My 2003 4Runner - Intermittent Wiper Switch Repair...

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VH2001

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Here is a link to a PDF I made up, explaining how I repaired the wiper switch on my 2003 4Runner, when the intermittent wiper mode stopped working. This cost me about $20 total, saving me over $100. Check it out...hopefully it helps someone out!

4Runner Wiper Switch Fix

Just updated (05/11/2017)...with new links to parts & tools.

>>> UPDATE 05/14/2018...Instead of me updating the document with new links (as they tend to change frequently),
please read through the thread and see new updated links for the relay and parts. Thanks!!
 
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Wow, man. That's EXCELLENT work! Thanks for the great documentation and instructions with AWESOME pictures! Way to go!
 
zerowkul98 said:
Wow, man. That's EXCELLENT work! Thanks for the great documentation and instructions with AWESOME pictures! Way to go!
Click to expand...

Thanks! Just hoping I can help someone else out. It was frustrating trying to figure out what was wrong, without just replacing the entire switch, like others have done. This forum is great and I'm glad I could just contribute. Hopefully this will be useful for someone here! :)
 
VH2001 said:
Thanks! Just hoping I can help someone else out. It was frustrating trying to figure out what was wrong, without just replacing the entire switch, like others have done. This forum is great and I'm glad I could just contribute. Hopefully this will be useful for someone here! :)
Click to expand...

Excellent writeup!
 
Great Writeup

Great writeup. I just replaced the relay and it worked great. You saved me $100. Thanks again.

2005 4Runner Ltd.
 
Nice work. Does anyone know if the wiper switch is the same as the one on 3rd gens?
I have been going back and forth myself with intermittent wiper problems (will sometimes run constantly at low speed without pause, and sometimes at the proper delay) and just stumbled upon the idea of the relay possibly being the problem.
The assembly in the picture looks just like the one from my 2000, so I am curious if anyone knows if a 4th gen switch will work in a 3rd gen truck.
 
Fixed my intermittent wipers not working on 2003 4runner

GREAT JOB VH2001 here is my story...

about 3 yrs ago after it snowed, went to get in my 4 runner, turned on the wipers, they didnt move, thought i shut them off but guess i didnt.. clear the snow and then my wipers only worked on low and high and they stopped where ever they were when i put to intermittent or off, so the last 3 yrs i been using just low and high and putting it to off really fast when the wipers got to the bottom. WHAT A PAIN, didnt want to pay the dealer a small fortune to fix it. I tried the motor a while back i got from advance, didnt fix issue, so i took back. toyota said it probably was the switch and wanted like 400 for the part and replace it. I was about ready to take it in when I came across this topic as a last ditch effort to see if anyone else had the problem... one guy replaced the switch for 120 and his worked and after reading VH2001s reply and what he did, replaced the RELAY... I bought 2 (1 spare) at was $14 including shipping. I replaced it saturday and now my working work fine you saved me a ton of money GREAT JOB VH2001 and thank you so much. To any anyone else... he has a PDF on how to take it out and replace it, easy as pie takes a few mins to take out, like 5 screws total, 3 on the column for the cover and 2 for the switch, also connector and its out in your hand, that simple. follow his PDF and you will be fine...

hope this helps others if they have the same issue and probably also caused by trying to clear the snow the wrong way as I did LOL wont do that again HINT!!! clear the snow the correct way and not use your wipers as you might burn up your intermittent also if there is to much snow LOLOLOL
 
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Intermittent Wiper Switch Repair

Please, guys let me now where can I get this relay!!!!!! my baby 2005 4runer LMT. Thanks for respond.
P.S. May somebody will help me out, will pay for. I'm in Staten Island, NY.
 
pkitai said:
Please, guys let me now where can I get this relay!!!!!! my baby 2005 4runer LMT. Thanks for respond.
P.S. May somebody will help me out, will pay for. I'm in Staten Island, NY.
Click to expand...


There is a link, in the PDF, to Mouser Electronics for purchasing the relays.
Here is the link... CQ1-12V Panasonic Electric Works General Purpose / Industrial Relays

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to help you, as I'm on the other side of the state, in Western NY. GO BILLS!! :)

Also, to everyone else that has been able to successfully change the relay...CONGRATS!!!
I'm glad I was able to help you guys out...that was my whole mission in throwing the PDF together!!
I just got the idea from other threads and searches (on here and elsewhere)...then did it...and figured I could throw together a PDF.
It's awesome to hear the feedback and that others saved a lot of money too!

Good Luck to All!! :)
 
Hi VH2001! I did replace my reley as you explain, intermittent cycle now is work but wipers stand by in middle of the glass not in lower position. After whole cycle they make another movement from down to up and stay. Please advise. Thanks. Peter.
If any chance please call me 718 288-7568. Peter
 
pkitai said:
Hi VH2001! I did replace my reley as you explain, intermittent cycle now is work but wipers stand by in middle of the glass not in lower position. After whole cycle they make another movement from down to up and stay. Please advise. Thanks. Peter.
If any chance please call me 718 288-7568. Peter
Click to expand...

Hi Peter! Not sure what's going on with your wipers. I'm no expert here...FAR from it! :)
I just collected info, from searches on the subject, and came up with this idea of replacing the relay,
which in most cases, seems to fix the problem. I'm really not sure what is going on with yours. Are you sure you soldered everything properly and/or don't have solder touching other places on the board? I'm just guessing at this point.
 
Hi VH2001! Just check everything again no any visible mistakes.. May some problem with relay, I dont no. Look like I have to buy whole switch. Thank you very match man, for your help, really appreciated. Thanks Peter.
 
Thanks

Thanks! I'll have to run to my office to get my soldering equipment, but should be able to fix mine this weekend. Again, thanks for the write up.
 
Great Post

Only took me 10 minutes to swap out the relay.
(But it took me 3 months to find your repair instructions)
 
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