Wiper Function Help!

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CloudForestCruise

CloudForestCruise

Joined
Dec 28, 2025
Threads
7
Messages
42
Location
Ecuador
I've been working on fixing 50-year old wiring. I'd now like to fix my wipers. When the switch is pulled (first click), nothing happens. Pulled further (second click), the wipers activate in what appears to be fast speed (not very fast due to aged linkage). When the switch is pushed back in, the blades stop where they are (no self-park).

I've inspected the switch, the wiper motor, and the wiring leading to both and they seem to be unspoiled by prior owners or age. They also seem to be original equipment. See photos.

How do I test the motor to see if it is good. I'm planning on taking the switch apart and cleaning it. Anything else I can check? Is the 6-prong plug plugged in correct or 180 degrees backwards like my headlight switch was?

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The park function, is controlled by contacts in the gear box.
Low speed non-op is probably contacts in the switch.
 
Year/model/market. That switch looks brand new! Posting pic's upside down doesn't inspire me to look harder.

Cleaning contacts and inspecting the crimped terminals to make sure corrosion hasn't crawled up the wire on the inside of the insulation is important. Wiring diagram very handy. Park function is a 3rd leg - the little button stud that pushes on the contacts wears enough to not push on the contacts.
 
In low, current flows from the common motor terminal "B" through the motor winding to terminal +1, through the switch to ground terminal (-). In hi, it is similar except current flows to motor terminal +2 to the switch to the ground terminal. Since Hi is working, you know power is getting to B and the ground terminal on the switch is grounded.

When you turn off the wipers, the park switch provides the ground path for the low winding to drive to park position where the park switch disconnects from ground and applies 12v to the +1 winding to brake the motor.

Since low and park are not working, I would check the low speed winding on the motor, check continuity from B to +1 at the motor connector with it disconnected from the harness. Also check continuity from +1 to S harness terminals where the motor plugs in back through the switch with it off. If it is open, you have at least found the location of the problem.

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Last edited:
Engineer8000 said:
Be sure the empty connector position with the two grooves is on the switch terminal with the little "L" piece. Yours appears to be correct.

View attachment 4090298

View attachment 4090297
Click to expand...
Thank you. That is the switch and plug I have.
Engineer8000 said:
In low, current flows from the common motor terminal "B" through the motor winding to terminal +1, through the switch to ground terminal (-). In hi, it is similar except current flows to motor terminal +2 to the switch to the ground terminal. Since Hi is working, you know power is getting to B and the ground terminal on the switch is grounded.

When you turn off the wipers, the park switch provides the ground path for the low winding to drive to park position where the park switch disconnects from ground and applies 12v to the +1 winding to brake the motor.

Since low and park are not working, I would check the low speed winding on the motor, check continuity from B to +1 at the motor connector with it disconnected from the harness. Also check continuity from +1 to S harness terminals where the motor plugs in back through the switch with it off. If it is open, you have at least found the location of the problem.

View attachment 4090323
Click to expand...
Gracias for the diagram and explanation. I tested continuity and it is open.
 
as the diagram above shows, the switch controls the ground, motor has + going to it all the time with key on
with the way the wiring on the wiper motor looks, your issue is at the motor itself
going from memory, there should be more than 2 wires going to the gear housing, I can look at another motor when I get home tonight
 
3_puppies said:
as the diagram above shows, the switch controls the ground, motor has + going to it all the time with key on
with the way the wiring on the wiper motor looks, your issue is at the motor itself
going from memory, there should be more than 2 wires going to the gear housing, I can look at another motor when I get home tonight
Click to expand...
A pic would be helpful, if you have time.
 
I always joke the joke of a wiper system is three speed

OFF
ON
MORE ON.



I really want to teach myself some programming and replace the wiper motor with a servo and use a 1980's/ early 90's Ford switch wiperbwhere delay speed was set using a rheostat. So basically infinite. Then there was two constant settings. Push for the sprayers.

I really need to win the lottery so I can dick around with these kinds of things.
 
CloudForestCruise said:
A pic would be helpful, if you have time.
Click to expand...

no pic right now, I was wrong about the wiring
The early small motor, like you have is set up the same as yours.
the later, larger motor is different.
 
Modified Ford wiper controller that works with FJ40 wiper motor that switches on the ground side. The switch needs re-threaded to fit the Toyota knob.

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Three speed wiper switch and Nissan module for use on the FJ40 wiper motor.

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Engineer8000 said:
Modified Ford wiper controller that works with FJ40 wiper motor that switches on the ground side. The switch needs re-threaded to fit the Toyota knob.
Click to expand...

You take paypal?

Doesn't fix the anemic toyota motor, but it does give me delay, and I'm all in on that prospect.
 
Outage season? I thought you were retired.
 
Nice wiper information
Question for you
Has BJ40 1977 1 speed or 2 speed wiper, I cannot find the answer.
If only 1 speed, how to change this to 2 speed then?
 
I don't think I have ever seen a one speed by design wiper. I think you could slow the speed down easy enough, making it go faster might be a little/lots harder.

Have you looked in the manuals?

Land Cruiser Factory Service Manuals (FSMs)

Factory service manuals (FSMs) for your Toyota Land Cruiser ! From the 1950s to the present!
www.cruisercult.com www.cruisercult.com
 
charliemeyer007 said:
I don't think I have ever seen a one speed by design wiper. I think you could slow the speed down easy enough, making it go faster might be a little/lots harder.

Have you looked in the manuals?

Land Cruiser Factory Service Manuals (FSMs)

Factory service manuals (FSMs) for your Toyota Land Cruiser ! From the 1950s to the present!
www.cruisercult.com www.cruisercult.com
Click to expand...
Yes, I think 2 speed should be there
as my wiper only go on the first click --normal
no second click to fast
no parking modus, i have to time it myself
 
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