Wipers will only turn on if you hit the washer fluid button?????

[gsconvt70]

Hello, I just purchased a 2005 Fleetwood Bounder 38N diesel motorhome. The RV is in generally good condition with 73K miles. But it does have its issues and I need to get them resolved.

First off is the wipers. It has an intermittent dial at the controls with the washer button in the center. The wipers will only come on when you push the washer button in the center. So I know the wiper motor itself is good.

Has anyone experienced this before? Is the whole assembly bad? Or could it be some kind of relay that's not working?

Thanks in advance for any advice on this.

[bentjm]

Have you looked behind it to make sure all the wires are connected?

[gsconvt70]

Yes, I have. It's just one big plug on the backside.

[bentjm]

You might try spraying it with some contact cleaner.

If you can get the pin out of the plug, then you could jumper across it to see if things work. If they do, then you know it is the switch.

There should be some numbers somewhere on that switch.

[ernieh]

Pretty sure that the button that you push for washer also rotates for wipers. At least that's how my 2012 FL chassis worked.

[lllkrob]

Correct, you TURN that center knob to activate the wipers. First turn to the right is Intermittent delay controlled by the outer ring, second turn is slow, third turn is fast.


Don't feel bad that is worst designed switch in the world.

[HighDesert]

Have the same thing on my Tiffin. Took me 20 minutes in a rainstorm to figure out that the back piece rotates to turn wipers on and off.

[KenZ71]

Had my Tiffin / Freightliner chassis for about 6 months before I figured out the wipers.

Above post about rotating the center is correct

[gsconvt70]

OK everyone, thanks. I'll give it another try in the morning.

[Webstang]

Owner of a 2007 Fleetwood Providence 39L. Wipers were a learning experience for me as well. In time you will get the right touch to push the small center button just enough to allow it to rotate without making the washers squirt every time you want to use the switch.

[Lt Dan]

I learned it the hard way as well. When our Allegro RED was new, I took it to the DPS to take my driving test. When the examiner was checking equipment, she asked to see the wipers. I had no idea how to turn them on and in a panic just pushed the center button, the washer worked with a wipe and that satisfied her.