Windshield Wiper Weird

Hello All,
I have a 97 Riviera. Great shape runs fine, well maintained.

This just happened. The wipers will only work when I push for fluid.
Not in any other position. Mist, intermittant, low/high... no work.
And while working in the fluid mode, I can't change speed or anything.

If it was a fuse, the fluid or wipers wouldn't work at all, right?
Or is it in the turn signal handle... and what kind of pain is that going to be??

Really need my wipers this time of year.
Thanks for your help.
DcLars

It's probably your wiper multifunction stalk.

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t3962p15-write-up-mulitfunction-switch-stalk#49351

yeah... had a little time to look and kinda thot that would be it.
Looks like no problem getting one...how is it to replace?

When it quits it just quits...dang it.

Just had front wheel bearings replaced. Had a mechanic do that. lools like I could have.
Hope I can do this.

I haven't had to replace mine yet, but if you're handy you can probably do it. I would imagine the most difficult part is taking the dash apart.

Wheel bearings are a completely different beast. Usually you need a shop press to do that job. Not sure how it is on these cars.

You maybe right on the bearings...it was an assembly tho.

I'll look around for instructions and ask a GM body shop friend of mine...
Thanks for your help

I don't know if you have priced these yet, but I would try to find a good, used one. Aftermarket switch is close to $500.00.

I found this one... http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-D6237A-Switch-Assembly/dp/B000C9RU6Q/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Buick%7C45&Model=Riviera%7C394&Year=1997%7C1997&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive

Can you get that link?

That's ridiculously expensive. You can find one used for 30 bucks or less.

DcLars wrote:

I found this one... http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-D6237A-Switch-Assembly/dp/B000C9RU6Q/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Buick%7C45&Model=Riviera%7C394&Year=1997%7C1997&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive

Can you get that link?

You should give a call to Ed Morad, he sells Riv parts, you might get lucky. 216-671-3736

I'll give him a call. Worth a shot like you said.

Anybody know how to actually do this or where I can get info?
I've checked a few spots on web but no real luck.

I've had this car for 4 yrs. Best deal I ever got. Like new condition with 72,000 on it.
I've maintained it real very well.
Last year I went thru a car wash (didn't really want to but did) and now my sunroof doesn't work properly.
Had front wheel bearing trouble and replaced those last week. Now this.
Oh yeah... and had to replace radiator cuz of leak on seam.
SO what is next? Fuel Pump...

But by God I'm gonna keep this car.

Here's a writeup from 96reese:

Quote :

tools needed:
-a set of deep and short 5mm-10mm sockets(the smaller sizes will have to be 1/4 in sockets) and extensions
-wire cutters and strippers
-soldering iron and solder
-electric tape and/or heat shrink
-zip ties(small ones)

1.unplug the air bag fuse and wait an hour before doing anything else. if you dont then you have to replace the air bag!
2.remove the dash
3.remove both panels that sit under the steering column
4. follow the wires coming from the mf switch down to the connecter by the fire wall.
5. you will have to unbolt that connector from the plug(i think its an 8mm)
6. cut the zip ties that hold the wires to the steering column
7. you will have to remove the steering wheel cover( i think these are 5 mm)
8. remove the cover by pushing in on the bottom half while pulling up on the top half. be carefull its old plastic
9. there are 2 bolts that hold the mf switch on the steering wheel. one top of the mf and one on the front of the mf ( i think these are 5mm also. i used a swivel and a 9in extension to get it off. this when the sort sockets in the 1/4in size come in handy)
10. now there are 2 white wires at the base of the wire connector. mark those wires in relation to where they go into the ignition tumbler. cut these 2 wires about 6 in from the connector. these wires go into the ignition tumbler and are for the chip on our keys.
11. i soldered my wires together, because if they ever came apart i would never be able to start my car.
12. reverse this to install it
13. DON'T FORGET TO PLUG YOUR ABS FUSE BACK IN ONCE YOU ARE DONE!!!!!!!!!

DcLars wrote:

Last year I went thru a car wash (didn't really want to but did) and now my sunroof doesn't work properly.
Had front wheel bearing trouble and replaced those last week. Now this.
Oh yeah... and had to replace radiator cuz of leak on seam.
SO what is next? Fuel Pump...

But by God I'm gonna keep this car.

Haha, old cars need lots of work usually. This car is no exception.

So far this is what I've replaced since last June: Transmission, all belts, starter, engine cradle, fuel filter, fuel lines, brake lines, oil pan gasket, spark plugs, spark plug wires, IACV, PCV, lots and lots of coolant hoses, air filter, pass. mirror, etc. It could always be worse. haha

Well maintained older cars will see things fail in "waves" as parts reach their engineered lifetime due to age (weathering and aging - think stationary parts like brackets or hoses) or use (mileage - think rotating or sliding parts like bearings or shocks) or a combination of the two (for instance bushings).

Wow...I doubt I can do the replacement like you show.
Looks like I'll buy a switch and get someone to do it.
I've got a good mechanic but don't know if he does that.
I'll bring that write-up.

Man this is not a good time for it to start nickel and dime-in me.
$500 to replace frontend bearings just a couple weeks ago.
I paid extra for a good set tho.
I've got a pickup but it gets half the mileage.
Thanks again.

It was a shot trying this site again.
When I switched jobs (6yrs ago)I couldn't log on to any forums.
Seems like I can now...at least for a while