Possible Replacement?

EvilUSMC · March 29, 2009

Hey guys, ran into something on the truck. Thought I had solved the problem but it seems not. I have a hard time turning of the windshield wipers in my truck. It usually happens right after I start her up, the wipers will turn on without me touching the control. I used to just turn them on then off right away, and the problem was solved, but it seems like that isn't working anymore. I think the actual control might be broken or worn in too much, so it won't stay in the off position. I checked LMC but I am unsure which lever to order if the lever is the problem. What do you guys think? Could the lever be the problem?

Also, what are some quick & easy (possibly cheap!) ways to get my engine to look and run better? Money is tight these days, but I really want to start to bring this sweetheart back to her original beauty.

kuhl_530 · March 30, 2009

it's definitely the switch. I would suggest replacing it. As far as which one it is, just look for the year, and they may give you some options like "momentary" which is if your wipers have a delay (some only have off, slow, and fast, others have off, delay, slow, and fast) and they may also ask if it has cruise control, because they should all be on the same lever.

I detailed cars for two years, and nothing makes an engine look better than a scrub and detail. Get some engine degreaser, or multi purpose degreaser like simple green or another similar product. Spray it on all metal engine parts and scrub with a tire brush, then rinse. Don't forget to cover your distributor and coil, they don't cope well with water. After letting it dry, go over any plastic parts with an interior detailing product like meguiars nxt detailer. This will bring the dark color and shine back out of the plastics, and give it a 'like new' look.

Hope that helps!

EvilUSMC · March 30, 2009

Thanks for the quick response! I will check LMC again and hopefully order the right one. I will definitely pick up some degreaser and give it a shot. If money wasn't so tight and time wasn't so limited (gotta love the military, always training!) I'd be able to give it a little more love and care.

Any suggestions on performance upgrades that are quick, easy, and cheap?

kuhl_530 · March 30, 2009

Try a k&n stock replacement filter. They're a little steep at first (about $80) but they add a LOT of throttle response, a little fuel economy if you're light on the peddle, and you'll never have to replace it! Just buy a k&n recharge kit, that's what they call the cleaning kits, and clean the filter once a year. The recharge kit will set you back about $12 but it'll last about 5+ cleanings.

NFSGamerUSA · March 31, 2009

Is it staying at regular speed regardless of the interval you have it set at, as well? I had this issue with my truck and the wipers something wouldn't turn on and other time wouldn't turn off or respond to the interval setting. If so, this is most definitely the wiper board. It's a very common issue and my next-door neighbor (owns a shop) immediately said without a doubt that it was the wiper board, and he was right. I'd make sure it's not that before getting a whole new switch.

EvilUSMC · April 1, 2009

It will adjust speed settings like normal, it just won't turn off easily (or at all sometimes). I had to sit in the parking lot at work today for about 5 minutes screwing with it until I finally got it to stop, then 10min down the road they turned right back on! I have a feeling it very well might be the actual lever, I think it just won't sit in the off position. Wish I could get one out at Auto Zone, but I'll probably have to go LMC sometime soon.. Thanks for the help.

NFSGamerUSA · April 1, 2009

It will adjust speed settings like normal, it just won't turn off easily (or at all sometimes). I had to sit in the parking lot at work today for about 5 minutes screwing with it until I finally got it to stop, then 10min down the road they turned right back on! I have a feeling it very well might be the actual lever, I think it just won't sit in the off position. Wish I could get one out at Auto Zone, but I'll probably have to go LMC sometime soon.. Thanks for the help.

Sounds like it could just as easily be the circuit board, to me. If I were you, I would replace that first since it's much cheaper and easier to find in store. If that's not the issue, you could put it right back in the box and return it. It's a ten minute job, too.

EvilUSMC · April 1, 2009

I haven't ever really gotten into replacing circuit boards on a truck, so I'm not sure which one I need. Found this at Auto Zone, is it correct?

Circuit

Since we are talking electrical, I have a few more questions. My heat/AC doesn't work. Doesn't even make a sound when I turn it on, could this be a electrical problem as well? Also, I have duel fuel tanks, but the switch to go from left to right is missing, if I replace this ($11 part at Auto Zone) should I be good to go? It seems fairly easy to instal, a simple plug and go, is this correct? Thanks for the help.

