Back to intermittent wipers..

[TubeTruck]

I agree @R8rPhan. Not sure why no one has made these aftermarket yet, other than Chinese junk. Once I get some free time I was planning on getting a module from the 80's trucks and figuring out how to get them to work with the dash mounted switches. I hear they are still available but mounted on the column.

 

[DaleP]

I have an '81 K20 that the wipers turn on if the key is off. It regularly drains the battery if I don't disconnect the battery cable. The wipers will come on if I hit a bump or pothole. I'm not certain where to begin. I am afraid to buy a 3rd part switch and introduce more problems.

 

[EastAustinSawdust]

I called the parts store and they are ordering a replacement switch.. They said that in the meantime, I could try to fix this one and they'd still take it back.. So I pulled the contacts back up and drilled through the plastic and the contact and pinned them in place with a little piece of toothpick..

Rung everything out, and still good.. Tried it in the truck, doesn't work.. everything but the variable speed works (pulse).. Took the module apart and measured resistance at the circuit board with the switch connected.. Can definitely see that the switch is connected and the resistance changes as the knob is turned..

Did you ever get it working Mark?

I've got a '78 C10 with the standard 3-position wiper switch. Tried the LMC module (https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-91-chevy-gmc/csb-1973-77-intermittent-wiper-module) and it didn't do anything when I wired it up, so I returned it. It says on LMC that it's compatible with 73-77, and I have a 78, so I wasn't shocked that it didn't work.

I've seen a number of folks post this part: https://www.classicindustries.com/product/g10140.html

But I can't tell if that is compatible with my '78 or not. The title says 78-83, but the description says 81-87.

If anybody has had success converting a '78 standard wiper setup to an intermittent setup, please let me know how you did it. Cheers!

Adam

 

[gmachinz]

I’ve got 2 refurbished delay modules and one NOS module left-all for 78-83 if anybody is looking for one.

 

[EastAustinSawdust]

I’ve got 2 refurbished delay modules and one NOS module left-all for 78-83 if anybody is looking for one.

Interested. Are the parts tested and working? And what is a NOS module? Is it this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-GM-AC-...995406?hash=item23ce99198e:g:tGQAAOSwdnNeFoRW

Ultimately after reading through this thread, it's still unclear to me if and how I can convert my standard wiper system (with the 2-speed control) over to an intermittent system. As far as I understand, I'd need at least the following:

- An intermittent wiper switch, like this: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=45015&cc=1030329
- An intermittent wiper relay/module that plugs into the switch, like what @gmachinz is selling

Is that it? Or is there something else?

 

[R8rPhan]

No

Did you ever get it working Mark?

Not yet... I got a replacement switch, but after opening the package it appears to be a customer return and has some issues... I think I'll just returnn it to Oreilly and order one from RockAuto

I've got a '78 C10 with the standard 3-position wiper switch. Tried the LMC module (https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-91-chevy-gmc/csb-1973-77-intermittent-wiper-module) and it didn't do anything when I wired it up, so I returned it. It says on LMC that it's compatible with 73-77, and I have a 78, so I wasn't shocked that it didn't work.

I've seen a number of folks post this part: https://www.classicindustries.com/product/g10140.html

Wow! I wish I could seen this before I $75 on a used one that I think is no good... That looks exactly like the used one I have which plugs into everything perfectly...

But I can't tell if that is compatible with my '78 or not. The title says 78-83, but the description says 81-87.

If anybody has had success converting a '78 standard wiper setup to an intermittent setup, please let me know how you did it. Cheers!

Adam

I bought a new wiper motor (because the washer part was broken on mine anyway), and was planning on replacing it, putting in a new switch with this module and see what happens... But now I may just buy one of those! Thanks!

