I am currently diagnosing a wiper switch from an '88 Convertible, and am now encountering strange problems. I've repaired several switches by cleaning all contacts and replacing the 6-pin relay (Labeled Relay 1 on Icemark's Write-Up and 5-pin relay (Relay 2), plugging it in for a test and having every function back up and running again. This vert switch has had both relays replaced and every part of it taken apart, checked, and cleaned of corrosion, yet it's still working just as it came to me: Low-speed only and the blades don't park themselves. I was wondering if anyone else had encountered this situation and what their solution was. Help me, Iceman!

 

when you pulled the old relays did any of them have a copper trace on one (or more) of the pins

If so you probably broke the trace and will need to solder a new one or jumper.

 

No traces pulled. Both relays click and operate when they should. I tested the pins prior to disassembly, determining that the relays were bad, but have yet to test them since reassembly. I suppose that's my next step. Would there be any differences in testing this vert switch in a base model RX-7? I have not had the convertible that the switch is from available to truly test in, as the customer daily drives the vehicle. I temporarily gave them a rebuilt non-vert/non-rear-wiper switch seeing as how it's winter anyways, no strong need for the top to be down, and the wipers work perfectly. I was pretty sure the wiper motors are the same, but figured I'd ask to be sure a difference isn't giving me faulty results. Thanks for your response.

 

yeah, if the second switch works fine, then the first one is bad.

There must be a broken trace. As far as all the wiper switches, the front wipers are exactly the same wires and pins, so if one works, then you know the wiring and the wiper motor works, and the problem is in the switch.