NFSGamerUSA · April 1, 2009

You know what, I just realized you weren't talking about a GMT400 truck (for some reason I assumed that's what you were talking about). There is no wiper board (properly called a wiper pulse board module) for those, so kuhl_530 is probably correct about the problem's source. Please ignore what I've said!

As for the heat/AC problem, it most definitely sounds electrical, but I don't have the slightest idea of the cause. I, too, would guess it's the switch if it won't even turn on, but don't ask me unless you want more confusion! That being said, I'll leave them to kuhl_530. Best of luck getting everything straightened out!

kuhl_530 · April 1, 2009

haha thanks cheyenne. The heater problem does sound like the switch. Check and make sure all the connections are good first, that nothing is unplugged. If that doesn't work, get a new blower motor switch. Be gentle while installing, because like cheyenne said, if it doesn't work, you can always return it. I work at a parts store, I know, lol! Oh, and the wiper switch should be available at an auto part store. I work at a bumper to bumper and I know I can get them for all different kinds of vehicles.

As far as the fuel switch, I haven't got a clue. Sorry! haha

EvilUSMC · April 1, 2009

haha thanks cheyenne. The heater problem does sound like the switch. Check and make sure all the connections are good first, that nothing is unplugged. If that doesn't work, get a new blower motor switch. Be gentle while installing, because like cheyenne said, if it doesn't work, you can always return it. I work at a parts store, I know, lol! Oh, and the wiper switch should be available at an auto part store. I work at a bumper to bumper and I know I can get them for all different kinds of vehicles.

As far as the fuel switch, I haven't got a clue. Sorry! haha

Thanks for the help guys! Auto Zone doesn't seem to have a wiper switch, so it looks like I might end up buying it online. I will look into the blower motor switch here this weekend. I really wish I had more time to work on her, but things are getting pretty busy around here.

NFSGamerUSA · April 1, 2009

haha thanks cheyenne. The heater problem does sound like the switch. Check and make sure all the connections are good first, that nothing is unplugged. If that doesn't work, get a new blower motor switch. Be gentle while installing, because like cheyenne said, if it doesn't work, you can always return it. I work at a parts store, I know, lol! Oh, and the wiper switch should be available at an auto part store. I work at a bumper to bumper and I know I can get them for all different kinds of vehicles.

As far as the fuel switch, I haven't got a clue. Sorry! haha

Thanks for the help guys! Auto Zone doesn't seem to have a wiper switch, so it looks like I might end up buying it online. I will look into the blower motor switch here this weekend. I really wish I had more time to work on her, but things are getting pretty busy around here.

Are these what you're looking for? Here's the fuel tank switch (although I think you've already found it), and here are blower control switches.

EvilUSMC · April 1, 2009

Cheyenne, thanks for the help! Anyways, do you think it is the actual switch (like in the link you posted) or possibly the lever worn down? I guess I will try the switch, worst case scenario, return it. Yes, I have seen that fuel tank switch, hopefully this weekend I can get a chance to try it out and see what happens.

NFSGamerUSA · April 1, 2009

Cheyenne, thanks for the help! Anyways, do you think it is the actual switch (like in the link you posted) or possibly the lever worn down? I guess I will try the switch, worst case scenario, return it. Yes, I have seen that fuel tank switch, hopefully this weekend I can get a chance to try it out and see what happens.

I was just linking to that switch because that's what you said you were looking for. If you will have the ability to return it if that's the issue, then I'd go ahead and get that. Not looking at the lever, doesn't it just attach to the switch?

EvilUSMC · April 2, 2009

Cheyenne, thanks for the help! Anyways, do you think it is the actual switch (like in the link you posted) or possibly the lever worn down? I guess I will try the switch, worst case scenario, return it. Yes, I have seen that fuel tank switch, hopefully this weekend I can get a chance to try it out and see what happens.

I was just linking to that switch because that's what you said you were looking for. If you will have the ability to return it if that's the issue, then I'd go ahead and get that. Not looking at the lever, doesn't it just attach to the switch?

Not quite sure actually, never had to work on a wiper switch. It's getting insane though, I swear it is possessed. Thing turns on when it wants to and speeds up and slows down like there is no tomorrow. I'll let y'all know how it goes once Auto Zone gets the part in.