Wiper Switch blows fuse

[TonySnow]

I have a 2004 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager.



On a trip last week my windshield wipers failed. I found a blown 25A fuse. I replaced the fuse and the fuse again blew out immediately as soon as I turned the ignition switch on. I later unplugged the wiper motor (inside the front) and replaced the fuse. The fuse blew again immediately when I turned on the ignition.



I believe that means I have a wiring issue (must be a dead short to ground somewhere), not a wiper motor issue. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to troubleshoot the wiring (probably from the steering wheel stalk mounted switch all the way to the wiper motor plug connector)?


Any ideas or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.

Sorry your first post is about problems.

The possibility of internal problems with the multi function switch can't be overlooked .
You say the fuse blows as soon as the ; ignition switch is turned on .
Was the wiper switch in the off position ?
Do you have a chassis owners manual , that would tell you if the fuse that blows ONLY supplies power to the wiper system ?
Have you disconnected the multi function switch wiring at the base of the steering column to see if that stops the fuse from blowing?
Do you have a 12 volt test light ?
Wiring a 12 volt test light , in place of the fuse , will save on fuse replacement till you pinpoint your problem. The bulb in the test light acts as the system load , when the bulb is lit you still have a grounded circuit.
The image below is from a search of a Workhorse multi function switch .
Does the wiring in the image match what you see on your steering column?

[TonySnow]

I deeply appreciate your thoughts on my electrical problems with my wiper motor circuit.

In the next few days I will get back to the camper, and follow what you recommended.

FYI - The switch is in the off position when I turn the ignition on (and the fuse blows). When the wipers failed, I was in a light rain shower and the wipers were operating, failure left the wipers near the center / park position. The first fuse replacement allowed the wiper arms to barely move once (appx. 1/4 inch into the park position).

I can move the wiper motor through a wipe cycle manually when the electrical connection is unplugged (it does take some strength to move the motor and connections).

The manual that I have indicates that the 25A fuse is on a dedicated circuit for the wiper motor.

I will use a test light to begin the short tracing process the way you described. Knowing that there is a Rational starting point is a most valuable piece of information. The photo (if not an exact match, it will give me an idea of what to look for) is greatly appreciated.

I have owned the 2004 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager / Workhorse Chassis for a few months now, and I do like the unit a lot. I have been working on several maintenance and updating projects. I am now in the early phases of learning the RVing routine (We just returned from a 3 week outing).

Thank you again for your direction and advice. I will share my findings with this group as my diagnosis continues.