I've been having a little glitch with my wipers recently...I'll put the wipers on, and have them in the middle of the 'delay' section. When I put the switch to the 'off' position, the wipers just keep going, but on the high setting. If I put the switch back to the 'delay' setting, they operate normally, but then again, will not shut off once I turn them off.

This will stop if I turn the engine off. Once I start the car (with the wiper switch in the off setting) the wipers will turn off.

What's the deal?

First thing you have to do is replace the switch. The most likely cause of your issue is that the circuit board for the switch is sending current to HIGH, when set to OFF. If the new switch does not solve the problem, then it is in the wiring from the connector to the wiper motor and needs to be properly diagnosed using the correct service literature (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=1991+Cadillac+brougham+service+manual+&_sacat=See-All-Categories). The replacement switch should be AC DELCO, or else it will fail.

I have had this problem on both of my Broughams and my Oldsmobile. It's a common GM problem for that era. I believe somehow the relay switch gets moisture in it, and therefore cannot break the connection like it ought to. You need a new one. That "high" setting you see is really the one-time-splash wipe going over and over.

yeah i have the same problem from time to time...only complaint I have with my 87 is the switch. I've replaced it a few times and it always fails...I think my problem may be the wiper motor

I've replaced it a few times and it always fails...

Did you replace the switch with new parts? I went to a junkyard and paid for a switch with the same issue once.

ya once was a new part (around $120 bucks!!!) and a few times off ebay...none seem to work perfect.

Thanks for the tips men.

don't feel bad - my car has "wonky" wipers too. Since the weather has become cooler they seem to be operating OK. Previously almost any speed would happen at almost any setting. :) My mechanic is advising a new wiper motor...we shall see...

^ Yeah that's what I'm considering trying too. Also my wiper switch gets really hot if I leave the wipers on for an extended period of time which I don't think is normal operation!

I've got a weird intermittent with my wipers. Sometimes (like once a month or every 200 miles) when I push the switch to "Mist" or first turn the wipers on, they go through the wash cycle. I first noticed it last year, when the switch started going bad (no delay), but it continued after I changed it. If t'were any more of a nuisance, I would be tempted to run down the bad wires.

I had a very similar problem with my 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Hearse...right in Rainy season. The wipers would often stop working altogether, and when they DID start, they would not stop. It was the relay switch. Your car should be equipped with the same wiper switch as mine however, and I have a spare, so if you need one...