Intermittent Wiper Loss Repair

[Tactical Bacon]

A few months ago, Kaede developed an issue where the wiper delay stopped working. When you first turned it to delay it would default to low speed wipers, the return to home function didn't work except for when the mist function was used, and High was actually slower than Low. I verified continuity across the Delay Module and the wiring from the Wiper Switch, then checked power and grounds on the vehicle side of the connector. Everything checked out but I noticed that when I unplugged and replugged the delay module, the delay function would sometimes work as intended until the switch was set to Low, then the problem returned.

 

I started by drilling out the rivets holding the two halves of the module together so I could pry it apart. Next, by combining the factory wiring diagram for the inputs and outputs with a diagram of the circuit board I was able to find online, I eventually was able to use my ohm meter to figure out that the transistor on the board had failed internally. It's a TIP-120 transistor and I was able to find a 10 pack on Amazon for $5. After that, it was as simple as de-soldering the old component from the board and attaching the replacement.

 

I'm still sorting out how to reattach the case halves. The holes are about 3mm diameter so a #4 or #5 machine screw should work to hold them together. I also might have rivets small enough but I'd have to track down my rivet set to know for sure. For now I just taped it together with electrical tape and after verifying the repair, left it installed in the Jeep since I've been driving it a bit lately.

[ghetdjc320]

Nice! I had very similar issues. Someone should start a repair service. Would be a nice hobby with a bit of income . Just can’t find any good replacement units anymore. 

[kansashogan]

I almost threw two modules away today. I’ve been having intermittent problems lately so I tore into it and discovered they were no good. The high and low work and I rarely drive in the rain since it is so hard to track down leaks. Ya think you got ‘em and……nope.

[cruiser54]

I have handfuls of them. 

 

I heard ones from a ZJ work in the XJ/MJ. Anyone confirm? 

[Tactical Bacon]

On 8/30/2022 at 11:47 PM, kansashogan said:

I almost threw two modules away today. I’ve been having intermittent problems lately so I tore into it and discovered they were no good. The high and low work and I rarely drive in the rain since it is so hard to track down leaks. Ya think you got ‘em and……nope.

The transistors are pretty easy to check with an Ohmmeter that has a diode function on it. For this particular transistor you should have continuity going from the Base towards the Collector (left and middle pin), continuity from the Base towards the Emitter (left and right pins), but no continuity from the Emitter towards the Base or Collector.

 

On 8/31/2022 at 7:21 AM, cruiser54 said:

I have handfuls of them. 

 

I heard ones from a ZJ work in the XJ/MJ. Anyone confirm? 

I've seen people in the various XJ forums report back with success in older forum posts. Supposed to be a lot beefier and resilient with the heat sink that's on it. Also saw where one fellow even tried a Chevy module and it worked fine except it lacked the washer pump/wipe output.

[Tactical Bacon]

On 8/30/2022 at 10:15 PM, ghetdjc320 said:

Nice! I had very similar issues. Someone should start a repair service. Would be a nice hobby with a bit of income . Just can’t find any good replacement units anymore. 

I feel like it would be a bit pricey because of the labor involved because all the components on the board would need replacing since they're probably all as rough and crusty on the inside as mine and another one I bought (that also turned out to be bad) were.