TJ electrical issue

[TJ Dave 67]

Just got my TJ back from the body shop (fresh paint). They replaced both fron fenders which obviously required removing various electrical fuse boxes etc, problem is they screwed something up. I’m not a complete idiot and haven’t started troubleshooting, but somehow they were able to make my windshield wipers work by turning on my headlights!!??! The normal wiper switch works as it should, but when I put on my headlights the wipers run on the normal speed, also if the headlights are off and I pull on the headlight/turn signal as if switching to high beams or flashing the headlights, the wipers give a single swipe and shut off. Figured I’d throw this out before I begin doing my own troubleshooting anod possibly find a quicker answer from someone who might have had the problem already...

 

[Boinked]

Just got my TJ back from the body shop (fresh paint). They replaced both fron fenders which obviously required removing various electrical fuse boxes etc, problem is they screwed something up. I’m not a complete idiot and haven’t started troubleshooting, but somehow they were able to make my windshield wipers work by turning on my headlights!!??! The normal wiper switch works as it should, but when I put on my headlights the wipers run on the normal speed, also if the headlights are off and I pull on the headlight/turn signal as if switching to high beams or flashing the headlights, the wipers give a single swipe and shut off. Figured I’d throw this out before I begin doing my own troubleshooting anod possibly find a quicker answer from someone who might have had the problem already...

Take it back...... im sure you paid a lot for the paint. They need to correct their problems.

 

[Boinked]

Ok i found this.... and it makes sence. Just a blurb from another forum

ground between the radiator support & the engine/battery. I cleaned both grounds (above/ inboard the headlights)

Clean up the ground point just behind the left headlamp on the rear of the grill and your problem will vanish. You may also find before you do that, that the horn triggers the wiper. They all share a common ground with the windscreen washer pump. The ground is bad and the current is flowing the wrong way through the washer pump (which is why it doesn't spray water) and going to the wiper multifunction switch where it is triggering the wiper

 

[ohiopatriot]

I'd be looking for a ground wire left loose.

 

[ohiopatriot]

@Boinked ...... nice. :thumbup:

 

[Squatch]

As someone who hates electrical issues, I found this fascinating! Great post, @Boinked! Obviously, you and @ohiopatriot know your stuff. :thumbsup:

 

[mike d]

ground problem , when you use one or the other, it searches for a ground and will back trace all the circuits its on until it finds one. fresh paint on the inner fenders , it can,t ground it self

 

[TJ Dave 67]

ground problem , when you use one or the other, it searches for a ground and will back trace all the circuits its on until it finds one. fresh paint on the inner fenders , it can,t ground it self

Thanks, was gonna start there since upon quick inspection I noticed they had put one of my aftermarket off-road light grounds where it had not been previously...

 

[TJ Dave 67]

I'd be looking for a ground wire left loose.

Thanks, was gonna start there and work through the system as I reinstall my off road lights, winch, etc..

 

[TJ Dave 67]

Ok i found this.... and it makes sence. Just a blurb from another forum

ground between the radiator support & the engine/battery. I cleaned both grounds (above/ inboard the headlights)

Clean up the ground point just behind the left headlamp on the rear of the grill and your problem will vanish. You may also find before you do that, that the horn triggers the wiper. They all share a common ground with the windscreen washer pump. The ground is bad and the current is flowing the wrong way through the washer pump (which is why it doesn't spray water) and going to the wiper multifunction switch where it is triggering the wiper

Thanks, will try that first and work the rest of the grounds etc while I reinstall my other equipment..

 

[Boinked]

Thanks, will try that first and work the rest of the grounds etc while I reinstall my other equipment..

If it was my jeep. I would be beeping the horn just to see if it works the wipers.

But im a 13 year old in a 40 year old body

 

[TJ Dave 67]

Looked it over today, found the ground for the headlight harness disconnected. Reconnected it and problem solved.

 

[TJ Dave 67]

If it was my jeep. I would be beeping the horn just to see if it works the wipers.

But im a 13 year old in a 40 year old body

Sadly, the horn didn’t make the wipers come on, would have been funny though...

 

[Fiddler]

A great BIG thank you for the awesome info this thread just provided!!!! I was experiencing this exact issue, studying the wiring diagrams I concluded that something must be wrong with the Multi-function switch. Ordered a new one and then thought to check the forum… found a very rusty ground screw, replaced it with a new one wire brushed the back of the grill mounting location, a heavy dab of dielectric grease and she works perfect! Thanks!