windshield wiper motor making weird sound

[leafscorpion]

Ok new day new problem (lets not call it a problem lets call it a riddle it makes me feel better) when i turn on my windshield wiper's to the intermittent setting (1st stop) there is a whining sound after a few second, then the sound stops for a few seconds and then back on again and so on and so forth. However if I go strait to the slow wiper speed (2nd stop) or the fast speed (3rd stop) then there is no whining sound???? WTH

 

[Brock]

Mine is doing same thing.....it started doing it on regular and fast a few times but after it warms up and runs a bit it stops....but does it every time on intermittent. It is almost like a relay or vacuum as it does it and then when wiper wipes..it stops...then does it again almost cyclic. Mix between a dull buzzer sound and something else...cant identify.

 

[exrsa1]

Wiper relay

There is a wiper relay under the DS dash near the firewall that controls the intermittent wipers. It is black, about 1" in size? It actually pops right out. Take the cover off and drop some high-grade oil to lubricate the plastic gears. Stops the noise. It's easy to find. Just turn on the wipers and listen for the whining.

Ex

 

[Brock]

thanks

 

[leafscorpion]

thanks.....you guys are the BEST

 

[land crusher]

I've been wondering about that for a while now, but haven't been annoyed enough yet to investigate. Figured it had to be the relay. Now I know!

 

[roalco]

There is a wiper relay under the DS dash near the firewall that controls the intermittent wipers. It is black, about 1" in size? It actually pops right out. Take the cover off and drop some high-grade oil to lubricate the plastic gears. Stops the noise. It's easy to find. Just turn on the wipers and listen for the whining.

Ex

X2, I have had the same thing happen twice in my 60's life, it seems the lubrication only lasts about 10 years....

 

[kling-on]

just did mine man it was easy cant beilive I didnt do it 10 yrs ago

 

[Brock]

X2, I have had the same thing happen twice in my 60's life, it seems the lubrication only lasts about 10 years....

unreliable junk....LMAO

 

[TheJackRabbit]

Mine is 23 years old and groaning a bit. I thought about lubrication- moving parts and all. I guess this what "3-in-1" was made for. Thanks on locating the relay. I wondered about that too.

 

[orin]

Thanks for the easy fix

As it has been getting colder i have noticed that same noise from under the dash. Good to know it can be fixed easily. Thanks

 

[leafscorpion]

There is a wiper relay under the DS dash near the firewall that controls the intermittent wipers. It is black, about 1" in size? It actually pops right out. Take the cover off and drop some high-grade oil to lubricate the plastic gears. Stops the noise. It's easy to find. Just turn on the wipers and listen for the whining.

Ex

I have found it, but can't get it out . could you give me some detailed steps to a. get the relay off and B. how to take the cover off
thanks in advance

 

[kling-on]

I just pulled down on mine and it piped out

 

[ksrunner]

There is a wiper relay under the DS dash near the firewall that controls the intermittent wipers. It is black, about 1" in size? It actually pops right out. Take the cover off and drop some high-grade oil to lubricate the plastic gears. Stops the noise. It's easy to find. Just turn on the wipers and listen for the whining.

Ex

Thanks Ex! Mine's been doing the same thing, it's raining right now, so you've inspired me to fix it! BTW, your old head is still going strong on my truck!

 

[daveIT]

Schweet.....another problem searched & solved. I <3 MUD!

 

[worldspan]

Wiper relay was buzzing and annoying. Popped it out and applied electric razor lubrication oil (either that or WD40) to all three plastic gears and it fixed the problem. Gotta love this site!

 

[the gimpey one]

mine does it too. Someone should do a write up with pics!!Some of us need visual aids.

 

[worldspan]

mine does it too. Someone should do a write up with pics!!Some of us need visual aids.

Good idea....considered done after i get done with work

 

[Burl6085]

Similar issue but wipers stay on when switched off

I get a similar noise when using the intermittent setting, but when there is a lot of relative moisture in the atmosphere as in rain, when I switch the wiper off they stay on and in the slow setting then after a while the noise goes away and the wipers return to the off non activated position. Once this cycle runs out I usually can re-activate the wipers and they will function properly. I'll try the lube method on the relay and re-post the results.

 

[worldspan]

Pics of Wiper Relay

mine does it too. Someone should do a write up with pics!!Some of us need visual aids.

Edit: Sorry about the close ups and orientation of the pics but i'm sure this will suffice.

The relay looks like a square, black box and is connected by a wire and 4 other prong connections. You must disconnect the wire first which has a release tab (by hand or by screwdriver...just don't break it)

1st Pic -Location of relay is to the left, underneath dash on Driver's Side.

2nd Pic - Relay out of vehicle with screwdriver pointed at wire connection with the release tab.

3rd Pic - Pop top off gently by using a thin tool (i obv used a screwdriver...hence gently)