so iv had the ghost/phantom wiper problem on my 86 gt since i got it, iv swapped the computer board for the wipers, i even bought new wiperswitch for a gmc sonoma after reading some other forums on here, but i still have the phantom wipes, the only thing i havnt replaced is the stalk

any ideas?

Go here https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/053446.html and you will have your issue resolved.

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1985 Fiero GT 4speed 1986 Fiero GT
1994 BMW 530 V8 2005 Cobalt with a twist

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so this will solve all my issues?

Boy do I have issues! I can't wait to check out that link and live a happier life! Thanks!

well technically since iv installed my new switch i dont get all the random wipes the wiper just stop where i turn them off and dont spray

In my experience there are several causes for the phantom wipe. The two main ones I've seen are:

1. Occasional phantom wipe, especially when hitting a pothole, etc. -> caused by a bad switch, which triggers the control module
2. Phantom wipe on ignition on, and occasionally after that

#2 is caused by a bad park switch inside the motor assembly, and is not solved by replacing board or steering column switches.
The park switch is mainly for keeping the wiper from stopping in the middle of the windshield if you turn off the wiper, and instead to continue to park position.
When it's in park, the switch goes to its other contact, and makes sure the wiper parks.

If this park switch goes bad (oxidizes, etc.), the wiper may no longer return to park all the time, or start when it's not supposed to. This is what happened in my case.
Removed the wiper assembly from the vehicle, cleaned and checked the contacts, phantom wipe #2 gone.

Granted, it's more work than splicing in a module, but free, and in my case it worked.

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Visit my website: www.fieros.de for lots of technical and other Fiero related information
Maroon 87 GT daily driver with Firebird Body Control Module, Power Window Controllers and Dash mounted Scantool/Trip Computer

quote Originally posted by fieroluke: In my experience there are several causes for the phantom wipe. The two main ones I've seen are: 1. Occasional phantom wipe, especially when hitting a pothole, etc. -> caused by a bad switch, which triggers the control module 2. Phantom wipe on ignition on, and occasionally after that #2 is caused by a bad park switch inside the motor assembly, and is not solved by replacing board or steering column switches. The park switch is mainly for keeping the wiper from stopping in the middle of the windshield if you turn off the wiper, and instead to continue to park position. When it's in park, the switch goes to its other contact, and makes sure the wiper parks. If this park switch goes bad (oxidizes, etc.), the wiper may no longer return to park all the time, or start when it's not supposed to. This is what happened in my case. Removed the wiper assembly from the vehicle, cleaned and checked the contacts, phantom wipe #2 gone. Granted, it's more work than splicing in a module, but free, and in my case it worked.

I'm with fieroluke on point #2. Had the problem with ignition turned on or when using wiper and trying to turn it off. In the later case, an extra wipe would be generated. Changed the switch and circuit board with no improvement. Swapped out the motor, phantom wipe gone.

So, I had setup a bench test and discovered that good motor stopped and started exactly in the same spot, where as the phantom wipe motor would coast to a stop and if it went to far it would start another cycle. Took this motor apart and noticed that the park switch contacts were still good, but the grease around it was so gummy that it slowed the contact switch from quickly switching. I just removed all the old grease and applied new stuff. It now works even better than "good" motor. When it stops on my bench it stops with a jolt because its now an instant stop, which means it starts and stops at the same spot now.

My old switch was bad and needed to be replaced anyway, so it may have cured the problem if I had the good motor installed. In my case both the switch and motor was the issue.

Hopefully its as simple as old grease verses bad contacts on the park switch.

Nick D.

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Nick D.
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd
'03 Jetta GLS TDI 5-spd

soo is this switch in my wiper motors, how do i get to the switch?

For the motor switch, you have to take the motor apart.

The control switch is in your steering column, and you have to partly disassemble it to get to the switch. A pain in the neck, and doesn't always fix the problem, which is why I developed the little gizmo in the link Fiero Thomas gave above. I have two of these made and ready to go. After they're gone, I'll have to buy more parts to make some.

