Wipers won't stop

[PHILLY MIKE]

Hi fellas. Long time reader, first time writer. I have a '64 hardtop that just stared having problems with the wipers. I can't shut them off. How bad is the fix? I've read that I might have to take off the whole cowl. Please tell me there is a better way. Thanks in advance. Great forum!

 

[Yoda]

Are they on even when the switch is in the off position or is your problem that the switch keeps sliding forward?

 

[PHILLY MIKE]

Yoda,
Yes they are even on when the switch is off.

 

[Yoda]

I'm sure there are people here that have more experience with the wipers than I do, but I'd start by dropping the clock/wiper/map light cluster and have a look at the "easy" side of the wiper switch for something obvious. Otherwise you're probably looking at removing the grate in front of the windshield (12 bolts I think) to get at the engine side of the wiper mechanism.

 

[t-bird-art]

Totally agree with Yoda.

The wiper "switch" is actually just a lever which pushes/pulls on a cable attached to the wiper motor under the cowl.

If the wiper lever moves loose as a goose, the the cable has come loose at the wiper lever at the dash or at the wiper motor located under the cowl.

If the wiper lever is not loose as a goose, the cable lock down screw by the wiper motor has come loose.

Where the cable is attached to the wiper motor:--- manually push on the motor lever until the wipers shut off and tighten the cable lock down screw.

If you cannot manually shut off the wipers let us know.

 

[tbird5866]

If you cannot manually shut off the wipers, replace the wiper motor......

 

[PHILLY MIKE]

Thanks guys. I think the problem is at the wiper motor because I already dropped the map light cluster and it seems to be OK. I'll have to wait for the snow to melt here before I pull the cowl. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know how I make out...

 

[El Sol Infinito]

I agree with the loose cable hypothesis. I made the mistake of not tightening the cable at the switch in the accessory console one time when I had it out to service something else and panicked at the fact I couldn't get the wipers off.
An easy fix, at least.

 

[PHILLY MIKE]

Hey Guys, thought I would let you know how I made out with the wipers. Twelve bolts, two screws, a little persuasion and the cowl came off. It turned out the cable came loose from the wiper motor. I just bent it back in place. Easy fix. Thanks again for all your help.