[the1nicko]

Hey guys, my wipers dont work, is it common for the switch to go out or am I just looking at a motor?

Anyone know how to test these 2 plug motors with a 12v source. I think each plug has like 3 wires.

If it was the switch could it be just the wipers that are out or would I lose headlights too? If I check that I am getting 12v out of the switch would that mead its good?

 

[denisond3]

Im sure the wiper switch can go bad, also that the connector between that multifunction switch and the wiring harness behind the dash can come loose. But: The wipers began to get sluggish on my 92 LX wagon. Sometimes they would stop in the middle of the windshield. So I took the wiper arms off, unbolted the wiper motor and its two pivots - and worked the whole assembly out of the car. On the bench I opened up the plastic cover on the end of the motor - where the worm gear is, and the contacts that accomplish the self-parking. Inside I found the grease was hardened to a plastic-like consistency, and the metallic fingers were arched and dirty. I cleaned out the grease, used fine emery paper on the contacts, and put it back together with new grease. Now it works fine. Maybe that is what is wrong with yours. I still have to do the same cleaning/greasing maintenance to my other two Escorts, a 91 and a 94. I have had to do the same sort of cleaning of the gears and electrical contacts on my 87 Omni and Dodge Caravan wiper motors too.
I have thought the brushes could be going bad, but so far just cleaning the old grease out cured the problem on my wipers.

 

[the1nicko]

Well my problem isnt that they are moving slow they are just not turning on. So I gotta see if its the switch or motor.

 

[bobrez]

Me Too

I'm having the same problem with my 92 LX. I checked the fuse, replaced the motor and it still does not work. The rear wipers still work off of the same switch arm. I'm wondering if the windshield wiper RELAY may be at fault. There's a cluster of them by the fuse box near the clutch area.

Anyone have any experience with the relays?

 

[the1nicko]

Well I check the plugs that go into the motor with a multimeter. On the first plug I am getting 0 volts at one wire, and .02 volts at the other. On the second plug I am getting .08 volts on one wire and .02 on the other. This is when the switch is turned on any setting. Does this sound like the switch that is bad? I swapped the motor with one from my mustang which was the same motor and I know works, but it didnt work on the escort.

Do I need to remove the steering wheel to remove the switch?

 

[juggalo]

yup