My wipers only work when I press the "washer" button... Here's the story from the beginning: 1965 Buick Skylark 2 speed wipers w/washers For the last 15+ years the wipers have only worked when I push the "wash" button on the wiper switch. The washer pump hasn't worked for a long time either. It rains like 5 times a year in Vegas, so I finally got motivated to fix the wiper/washer system because I bought a repro washer jar. I thought it was a bad switch, so I replaced the wiper switch with a used switch. I'm not even sure if the used switch is good.... With both switches, the movement of the switch (from "off" to "low" or to "high") seems sloppy. After the changing the switch, the same thing...The wipers still only work when I press the "wash" button. I removed the broken washer pump, and the wipers still only work when I press the wash button. I have a NOS 2 speed motor in the garage. (It's rare, so I might sell it on eBay and buy a repro.) I have a NOS wiper switch in the garage. I have a NOS Delco washer pump coming in the mail. What now? I don't want to just use all my NOS parts for no reason...Still a bad switch? Bad car wiring? Bad motor? THANKS for your help!
Dan, this might not be the full and complete answer to your dilemna, but I seem to recall that GM wiper/washer switches from the mid 60's were designed to operate the wipers when the washer switch was pushed. I *think* that when you pushed the wash button, the switch was supposed to turn so as to activate the wipers. It could be that internal contacts are worn, dirty, or no longer touching each other. I've never disassembled one, but perhaps that is a future project. I'm about 95% certain that my dad's old 62 and 64 Oldsmobiles, plus the 64 Olds that I once owned, all worked that way. The switch on my car works fine, and is reasonably tight, but the wash function does not work. I have replaced the washer pump with an aftermarket one, but that wasn't the cure either. I don't know if this helps you in any way, however, it might spur additional responses from other members.
Hi Dan, I think it might be a bad switch. Mine is nice and tight and works when I just rotate it. Both Hi and Low. Take it apart and see why it's so loose. The contacts could be burnt a little too. Just a thought. PONCH
So the "wash" button is not depressed when the swtich is turned to "low" or high"? Can the switch be taken apart? I bought some contact cleaner. This weekend, I will clean the contacts and brush them a few times with emory paper... I will also check the connections, fuses, and install the washer pump when it arrives... I will post my progress.
THEY WORK!!!!!!!!!!!! I replaced the switch with one from my NOS archive... Problem solved... Why didn't I do this years ago?!? Can't wait for my washer pump to arrive... THANKS for all your help!
u may need a shop manual to re-install the new washer motor if your unit is anything like the 60-72 era ones.
How much for the switch? Neither my wipers nor washers work, and I suspect the switch. Since I never drive the car in the rain, isn't much of a priority for me, so I haven't pursued it, but I probably should..... Thanks, Keith
Hi Keith; I sent it to Dan. I thought he might want to keep his NOS switch in a box. Wadda ya think Dan? Want to send the Switch to Ketih? PONCH
Dan - any update here? I was reminded of the fact I didn't have wipers last night, we were at a Susan Komen Breast Cancer car show that didn't get over until it was dark, and when I went out to drive home, the windshield was dewed over. Took a while to clear it with a towel. Thanks, and sorry for being a pest. Keith
Hi Keith - I totally forget about it... I just tested the switch for you and it works great... Email me your address, and I'll get it out to you asap... BuickGS65@gmail.com
Keith is the one who needs help now.... Any updates Keith? But I have another question --- When you turn off the wipers are they supposed to return to the "off" position (i.e. the bottom of the windshield)? When I turn my wipers off, they stop wherever they happen to be... Is that right?
I got the new switch, and swapped it out, but no luck. I just haven't had the time to spend ringing out the whole system. I will be off work starting the 21st through the New Year, hopefully will have time then. Keith
