I own a 1983 Eldorado with a 4.1L V-8 with 27,500 + miles.

Today when my wife turned on the windshield wipers and the washer, everything worked just fine. When she tried to turn off the wipers and washers, they would not go off. I went out and double checked thinking she had not puched the lever all the way to the "Left" and nothing I could do would change that fact that the wipers were going and also the washer was squirting solution every so many seconds. I could get the wipers to go faster, but not "OFF".

Two months ago I replaced the washer pump and used the old electronics board that apparently controls the intermittent wiper control.

I have a repair book, but can not find anything on the windshield wipers other than wiring diagrams, which are GREEK to me.

 

Pull the wiring connectors off the motor, then remove the plastic cover. Reconnect the wiring plugs, then turn on the wipers. You should seea shiney metal piece to the right and above the circuit board shaped like a little picture frame. That piece has become stuck in the up position not disengaging the washer pump. As you watch the washer pump plunger rotate you will note 2 or3 ramps on the revolving drum that metal piece rides on. Once the washer drum rotates to where there are no ramps, the metal piece should drop down, cancelling the washers. Gently lift that metal piece and because its spring loaded it should drop down, shutting off the system. Blow compressed air in there as well as a mist of WD 40. Then re engage the washers.After 3 wiper wipes, the piece should drop down canelling the washers and blades. Report back

 

Reporting Back. Thank you, but that did not seem to do any good.

The pump is making a loud thumping noise, so I completely removed the washer motor. It appears that something has siezed up as the cog that runs off of the worm gear will not stay in the receiver on the back of the washer unit. It has a big gouge out of it. Tried putting everything back making sure that the cog was positioned correctly into back of washer unit. I had to take apart the top of the plunger and had to push very hard in order to get the gears lined up properly. Connected everything back up and turned on the key. Wipers just kept going with the loud clunk or thud. So, I am guessing the unit is defective.

You gave great directions. Any further suggestions?

Again, thank you.

Equalizer in Big Sky

 

without benefit of seeing it, I would recommend another wiper motor. Same motor thru 85 on Eldo and Seville, Possibly Rear wheel drive sedan deVille as well?

 

Thank you very much. New unit arrives tomorrow. I will make damn sure everything lines up.

On the back side of the wiper motor, the cam with the receiver slot has a very big divit or gouge out of it on both sides, so I am guessing it just will not hold the cog that operates the windshield wiper arms.

Napa gave me a wrong fan belt for the vacuum pump, that has kept me occupied for most of the day. Finially went to the book and sure enough NAPA's cross reference is wrong.

I appreciate your knowledge and sharing it.

Have you fooled with the seat belt retractors that are located underneath the headliner?? Are they repairable? I have been looking and can not find a good used set.

Equalizer

 

Generally not repairable. The retractor is made in a way to not open up. I've owned 2 Eldos but never had an issue other than the belt retracting and folding over on itself causing it to bind up in the roof retractor. I'm sure you've completely and slowly pulled it fully extended to look for a folded over webbing. Same belt in Toronado's, Riviera's as well as Sevilles.

 

1. Thank you for the info on the seat belts. Knowing the extra models will widen the search area.

2. New windshield wiper/washer motor installed, with extra care to make sure everything was lined up correctly. Everything works perfectly, Thank you.

Now on to the next issue. Cruise Control will not engage or activate. When I turn on the cruise control I get the orange light, but when I try to activate the cruise control via the hand control on the steering wheel, I do not get any response and the "Green" light does not come on. Should I do a new post or are you willing to fool with this issue?

 

Orange light tells me you have power to the servo. So, look at the back of the large rubber servo behind the throttle body for vacuum hoses cracked or off (one hose larger than the other). Then if all is ok underhood, pull down the close out panel below the steering wheel and look to see the large vacuum hose coming thru the firewall from the servo is attached to the release switch above the brake pedal. If thats ok, then push in that switch against the brake pedal. Then put your foot under the brake pedal and lift up, you will hear a faint ratcheting noise. That will adjust the release switch to the proper depth. Beyond that, some emission fault codes held in memory in the ECM will disable the cruise control untill they are cleared or repaired. And yes, should have been a new thread so others can find it. Also, did you possibly knock off a hose replacing the wiper motor? They are close to each other.

 

Again thank you. I did check to see if I had any codes and "None".

Could I have pulled off a hose, heck yes!!! I will check out all the vacuum lines and perhaps replace some.

Next time I will post a new tread, so others can learn, as I have really gained a great deal from this forum.

Equalizer in Big Sky

 

1. I will post a new tread.

2. Checked out all the vacuum lines. Replaced several under the hood. All lines under the dash looked very good.

3. large vacuum hose coming thru the firewall from the servo is attached to the release switch above the brake pedal. If thats ok, then push in that switch against the brake pedal. Then put your foot under the brake pedal and lift up, you will hear a faint ratcheting noise. That will adjust the release switch to the proper depth. Followed these directions very carefully, still no cruise control.

4. Checked out engine codes and nothing showing other than 1.8.8 and then 7.0, which I believe in normal.