Wipers won't turn off without shutting down the engine

I have a weird problem on my '99 Rivera where the wipers work fine but when I turn the multi-switch to off the wipers remain on. They will stay on until I shut down the engine and pull the key. Then the wipers return to the park position. The wipers stay off until the next time I run the engine and use the wipers. The multi switch works in all positions and functions except for "OFF"...

Any ideas?

I would think that it might be the wiper relay sticking once the wipers are turned on.
Since the wipers return to normal operation after you kill power to the relay(s) when you turn your ignition switch to the OFF position.
But I can't be sure without studying the wiring diagram for the system. (see below. The set of factory manuals I have are sealed and ready to go. I really don't want to open the box only to seal it again for shipping)

It could be a problem with the multi-function switch as well, but I'm leaning toward a relay or other source of power that is keeping the power ON to the switch and wiper motor until you cycle your ignition switch to the OFF then back to ON position.

Are able to get the wipers to reset very quickly after you turn OFF the ignition key/switch and turn back to the ON position.?

The reason I ask that question is a relay that is sticking can be a internal heat related issue with the relay, which may tend to require a few seconds to cool down internally before being able to cycle OFF and ON (Open or Closed contacts)

As I said I'm shooting from the hip but I would start troubleshooting by swapping a known good relay from the relay panel where it is located and see what happens. Don't know if that relay is under the rear seat or elsewhere. Never had a problem with my wipers and probably wouldn't remember even if I did.

If you have the wiring diagram look closely as to where all the wiper related wiring is routed to maybe help determine where a switch or relay could be sticking.

By the way I have a set of FSM's for the 1999 (3 volume set) all boxed and sealed ready to ship if your interested or need them. I got them for someone else that ended up backing out after I bought them. Cost will be VERY much below what I paid for them. Just a thought in case you may be interested.

Heres the schematics and troubleshooting out of my manual.

Dmm is a digital multi meter. I gave you the connectors because the troubleshooting procedure leads you to check circuits ( wires ) or as it's called ckt as in ckt92 ...locate the connector with ckt92 and there you are. Also refers to connector numbers and specific socket location.hope this is all helpful

Corrosion on the relay contacts will make it stick, as will an electrical circuit problem keeping the relay energized for whatever reason.

Relay is inside the wiper module as is the control board

That's the part that says replace the cover .its the brains of the operations

Looks easy to diagnose just follow steps . . May just turn out to be the switch

wiper unit - see https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=32423&cc=1303322&jsn=1796 - you are right looks easy to diagnose, just get on with it.

That's the motor not the board (cover)

Just a thought everyone, you can still vote up useful comments. dbriviera, you now have your first merit point. FSM pages are a pain to post.

dbriviera wrote:

That's the motor not the board (cover)

Thanks for the clarification.