If none of this worked there was a plan B and C, but both of them were either a lot more expense or a lot more work

Plan B is this AFTERMARKET SOLUTION

Plan C was to wait until I can afford a replacement engine, have the 700R4 I got for this truck rebuilt, put the tilt steering column I got from an 88 suburban in it, put a wiper motor in it from a compatible year truck, rewire the column into the existing wiring, and get the module for the new wiper motor/steering column.. put the engine and tranny in and then have the ideal solution.. A modern column mounted intermittent wiper system...

But that's obviously a heck of a lot of work and would be something for when the truck can be down for a while..


Thanks for the heads up on the module though!
Mark

 

[R8rPhan]

Interested. Are the parts tested and working? And what is a NOS module? Is it this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-GM-AC-...995406?hash=item23ce99198e:g:tGQAAOSwdnNeFoRW

Ultimately after reading through this thread, it's still unclear to me if and how I can convert my standard wiper system (with the 2-speed control) over to an intermittent system. As far as I understand, I'd need at least the following:

- An intermittent wiper switch, like this: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=45015&cc=1030329
- An intermittent wiper relay/module that plugs into the switch, like what @gmachinz is selling

Is that it? Or is there something else?

I bought one from him, and haven't been able to get it working yet.... Was super easy to put in though.. Remove the dash bezel, unscrew the existing wiper control, unplug the existing harness from it, plug the new switch into the new module, plug the new module into the existing harness, shove it all back through the opening, put the screws back in to mount the new switch, and then put the bezel back in...

Easy Peasy...

 

[R8rPhan]

I have an '81 K20 that the wipers turn on if the key is off. It regularly drains the battery if I don't disconnect the battery cable. The wipers will come on if I hit a bump or pothole. I'm not certain where to begin. I am afraid to buy a 3rd part switch and introduce more problems.

What helped me was I got out the schematics for my truck (79 C10), copied the switch schematic and wiper schematic, pasted them in a new document, then connected the wires according to the large schematic in a computer drawing program (illustrator), then printed it out..

That way, I was only looking at a document that had the wiper/washer circuits... Nothing else... Looked like a mess when it was part of the main schematics, but separated out it was super simple... But that was in the middle of when I was completely rewiring the whole truck.. Only wires I kept from the existing wiring was the A/C-Heater circuit, and the wired pigtails from the washer/wiper.. Wrung them out and then put brand new wires between the pigtails (from switch to motor)..

It sounds to me like you have an intermittent short to ground or something in the wiring...

I think I posted the wiring diagram I made already in this thread, but if not, I'll post it again.. Not sure if the 81 is the same as the 79, but it's probably close...

Mark

Edit.. Just went and looked.. It's post #26 on page two of this thread...

Maybe it will be of help to you... Maybe someone else can chime in as to whether the wiring between the two years in question is the same?

 

[R8rPhan]

I have a C20 1983 and did spend a lot of time to get the intermittent wiper system to work as original again. Work included restoration of the "delay" box by exchanging electronic components such as capacitors and others. In the end, everything works perfect and the only thing I will say with this message is that it was more than worth all efforts. If its something that really improves the driving experience is to have the FIVE wipings/washing modes the delay module gives.
1. Spring-loaded pulse by putting knob far left, just one cycle
2. One single push on the knob and I get 10 wash squirts with seven or eight wiper cycles. Perfect a winter day when you meet the school bus or a truck
3. Chooseable delay mode. One wipe cycle every 5- 20 sec.
4. Lo constant speed
5. Hi constant speed

So don't give up, but be sure you work with the right components and wiring for the specific truck. I definitely prefer to hold on to the original color codes of wires and connectors and to 100 % follow the original diagramme.

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What all did you replace? There's three components I'm having trouble identifying.. There's a three lead component that looks like an SCR or something on the back side, (but it's probably just a switch/relay of some kind) that has a heat sink on it.. and there's heat sink paste on the back side of it that sits against the bigger heat sink that you have to remove to get access to the circuit board... I found the IC, which appears to be a 'counter' which makes sense in a timing circuit...

There are two other small black components that look like small transistors or Mosfets or something.. No numbers on them that I can see..

