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Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory position.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:12 pm
by jessesbamboo
Woke up one morning and the wipers would not work. I checked the 15 amp fuse and it was blown, tried a new one, and it died to. So I then tried another fuse, turned the key one click to accessory position and then back off, checked the fuse and it was blown out before I even turned the wipers on. any Ideas what could be going on?
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:29 pm
by thedjjack
You have a short...
Unplug the motor first to see if it is there.
Since it blows with the wipers turned off (right?) Most likely the problem is the wires from the fuse to the combie switch of the switch it self.
you can also try with no power on using ohms with positive to ground (they should not be connected unless you have a short or completed circuit.
My money is on the switch.
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:36 pm
by TardisDeli
Hi All, Looking for input from other owners, as we have not encountered this before.
Jesse lives in Pemberton, owned van for about 6 weeks, private sale from a previous owner (not known by me), so we did some telephone troubleshooting, and got yet another blown 15 amp fuse. Have determined that the fuse instantly blows before anything else, ie just sitting in the cold van before the engine is started, with wiper stalk in hopefully the off position, just turn ignition key to the first stage of the accessory position, and poofff the 15 amp fuse blows. Everything seems ok, no other electrical wierdness, altho he did some bumpy off roading recently.
Christine TardisDeli at first suspected wiring fault, Jay TardisDeli suspected wiper motor but now he suspects it is ignition switch.
Anyone give some good step by step troubleshooting Jesse can do?
Cheers, Christine.
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 6:47 pm
by thedjjack
I would pull the connector of the Combie switch.
I suspect the switch.
Next pull the wire of the wiper motor (I thought this at first too, but think it is the combie switch shorting out)
Once disconnected if it still blows I would test the circuit back to the fuses and forward to wipers looking for the short.
Wires tend not to short unless messed with. Test the switch.
Also the relay could be acting up. Mechanical things tend to fail.
Ask Jay to check the wiring diagram to see if there is a little black box for intermittent wipers (black box could be it)
Once all possible things disconnected one by one (you can test each with Ohms no need to blow fuses)
If this fails you can check each section of wire for a problem. Also move the tilt of the wheel to see if pinched off the harness in there.
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 9:16 pm
by thedjjack
Talked to Jay tonight we think you should pull the plug on the wiper motor.
Thanks to the poptop build the location of the wiper motor is behind the dash should be able to access with the glove box out.

Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 9:51 pm
by jessesbamboo
Thanks for the help, I will check to see if I can access the wires through the glove box, and pull the plug on the motor.
My friend will be coming by tomorrow with an ohm meter, we will tinker around. Thanks again
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:22 pm
by jessesbamboo
I still cant find the short, I tried puling the plug on both wiper motors, as well I took apart the switch to see if it was there, no luck. So Im running a wire direct to the wiper motor from the battery (with a 15a fuse and switch) works for now. Any good ideas out there? Thanks
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:00 pm
by thedjjack
Need to check each section of wire. Disconnect all parts test with ohms to the frame looking for the short. are the wipers the only thing on the fuse?
I would think the problem is between the fuse and the relay (I think there is a relay in the system as I can hear mine click when running). That side to relay would have power all the time even when turned off. Find relay find problem?
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:56 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
What about the Combo Switch?
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:05 pm
by jessesbamboo
The combo switch is beside the stirring wheel right? if so I disconnected the contacts in the switch. and still with the fuse shorts.
Re: Wiper 15a fuse dies when turning key to accessory positi
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:34 pm
by thedjjack
I think your problem is between the power (key switch and the relay)
See if Jay has a good wiring diagram...(that you can see in) or any diagram for a similar year mistubishi truck should be close enough.
Given that it blows as soon as you turn the ignition switch makes me think your short is between there and the relay as the switch for the wipers does not have to be on...