How does the intermittent wiper relay work in a car?
The relay functions as a switch and energizes circuits as needed. In the case of your windshield wipers, it controls low, high, and intermittent speeds by energizing a particular circuit at a given moment depending on what speed you have your wiper switch set to. Secondly, what happens when a wiper relay goes bad?
When do I Know my wiper relay is bad?
One of the quickest indicators that a problem exists with the intermittent wiper relay is when the wipers are not intermittent and only work at one speed. The relay switch sends an electrical signal to the module that controls the operation of the wiper motor and gears inside.
Why does my windshield wiper not move after turning on the switch?
When the wiper blades don’t move after turning on the switch, it’s often caused by a malfunction in the wiper motor. Although the likelihood of having a problem with your windshield wiper motor is rare, there are a few warning signs that will alert you that the wiper motor is damaged or needs to be replaced.
How to fix intermittent wiper and turn signal problems?
Disengage the plastic snap clips and separate the two halves of the steering column cover. Multifunction switch levers control headlights, flashers, wipers and intermittent windshield washers. The MFS is usually held in place by hex-head or Torx screws. Remove them, pull out the switch and disconnect the electrical connector.
What happens when a windshield wiper relay goes bad?
When the relay is faulty, the windshield wipers will only work at the same speed that the last relay signal was sent. In layman’s terms, if you had your windshield wipers on the slow speed the last time they were active, and you turn them on again under a different setting, the relay switch should send that updated information to the module.
How does the intermittent wiper relay system work?
This operation is completed thanks to the intermittent wiper relay; an electrical switch that sends a predetermined setting to the wiper module to power the wiper motor. When all of the components involved in the windshield wiper blades work correctly, the system is very convenient.
Why does my car not have a wiper motor?
This is usually caused by the wiper motor not getting the power that it needs due to a bad relay. In most cases, a professional mechanic will replace the intermittent wiper relay and the controls at the same time to ensure all of the supporting connections work smoothly together.
What are the controls for the windshield wipers?
Wiper Controls. Most wipers have a low and a high speed, as well as an intermittent setting. When the wipers are on low and high speed, the motor runs continuously. But in the intermittent setting, the wipers stop momentarily between each wipe.