Wiper Switch?

[392 Cuda]

The never-ending project continues.... 74 Barracuda

I have not quite gotten the 'cuda on the road for regular use, and now I think the wiper switch might be bad.

I seem to have 4 positions on the wiper switch
I turn the car on with wipers in the off position.
Clockwise 1 click, the wipers turn on (kinda loud).
Clockwise another click, the wipers speed up (less loud)
Clockwise another click, they continue at the same speed.
On the way back...
Counterclockwise 1 click, they continue at the fast speed
Counterclockwise another click, they continue at the fast speed
Counterclockwise all the way (where they should be off) they switch to the slow speed (Kinda loud again)

I assume this is just a bad switch?
Any way to repair these? Any cheap repops?

[Rich G.]

First thing I would do is run a ground wire to the switch. They won't work right without a good ground on the switch.

[JS29]

@Slotts  is our resident specialist

[Slotts]

Thank you, JS29!

With the description that the OP wrote, it doesn't sound like a ground issue. When the wiper motor is grounded and the wiper switch is not grounded, one turned on, the wipers will go into hyperspeed. Faster that the fastest speed possible with a properly working wiper setup. Nothing will effect this condition and no matter what position, including park. The only way to turn off the wiper motor is to turn the key off.

This condition described sounds more like a three fixed speed wiper switch trying to control a two speed motor. A two speed wiper switch would only have three cllck positions, not four.

Two speed wiper switch will only properly control a two speed wiper motor and variable speed or fixed three speed will only control a three speed wiper motor. No mixing.

Jim

[1 Wild R/T]

Which translates into got a picture of your wiper motor?  Does it look like the top motor or the bottom motor?

[Rich G.]

Leaving out all the details makes it harder to diagnose.

[Jay Bee]

Your 74 Barracuda's wiper motor should have the black cap/cover on it. The one in 1 Wild R/t's lower picture will work too.

[Slotts]

Which translates into got a picture of your wiper motor?

Hey Randy,

I plead the 5th!   

Jim

[1 Wild R/T]

Just trying to help...

[392 Cuda]

I appreciate all the help! I've been out in the garage working on the door panels.

I believe I do have a 3 speed motor (pictured below).

I believe this the original switch and could be the original motor (looks like it has been on the car for a while). It did seem to work a couple times I was caught in the rain since I have had the car.

After some quick bench testing of the switch, it seemed to swap the resistance as expected. I wonder if there is a second "park" switch on the motor that Should be doing something when it sees 12V+ on the P terminal of the control switch, or perhaps I need a new motor...?

[392 Cuda]

And the verdict is... bad ground.

I'm always amazed at the randomness of ground problems.

[Rich G.]

Isn't that what I said? 😁

[392 Cuda]

Isn't that what I said? 😁

Indeed! My bench testing ignored my fresh paint on the dash.

As always, I appreciate the help from everyone!