before and have any pointers I would appreciate them.
 
#26 ·
Yep, you got it mate. Had to turn the key right round to run position and then put the t20 in.

Unfortunately though, got the wiper stock disconnected and problem persists. Want to test the continuity of the wires now (never done this, learning from youtube), but the obvious problem is I cant get access to both ends of the wires at once with one side being on the steering column and the other under the hood. First thing that comes to mind is to extend one end using additional cable, but I'm not sure if it has to be the same grade as the existing cable or if I can use any cable I choose.

Again, if youve any knowledge on this it would be appreciated.
 
#27 ·
At this point you are just testing for continuity. Both ends must be unplugged from the devices; motor and wiper stock. First to make sure each cable worked between both ends, which requires a jumper cable of sorts. It only has to be the same size as your test meter leads as far as thickness. Length, well just make sure it reaches the furthest cable end and to the test lead.

The second test only requires to test leads. But again, both ends must be unplugged. For this test you'll need to test each wire to each other.

Lets say there are 6 wires.

Test wires 1 and 2. Is it open? Good. Now test wires 1 and 3, open? Good. 1 and 4... 1 and 5 and finally 1 and 6. Now... go from 2 and 3. 2 and 4, 2 and 5 and finally 2 and 6. Then 3 and 4, 3 and 5 and finally 3 and 6. 4 and 5 and 4 and 6. Last, 5 and 6.

The reason you want to do this pattern is to make sure that none of the wires are shorted to each other and this pattern will make sure you covered all bases with that. I advise you to make a chart of the 1 and 2. 1 and 3 and so on. Write down open or short or even if it has a reading at all, other than open. If it has a reading of 100 Mohms, write that down in the opparate area.

Once you get this done, come back with the results.

KOT