Wiper Control and Cruise switch

[ZYGOTE]

Recently purchased a used 94 Silverado, X-cab, 4X4, 5.7, auto, w/3.42 rears and aftermarket tow package added by the PO.  Truck has 110K miles.

Problem: The wiper delay and 'low' setting works intermittently.  If left alone and switched back on several minutes later, (most times) it works fine but then it usually quits again shortly thereafter.  The problem is beginning to get worse and just this week the 'HI' setting on the wiper stopped working for the first time.  The washer will not pump fluid when either situation occurs, either.

Additionally, if the wiper switch is left on in the 'Low' setting or on one of the delay settings, it will magically begin to work and then just as magically, it stops again as if it has a mind of it's own.

On open road trips, I've noticed that the cruise control will sometimes not engage, but if you fiddel with the switch by jiggling the arm around, the cruise will mystically begin working again.  

All fuses are good and there are no other electrical problems occuring at this time (knock on wood).  Any suggestions?

Thanks for a great forum!

MLS57

[MarkD]

Check your windshield wiper motor (under the hood,on firewall, above master cylinder).  Is it mounted on rubber feet?

 

If it is, you problem may be a grounding issue.  Locally, dozens of 90's models have been burning up the control circuit board (located on the motor).  Our local car quest has such a demand that they now stock them.  

 

The fix...put terminals on each end of a 3-8" long wire (18-24 guage will do).  Put one terminal under one of the screws holding the "lid" on the motor housing.  Mount the other to your firewall somewhere you can get a good ground.

 

After replacing 3 of these modules, my neighbor rigged this fix and hasn't replaced a module for 5 years (this September).

[95 Silverado]

as for the cruise control a common problem is the wires from the switch to the harness under the dash. if you look at the back of the turn signal lever you will see a small wire coming out of the lever and going inside the column, these wires (small wires inside a jacket) are from the cruise switches, they commonly break inside the jacket  and cause symptoms like you describe. you have to replace the lever and cable as one piece, there is a connector under the dash where it meets the main harness.

[ClipperSkipper]

Last time I saw this it was the timer for the delay wipers. The multi-function switch is fairly durable.

 

Have a great one!