[This message has been edited by TopNotch (edited 10-22-2010).]

well i spent like 3 hours lastnight replacing the switch in the column with a new one, so should i look at the board in the motors? or invest in your little thing that seems much easier

I'd invest n one of my little gizmos. You can always send it back for a refund if it doesn't work.

quote Originally posted by dmcgreene: soo is this switch in my wiper motors, how do i get to the switch?

Yes, the switch is in the wiper motor. You have to drill out about 7 rivets, remove the plastic cover. The park switch is under the big gear near the motor. You don't have to remove the gear to clean out the old grease, just use a small screw driver or something to dig out the old grease, then put in new fresh grease.

Get a bunch of small screws and nuts to replace the rivets.

Yes, its a little work, but its done right.

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Nick D.
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd
'03 Jetta GLS TDI 5-spd

A quick fix is nice, but I prefer the stock look, so I fixed the root cause.

well should i try swapping the motor off my parts car to this car before tearing my motor apart

quote Originally posted by dmcgreene: well should i try swapping the motor off my parts car to this car before tearing my motor apart

I had three motors, only one was good, give it try, maybe you will get lucky.
I wanted the stock look, so I fixed the problem.

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Nick D.
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd
'03 Jetta GLS TDI 5-spd

quote Originally posted by fieroluke: Phantom wipe on ignition on, and occasionally after that... is caused by a bad park switch inside the motor assembly, and is not solved by replacing board or steering column switches. The park switch is mainly for keeping the wiper from stopping in the middle of the windshield if you turn off the wiper, and instead to continue to park position. When it's in park, the switch goes to its other contact, and makes sure the wiper parks. If this park switch goes bad (oxidizes, etc.), the wiper may no longer return to park all the time, or start when it's not supposed to. This is what happened in my case. Removed the wiper assembly from the vehicle, cleaned and checked the contacts, phantom wipe gone.

Someone may have mentioned this before, but I don't recall ever reading this reason (and repair method) for the single phantom wipe when the car is started.

I'll have to try this out. Many thanks for posting this!

im gonna try this tomorrow after explaining to my parents that i got pulled over, again..

Well I don't think you will need to worry about the phantom wiper for at least a week if not longer. How many over?

[This message has been edited by phonedawgz (edited 10-22-2010).]

Also check all mounting hardware at motor. Make sure the motor has good ground. Motor gets ground thu mounting hardware. 1 of the reason why will get burn up delay board inside motor.

mounting hardware at motor
and ground at delay board inside motor, usually a screw or clip.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

quote Originally posted by phonedawgz: Well I don't think you will need to worry about the phantom wiper for at least a week if not longer. How many over?

actually about five under.. about three weeks ago i gut pulled cuz my fog lights were apprently too blue, and were ill legal, and i got pulled for it, but sumone got destracted by all the flashy lights and wrecked right behind us.. the cop left and went closer to the wreck so i high tailed it home, well he found me tonight after i had stayed after a home foot ball game so long the resource officer made me and a female friend leave.. and there was two cops on the side of the road, so i slowed down and got over and such since they had sum1 pulled, then i look in my rearview, and the two cops are behind me with there lights on, i prayed they just wanted around me , but no.. one of them was the same cop that pulled me before, he likes to be an @$$ about things.. he pulled me.. checked my car under it and everywhere.. i took the lights off the night i got pulled the 1st time and thats what i told him when he asked, and he accused me of being a liar and then after argueing he let me go since he pulled me for apparently no reason..

remove "screen" above then remove two nut. Careful, screen break easily.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

Well since you weren't doing anything wrong I expect your parents understand. With all that has been going on, I'm sure the cops are on edge and getting a lot of harrassment from the public. I'd be on my toes if I were you to make sure you don't give them a reason to pull you over. It's good for you and it's good for them also.

so everything works i swapped out the motors... i just gotta find a new stalk cuz the guy that had my car cut the wires off for the cruise control at the base of the stalk

Good to hear the motor was the problem.

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Nick D.
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd
'03 Jetta GLS TDI 5-spd