Also having trouble tracking down the two pigtails/connectors... I think I found the bigger one, but it's just the connector.. Would prefer to find a source with them prewired with pigtails...

If you found what any of these are anywhere and any sources for them, I'd be interested...

Thanks,
Mark

 

[R8rPhan]

I've seen a number of folks post this part: https://www.classicindustries.com/product/g10140.html

Looking at this again.. there's confusion in the description....

It says this:
"G10140 - 78-83 Wiper Delay Controller
1981-87 Windshield Wiper Delay Controller: Wiper controller for early eighties GM trucks."

First line says 78-83
Second line says 1981-83

I think I'll have to call them and see what's up...

 

[Kim Burke]

No


Not yet... I got a replacement switch, but after opening the package it appears to be a customer return and has some issues... I think I'll just returnn it to Oreilly and order one from RockAuto




Wow! I wish I could seen this before I $75 on a used one that I think is no good... That looks exactly like the used one I have which plugs into everything perfectly...




I bought a new wiper motor (because the washer part was broken on mine anyway), and was planning on replacing it, putting in a new switch with this module and see what happens... But now I may just buy one of those! Thanks!

If none of this worked there was a plan B and C, but both of them were either a lot more expense or a lot more work

Plan B is this AFTERMARKET SOLUTION

Plan C was to wait until I can afford a replacement engine, have the 700R4 I got for this truck rebuilt, put the tilt steering column I got from an 88 suburban in it, put a wiper motor in it from a compatible year truck, rewire the column into the existing wiring, and get the module for the new wiper motor/steering column.. put the engine and tranny in and then have the ideal solution.. A modern column mounted intermittent wiper system...

But that's obviously a heck of a lot of work and would be something for when the truck can be down for a while..


Thanks for the heads up on the module though!
Mark

LOL, sounds like Plan C is how I’ve went at everything I’ve done on my 79. Ironically, I swapped out the non tilt for an 80-81 tilt column with intermittent wiper on the multi-switch. I’ve got the 2speed wiper switch on the dash. (Works) I’m going to sort that out next.

 

[R8rPhan]

LOL, sounds like Plan C is how I’ve went at everything I’ve done on my 79. Ironically, I swapped out the non tilt for an 80-81 tilt column with intermittent wiper on the multi-switch. I’ve got the 2speed wiper switch on the dash. (Works) I’m going to sort that out next.

How did the column swap go? Bolt in, or were there issues? Did you have to change the steering box or change the length of the new column at all?

The new column I have has Cruise control in it too.. The truck originally had it as I see the sensor for the brake is still there.. Not sure what else I'd need, but I want to get that working too...

 

[Kim Burke]

The swap is pretty simple. The blade electrical connector was straightforward enough. I don’t have backup lights so I’m assuming there is a handshake somewhere that’s not being made.
Be sure you understand where the neutral safety switch is and what makes it work. Starting in gear or not starting at all is obviously unacceptable.
Lengths, bolt patterns, couplings, etc. were the same.

 

[R8rPhan]

Be sure you understand where the neutral safety switch is and what makes it work. Starting in gear or not starting at all is obviously unacceptable.

I completely rewired this truck from bumper to bumper as it had some serious issues with the electric when I got it, so I'm intimately familiar with every wire, switch, and bulb on this thing.. (and it's all written down)

Lengths, bolt patterns, couplings, etc. were the same.

Awesome! That's the hard part... From what I can see in measuring things, the steering wheel would stick out about an inch closer to me, but with the tilt, that shouldn't be an issue.. Good to hear it from someone who has done it..

Thanks,
Mark

 

[AuroraGirl]

Id seriously like a tilt column.. but at the same time, I have a manual and the steering wheel has no clearance issues. And wiring is all good, with the only three electrical components on the column I interact with being the ignition, turn signals, and horn(inop). However, I cant remove the key. So maybe I need to consider. Meh.