well , I found the problem with my wipers that wouldn't stop. The park relay was defective . However , I am sometimes my own worst enemy. The "cam"
on the wiper/washer cover got broke in re-installing the cover on a new wiper unit. I had seen a video on the replacement of that "cam" but mine was a bit different so I couldn't decide how to install the cover. Needless to say I broke the cam , and it isn't replaceable like the one in the video , which was for a 1987 Tran-am. So, now I need the cover assembly and I only have found one place for it, ACDelco has it but I don't know their price. Their website doesn't say. If anybody knows of a used one I'd like to know. My car is a 1984 oldsmobile cutlass supreme brougham, 3.8 l 2 dr.
Incidentally , does anyone know the function of that cam ??
Thanksgiving is tomorrow so I wish all a happy day. !!
wizard.

 

Don't worry, I broke one myself once on my mom's 86 Cutlass. Luckily I was able to get another at the boneyard and assembled it right that time.
I am thinking the cam makes the wipers park and stop, but that was so long ago. I know it is important though!

 

Thanks for your reply LADY. Sadly , these things are getting harder to find every day.
What makes the wipers stop and park is the "park relay" , which is in the main wiper unit. Mine had a worn out ( and broken ) part on the relay so I had to buy a new one. fortunately there are many many cars that use the same basic unit. It's the cover unit with the "pulse" , or intermittent wiper , control that is different in some cars , mostly in the mid eighties. The circuit board in the "pulse" unit has no diagram available so
no way to know for sure what the "cam" does, but it may have to do with turning on the washer pump.
thanks again for your reply.have a good day.
wizard

 

Hmmm... You are making me want to get that busted cover motor out of the water heater closet and take a look at it. Yes, i remember the big difference between the pulse and std units, particularly how the washer pump fits. The pump was what I was trying to replace when I made the mistake of pulling the cover, not knowing the secret to reinstalling. I will look in the service manual to see if there is a clue.

 

I didin't see much in the service manual on this situation , only the diagrams in the "supplement " , which has both diagrams , labeled as "later production". It's too late now I guess , to ask GM about it , and I rather doubt even the dealers would have anyone who knows either. I'm going to put mine back together without that "cam" and if the washer doesn't work , as I suspect it won't , I've already figured out a way to install a
universal pump and make it work until such time as I can find another cover unit PLUS
proper info to install it "properly". If I can accomplish all this I may some day make a video of it for those other unfortunate folks who may run into the same thing. I've been into "shade tree "mechanics for many years, but electrical is my thing mainly.
Have a good day my friend and I'll try to keep you informed of my luck ( or not ). !!
Happy thanksgiving to you and yours !!!
wizard.