My wipers work very well, except for the intermittent mode.
Also, they don't park normally. I don't think it's the motor, nor the switch.
If the relay defective, I suppose replacing it is easy and would immediately
answer my question. Where is it hidden? But first, is there a relay?
Any helpful comments will be much appreciated.

 

The electronics is built into the wiper control arm. The motor has a switch that tells the electronics when the arm is in the down position.

The Autozone website might have a wiring diagram.

 

I see...
That means I'm going to waste time looking for a relay, true?

Yes, I had good experience with Autozone on another issue.
And again, it was your recommendation. Thanks!

 

The relay would be an electronic type inside the wiper control arm system.

There would be a switch inside the motor that opens and closes as the motor rotates. When the motor shaft (and hence connected arm) is in a certain position the switch is either open or closed (not sure which). This turns off the power to the motor when the wiper controls are set to Off.

 

You mean like all conventional wipe motors?
That's easy to fix (if I remember correctly), once getting that motor out.
But now, how do I count for lacking the intermittent function?
Or that and the parking issue are just a coincidence and need to be addressed differently?

Another question, unrelated:
Are these cars particularly weak with their suspension?
My mechanic warned me today about a front link, one that was replaced less than 30K ago. Peculiar, wouldn't you say?

 

I am not up on the wiper system. It appears to have a typical multi-speed motor, the intermediate function is operated by the electronics in the wiper arm.

The park operation seems the same as a conventional motor.

It does look like there is a relay inside the wiper/washer switch but it does not appear to be accessible without taking the switch apart. The relaly is part of the switch circuit.

When in the intermediate position current flows from the Purple wire through the wiper control switch/box to ground via the White/Black wire. This activates the intermediate circuit.

Current then flows from the Purple wire to the Blue/Black wire of the box then to the motor.

The relay turns on/off to control the motor operation.

When the intermediate setting is selected there should be 12 volts between the Blue/Black wire and ground every 1 to 10 seconds with ign switch on. This is the relay turning on and off.

This data is for a 1999, it could be different for a 1997. The Autozone website may have a 1997 diagram.

Would not state the suspension is weak.

The upper strut mounts can wear and cause a knocking noise when going over bumps, same for the sway bar bushings (both have a rubber material in them).

There is a "link" attaching the sway bar to the control arm. A replacement part should last longer then 30K.

Have had issues with replacement sway bar bushings starting to make noise after less then 30K miles.

Find out what the exact part is.

 

I'm sure you meant intermittent, right?
I was hoping for not having to mess around with the electronic relays. the old fashion ones in a motor assembly are way friendlier.
Thanks, again.

 

But wait!
I read in your earlier post that the motor may have a switch inside that provides reference for the park position. If that defective, at least I can easily solve the biggest part. The intermittent function can wait.
Is it difficult to pull out that motor?

 

See Private Message.