Slow wipers... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

***Silver Streak*** · 02-19-2004, 06:18 PM

My wipers all of the sudden got really really slow....like 5 seconds to do one wipe. It works on all settings, but it's just slow.

Anyone have this problem and know why?

I'm thinking internal arms need lubing, motor might be dying or not enough current (i.e. bad ground)

Erbe · 02-19-2004, 06:50 PM

yeh...the motor might be dyin out...ive noticed that with my windows....they go down fine...but when i raise all four at once theyre really slow

overboost · 02-19-2004, 09:17 PM

It's funny that you mentioned this...this exact same problem happened to my parents' Camry today. It still works, but takes all day to do a single wipe. Let me know if you have found a fix for it. In the meantime, I'm looking for a replacement wiper motor.

Quote:

Originally posted by Silver Streak
My wipers all of the sudden got really really slow....like 5 seconds to do one wipe. It works on all settings, but it's just slow.

Anyone have this problem and know why?

I'm thinking internal arms need lubing, motor might be dying or not enough current (i.e. bad ground)

Redline · 02-20-2004, 01:20 AM

ditto....for BOTH cases!

I'm thinking that it's the motor for the wipers. As for the windows, that might be a different story, cuz if you do all 4 windows at the same time, it drains a lot of power from the car (well, for me, I actually can see the headlights dim a bit!).

I think we all need a solution for this...I can't go thru a Canadian winter without wipers

4A-GE · 02-20-2004, 04:38 AM

... sometimes it will happen too to my camry... but it's the battary that is dying on my car... blasting the heat, full music, headlights... etc etc.. and it makes the wiper go super slow..

... dunno about yours tho

***Silver Streak*** · 02-20-2004, 08:43 AM

Well mine started working again today, slower than normal...but it works. I'm gonna check it out when it gets warmer....

overboost · 02-20-2004, 09:55 AM

Well, I ended up buying a replacement motor (used) off ebay for $4.99! I've also got another one on the way as well....so if you need it, let me know. I'm in Montreal and can ship to TO if your problem turns out to be the wiper motor.

***Silver Streak*** · 02-20-2004, 10:10 AM

^ is it for the Gen3 Camry? I think I'm interested...I'll PM you....

overboost · 02-20-2004, 11:08 AM

I bought a wiper from a '93, and another from a '94. Please PM me if interested. I'll be getting them in about a week's time.

***Silver Streak*** · 02-20-2004, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 3S-FE
... sometimes it will happen too to my camry... but it's the battary that is dying on my car... blasting the heat, full music, headlights... etc etc.. and it makes the wiper go super slow.. ... dunno about yours tho

I think you're totally right. I think my battery is going, or my alternator is dying....

Today I flicked on my headlights (wired directly to battery) and my stereo shut off and turned back on. My indiglos flickered too! And when I brake, my indiglos flicker...maybe I have a bad ground... I had fogs, 2 amps, stereo, wipers on....

Hajoca · 02-21-2004, 04:20 PM

PATIENCE PLEASE, LONG POST

Quote:

Originally posted by Silver Streak
....my alternator is dying....Headlights and my stereo ........were on. My indiglos flickered too! And when I brake, my indiglos flicker...maybe I have a bad ground... I had fogs, 2 amps, stereo, wipers on....

ALL that were ON!!

If you add up the current draw for all these devices, they may be more than what your system is able to sustain, especially at a stop light, and in gear.

The alternator needs the power from the engine to drive this, but at idle and in gear, the torque converter robs a fair chunk!!

Here are some ball park estimates

rear window defogger 15
Head Lights 10 (conservative) amps
Fogs, another 10 (conservative) amps
Brake Lights 5 amps
Other accesories 10
Stereo 15 amps (an estimate too)
Wipers 10 amps

If I recall the Alternator when new gives about 65 to 70 amps
That is about 75 amps there, and your battery wants some for charge as well

Better grounding is a solution. The Weather, like today, it really is tough on the car.

Try gounding upgrade first (I am in the process of making a set for myself) it is cheapest. An estimate of 20 dollars in parts.

Another battery, or a higher output altenator may be needed in your case with your amplifiers.

Oh yeah,

If you have higher watt headlights, try:

X watts/14volts to get amps.

Then do a good battery check, if you take it out, and give it to Canadian Tire it is free, you supply labour and transportation cost.
A larger battery may be all that you need, and not a second one.