I recently started having a problem with my windshield wiper system that needs to be fixed ASAP as I live in rainy Portland, Oregon.  A few days ago I was driving over a mountain pass in heavy rain for an extended period of time with my wipers on the high setting.  I stopped to get gas and when I was ready to leave I tried turning my wipers on and they didn't come on.  I checked the fuse and it was blown.

I replaced the fuse with a spare 20A (the correct rating) and it blew immediately (The wiper switch was still on and the ignition was in the "on" position).

I waited several minutes and installed another 20A fuse I got from the gas station attendant.  Again, it blew immediately.

I then resumed driving without working wipers but the rain was too heavy and I pulled over.  I jiggled some wires and relays under the hood, and I pulled the 20A fuse from the sunroof circuit and installed it in the wiper circuit.  My wipers worked for the rest of the drive home (about 30 minutes).  The next day I drove again and the fuse blew again after running my wipers for a few minutes.

The following day I installed a 30A fuse instead of the proper 20A.  I drove my car with the wipers on and after a couple minutes there was a burning-plastic-type smell, which I kind of expected.  About a minute or two after I noticed the burning smell I arrived at my destination and tried turning the wipers off, but they stayed in the "low" setting.  "Off," "intermittent," and "low" are all "low" now, and the "high" setting still works as it should.

The next day (today), the wipers still worked but could not be turned off.  I removed the wiper switch assembly, opened it up and cleaned all the contacts.  I reinstalled it but nothing changed.  Moments later the 30A fuse blew.

I looked inside a Haynes manual for wiring diagrams, but there was no diagram for the 1995 wiper system; only 1998 and up.  I doubt the 1995 system is very different though.  The major parts in the diagram in the manual were the switch assembly, intermittent relay, and wiper motor.

Has anyone had this problem or can anyone venture a guess as to which part needs to be replaced?  I will assume for now that the actual wires between the components are fine and not compromised in any way.  Clearly something got even more messed up when I put in the 30A fuse, but what was the cause of the original problem?  Could I now have TWO broken parts?  Any input will be greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

Here is some additional information if it helps diagnose the problem: I drove around today for a while with the wiper switch unplugged at the steering column.  The fuse never blew.

First of all.  Portland WOOHOO!! Welcome to ASOG, if you would like I can help you look at it.  I am usually pretty good at chasing down wires.

I would first track down the toasted wires and see what they are shorting out on.  Then go from there.

just a side note, since your talking about wipers.    My 97 has delay wipers (had) the delay part stopped. they work fine on low and high speeds just not on delay any suggestions? thanks in advance.  ken

Thanks JBI, im gonna replace the whole switch this weekend

More info on my problem: My battery is very dead after sitting for less than two days.  I jump-started it and let it run for about 15 minutes.  I turned off the car and tried to start it again and it wouldn't even attempt to turn over--still totally dead.  My alternator is fine and the battery was fine two days ago.  Is this related to the wiper problem or being caused by whatever is causing the wiper problem?  Any ideas?

yes, im almost positive the two are directly related. i had a tail light short, re routed, and now my battery cant sit for any period of time. i'll have to trace it. replacing the switch might solve it since it could be in there, but try tracing first, this could be the sole cause of ur problem. i didnt want to suggest it at first cuz its usually a bitch going through wiring.