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

[BlueFourRun]

Wiper relay fixed. But now new problem - Help!

Thanks VH2001 for your relay instructions, they were easy to follow.

I have replaced the relay and the intermittent function works now.

Only problem now is wipers dive down first, then up, then stop in the middle of the windshield.

Any ideas where I messed up? I tried replacing the windshield wiper motor first before I found your thread. Is it possible I reassembled the motor and wiper arm mechanisms incorrectly or is it something in the electronics of the switch?

Thanks

 

[VH2001]

Thanks VH2001 for your relay instructions, they were easy to follow.

I have replaced the relay and the intermittent function works now.

Only problem now is wipers dive down first, then up, then stop in the middle of the windshield.

Any ideas where I messed up? I tried replacing the windshield wiper motor first before I found your thread. Is it possible I reassembled the motor and wiper arm mechanisms incorrectly or is it something in the electronics of the switch?

Thanks

I really have no idea. Sounds like you must've put something back together wrong, just guessing? I don't know a whole lot about this stuff, other than I was able to piece together this manual...and the process fixed mine and, as you can see, many others.

 

[asnatlas]

Sweet, thank you very much

 

[VH2001]

Sweet, thank you very much

Glad to hear this is still helping people!!

 

[rms108]

I just tried this out and sure enough it worked. Cost me $6 for the relay with shipping and about $30 for a soldering iron, de-soldering tool and spool of silver solder.

Watched some soldering videos (had never done that before either). After that it took less than an hour. It was actually a little fun.

Thanks so much for posting! Much appreciated!

 

[firstfourth]

Hi,

Received relay in the mail 2 days ago,had my local tv repairman remove and replace and now I have a properly performing wiper system for under $20 !

Thank you VH 2001!:wave:

 

[VH2001]

Hi,

Received relay in the mail 2 days ago,had my local tv repairman remove and replace and now I have a properly performing wiper system for under $20 !

Thank you VH 2001!:wave:

You're in Buffalo, too (so am I). It was the heavy snow that did it for me.

Glad to hear it worked out for you!!

 

[lifesaver71]

Check this post before you buy a new one

It may not be the relay. Check this post. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/157972-front-wiper-switch-issues.html

 

[Compuser38]

I just fixed my wipers on 2004 4runner. Same symptoms as everyone else. I first tried replacing relay per the pdf instructions (bought at Mouser Electronics) and it did not work. I then tried cleaning the crud off of the two copper tracks using contact cleaner and dielectic gel per Lifesaver71's instructions and that did not work. I then did two more things at the same time so not really sure what fixed it - I switched the copper contacts on the sliding part of the switch (just pop them off with a screwdriver and snap them back in) per Lifesaver71's instructions, and I also sprayed contact cleaner into the top of the stem (take off 2 screws on back of the stem/control arm) and worked the cleaner in by turning the intermittent speed control back and forth. Put it all back together and now it works fine. I believe it is most likely switching the copper contacts that fixed it. Just as Lifesaver said, one of the contacts had a couple of deep grooves worn into it. Good luck!

 

[007Tacoma]

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

I can't recommend this simple fix enough. I have put this off for 2 years because lazy.

Today I finally did pulled the trigger. It was so much easier than I thought it would be. This was my first time "desoldering" on a circuit board, and the entire process went much faster than I thought it would (took me longer to find the relay I had ordered 2 years ago).

I did spend $40 at Radio Shack on the soldering tools as my old soldering iron was from college, underpowered, needed a new tip, and the cord had been chewed up by an old roommate's dog. So, all-in-all this fix cost me $58. However, my 4Runner has functional intermittent wipers, and I now have a much nicer soldering kit for my next electrical project(s?).

LEDs modifications next???

 

[007Tacoma]

pics...

After only 3 screws to remove the steering column cover and 2 screws and a harness to remove the switch mechanism, desoldering and soldering was supposed to be the hard part...



well that part was easy...



Okay. That wasn't bad either.



Even my 3 year old was bossing me around on this one.

 

[VH2001]

Awesome!! Thanks for the additional pics!!
Glad everything worked out for you and hope you had a great Fathers Day!!

 

[jreask]

I've updated the link to the PDF. Try it again!!

link is in need of update.

 

[VH2001]

link is in need of update.

Thanks for the heads-up...Link has been repaired!

 

[jreask]

Thanks for the heads-up...Link has been repaired!

Thank You.

 

[Stono-see-um]

Dredging this thread back up. We got a bunch of ice 2 days ago. The night before I left the wipers on. The next day with all of the ice on the windshield, I started the Runner to deice everything and did not notice the wipers still on. I came back out about a half hour later and there was electrical smoke coming from my steering column!

I haven't had a chance to take apart the column yet, but I did go ahead and order a new relay listed in the repair pdf, I was so cheap!

My question is: Do you think anything else is fried? Am I looking at replacing the whole switch assembly?

Thank you!

 

[fjohn624]

Thanks for posting this. I have this same issue so I desoldered the relay and tested it and its definitely bad. I am waiting on the new one to come in. Hopefully that is the only thing wrong with it as it will save me $90 over buying a new one!

 

[VH2001]

Awesome to hear! Hopefully it works out!
I'm just glad this was able to help so many people. Good luck! :thumb3:

 

[iBison]

Nice write-up, thanks for sharing. I just want to add, if you're short on cash and don't want to buy the desolder tool you can usually use desoldering braid pretty effectively. should be able to get it at mouser, mcm or wherever you buy the relay.

 

[Brute1100]

New owner of a 1999 Sr5. Wipers don't work, but they work whenever I spray the windshield for bugs. is this the right fix for this? Also how do you get the column apart. Got the bottom screw and the two side screws that face towards steering wheels and it dems like something else is holding it together. Thanks for your reply.