'71 Spider wipers

**Farace** · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 08:35 PM

My wipers don't work. The console switch does nothing. Also, the footpump/switch is just plain missing. Now, before I go working my way through the wiper circuit from the console switch, I wonder if anyone can tell me whether it might be the case that I'll never get the wipers working until I replace the floor switch (which I have plans to do). I'd like to avoid that particular circle of hell if that's what it is. (I of course need working wipers to pass inspection.) Thanks!

alfajim · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 01:19 AM

With the foot pump removed there has to be a jumper wire going between the two white/black wires at the plug to the pump.

**Farace** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by alfajim
With the foot pump removed there has to be a jumper wire going between the two white/black wires at the plug to the pump.

**Farace** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 09:27 AM

Well, that didn't work. I wonder if the PO installed the connectors on the wrong terminals on the back of the switch? The wiring diagram isn't clear enough to go by and only seems to show four terminals, when there are about eight, and it doesn't show which is which. There is power going to one of them, but no matter what position the switch is in, it never seems to reach any other terminal. Hmmm.

**Roadtrip** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 01:52 PM

The wire diagrams really aren't going to help too much with this problem, I'm afraid. Probably the best way is to look on another car and record the position and color of wires. Off the top of my head, I'd say the unswitched hot wire is for the "park" function of the wipers. I won't be home till next week, but if you don't have it solved by then I'll take a look at my car let you know the exact setup.

**papajam** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 10:30 AM

Couple questions for you, Bob.

How many wires are connected to the wiper switch, what colors are they and what terminal number are they on?

How many wires are in the foot wiper switch connector and what colors are they?

There's a thread located here that may be of some help.

**Farace** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by papajam
Couple questions for you, Bob.

How many wires are connected to the wiper switch, what colors are they and what terminal number are they on?

How many wires are in the foot wiper switch connector and what colors are they?

**papajam** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 06:01 PM

It would appear that your wiper wiring is the same as the '72-'74 Spiders except for a wire color or two. It would also appear that your wiper switch is wired correctly. After a continuity test on a spare foot switch, it would also appear that alfajims suggestion of jumping the 2 white/black wires should have worked (I think). Which leaves three possibilities; 1) wiper motor 2) wiper switch and 3) the wiring in between. I'm leaning towards the wiper switch or the wiring at the switch since you said that there's power in but no power out. Guess we'll have to wait for RoadTrip to return to confirm the switch wiring.
In the meantime, I have an extra foot switch to lend if you'd like. Electrically it's OK but I don't think the pump portion works. If you call me with your address tomorrow, Mon 06 Oct, I'll send it up to you.

**Farace** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by papajam
It would appear that your wiper wiring is the same as the '72-'74 Spiders except for a wire color or two. It would also appear that your wiper switch is wired correctly. After a continuity test on a spare foot switch, it would also appear that alfajims suggestion of jumping the 2 white/black wires should have worked (I think). Which leaves three possibilities; 1) wiper motor 2) wiper switch and 3) the wiring in between. I'm leaning towards the wiper switch or the wiring at the switch since you said that there's power in but no power out. Guess we'll have to wait for RoadTrip to return to confirm the switch wiring.
In the meantime, I have an extra foot switch to lend if you'd like. Electrically it's OK but I don't think the pump portion works. If you call me with your address tomorrow, Mon 06 Oct, I'll send it up to you.

**Roadtrip** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 08:05 PM

Do a continuity check with a voltmeter to check the switch contacts before you spend $40 for a new one. Again I'll have to take a look at mine to know for sure, but I'll bet the rocker switch top just snaps out of the base.

No problem figuring out the wiring. We'll be able to figure out the colors.

**Farace** · #11 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roadtrip
Do a continuity check with a voltmeter to check the switch contacts before you spend $40 for a new one. Again I'll have to take a look at mine to know for sure, but I'll bet the rocker switch top just snaps out of the base.

No problem figuring out the wiring. We'll be able to figure out the colors.

**papajam** · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 08:06 AM

What color is the hot wire and what terminal # is it on?

**Farace** · #13 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by papajam
What color is the hot wire and what terminal # is it on?

**papajam** · #14 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 10:10 AM

According to the diagram, that's exactly where it should be. I'll take an educated guess that the brown wire is the high speed, blue/white is low speed and blue is park. Try disconnecting the wire connector at the wiper motor and retest for voltage at the switch terminals. If there's still no output voltage, I'd say the wiper switch is NG. If there is voltage, look for dirty/corroded connections in the blue/black wire from the fuse box.

**Farace** · #15 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by papajam
According to the diagram, that's exactly where it should be. I'll take an educated guess that the brown wire is the high speed, blue/white is low speed and blue is park. Try disconnecting the wire connector at the wiper motor and retest for voltage at the switch terminals. If there's still no output voltage, I'd say the wiper switch is NG. If there is voltage, look for dirty/corroded connections in the blue/black wire from the fuse box.