Constant Wipers: SureTrack Community Fix

July 27, 2021 by Nick Taylor

Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Having windshield wipers when it rains is essential but if your wipers never turn off, that can be a real problem. SureTrack community member 1mrstit had a Buick Regal in the shop where the wipers that wouldn’t shut off. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Dmckemie12 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2011 Buick Regal CXL 2.4L

Title
Windshield wipers running constantly, replaced fuse block.

Complaint
Customer states that wipers will not shut off.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Wipers will not shut off even when key is removed with ignition off. Only way to turn wipers off is to pull relay or the fuse, otherwise wiper will not stop. The gray wire has voltage all the time, even when you control circuit with scan tool. Thinking either there is a short to voltage on gray wire (as this is the control from BCM) or the bcm has an internal problem. Also when using scan tool, the wiper switch reacts on scan tool as you select the different speeds so I believe all the inputs to BCM are fine.

Best Answer from Community Member Dmckemie12
You are correct in your thinking. Easiest thing to do would be unplug the BCM, if they quit, the BCM driver is stuck on and you need a BCM. If they keep running, it has a short to voltage on the gray wire or the fuse block has an internal short to voltage.

Cause
Internal short in fuse block causing constant power to wiper motor.

Correction
Replaced fuse block and wipers now work as they should.

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About the Author Nick Taylor  

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.