Wiper dilemma.

[Felix Wankel]

When I bought my car, there were no wiper arms on it. When I got some and put them on, I found out why. The wipers won't turn off.

When I first turn the key on, they run continuously for about a minute, then switch to intermittant. The only thing I can do with the switch is change the speed when I put it on high. Though they will still only work intermittantly.

Between searching on here, and per the advice of a Ford mechanic that happened to stop by while I was buying the car, I replaced the switch (albeit with a used one), and it still does the same thing. It will do it even with the switch disconnected.

Is there anything else I should check? I'd really like to use my wipers on command.

[svoman2300]

Bad relay maybe?

[SVOeric]

those don't have a reay (I don't remember one anyway)

the motor could have a short somewhere --

this is the part that sux --- start on the wiper motor end, and trace back with a volt meter -- that's the only way you are going to be able to find it.

The wipers do have a circuit breaker ine fuse box, but I don't see how that could cause them to stick on --but it is a place to start...

[Felix Wankel]

Thanks guys, Paul said it might be the motor as well. Guess I'll get another one and see.

[Felix Wankel]

Didn't change motors yet, but while I was checking the wiring out, I get voltage at the wiper motor plug with both the motor and the switch unhooked. Would that still mean the motor is bad?

The Haynes manual (all I have) shows a "governor" in the wiring diagrams. What the hell is that?

[SVOeric]

hummm -- i don't know what the govener is---

but yes, the motor should have 12V going to it at all times

the ground is what is switched to start and stop the motor

The good news is -- this is the same wiper motor used from 79-93 (and maybe longer)) -- PLENTY of them out there.

I wouldn't worry about getting a used one --- they aren't something that causes a lot of problems.

[Felix Wankel]

Originally posted by SVOeric
hummm -- i don't know what the govener is---

but yes, the motor should have 12V going to it at all times

the ground is what is switched to start and stop the motor

The good news is -- this is the same wiper motor used from 79-93 (and maybe longer)) -- PLENTY of them out there.

I wouldn't worry about getting a used one --- they aren't something that causes a lot of problems.

I forgot to mention that the power is intermittent. The test light flashes off and on, just like the motor runs when its plugged in. I'll just get another motor when (if) the rain stops this week and try it out

[KevinK]

Be sure to get one with intermittant wipers. They are usually different but I can't say for sure. Maybe that is the problem. Remember, Early 3rd gen did not have too many standard options. Intermittant wipers became pretty much standard by mid 80s.

[Eyelawdoc]

Problem Caused By Interval Wiper Control Box

The problem you have is NOT caused by the wiper motor!

I believe that the problem you have with the wipers on your 84 SVO not turning off is caused by a failure of the intermittent wiper control box. This is a small black box located underneath the dash on the driver's side to the right of the steering collumn.

The units installed in the early SVO's were prone to failure. I had the same problem with my 84 SVO about 13 years ago. I expect the replacement part would be the same as for my SVO.

It is officialy called an " Windshield Wiper Interval Governor" and the Ford part number is E4ZZ17C476A. Cost then (1990) was about $90.00. It is not an SVO unique part, but was used on all Mustangs of that era with interval wipers, so perhaps it is still available.

[Felix Wankel]

Re: Problem Caused By Interval Wiper Control Box

Originally posted by Eyelawdoc
The problem you have is NOT caused by the wiper motor!

I believe that the problem you have with the wipers on your 84 SVO not turning off is caused by a failure of the intermittent wiper control box. This is a small black box located underneath the dash on the driver's side to the right of the steering collumn.

The units installed in the early SVO's were prone to failure. I had the same problem with my 84 SVO about 13 years ago. I expect the replacement part would be the same as for my SVO.

It is officialy called an " Windshield Wiper Interval Governor" and the Ford part number is E4ZZ17C476A. Cost then (1990) was about $90.00. It is not an SVO unique part, but was used on all Mustangs of that era with interval wipers, so perhaps it is still available.

Thank you!

I saw the governor in the wiring diagram but didn't know where to look for it in the car.

[Eyelawdoc]

The part is still available. The Motorcraft part number is SW-1914. List is about $106, Express Autoparts (www.expresssautoparts.com) sells it for $66.30.

Pat Milburn
84 SVO Original Owner 218k+