Windshield Wipers WON'T shut off!

[Bonnewagon]

You need to test both the battery and the alternator. Does the battery have caps so a hydrometer can be used to test specific gravity of the acid? That is the only true test and it is dangerous because of the battery acid- it will burn and blind you- use eye protection- no joke. That is the usual battery test but it assumes you have a fully charged battery to begin with. That is why it is a good idea to have a charger, just running a car is not designed to charge a weak battery, only to replace the charge that was used to start the car. Of course lots of running is better than a short hop, but an overnight charge is the best thing you can do. Then, once the battery is fully charged, and tests OK, you can test the alternator. The carbon pile tester is the one to use, it puts a load on the alternator and forces it to really put out. A good one is not cheap but Harbor Freight sells a cheap version that is OK for casual use and most car repair shops use one. Maybe that car club has one. The battery acid tester is not expensive, but if your battery does not have caps, and is sealed, you are out of luck. After all that, then if you have starting issues, time to look at the starter. Aren't old cars lots and lots of fun?

 

[MalibuHacon]

Today i bought a battery charger that charges and repairs battery etc. shuts off automatically.
- i redid some tests: 14.6V on battery while on choke, with lights. 13.3V with lights no choke.
11.87V when my car wouldn't start down at the local gas station to fill in my winter tyres, this after starting my car 4 times while changing the tires, and drove half a mile to the gas station, and shut her off, and she wouldn't start.
(will be uploading some pics of the winter tires on the car) it started right up after a friend jumped start me.
Battery is now charging..

 

[Longroof79]

Sounds like your battery is toast.

 

[MalibuHacon]

That might be? its brand new, either way i'll get a new one if it is. Car has been sitting for a long time though. can a battery have 12 volts even if one cell or more is destroyed?

 

[MrLitho]

Hi gentlemen. Back to the wipers not shutting off. I had nearly an identical problem on an 81 Elky. Bought a replacement washer. Was not the same but the parts I needed were. I cleaned it all up gave it a little lithium grease and gave it a try. It would not stop. The only way I could get it to stop was put the intermitant in slow and when it paused I could then turn the switch off and it woulg go into park USUALLY. well i found my fix. It was the lithium grease. I assume any oily product would do the same. The contact on the circuite board thatstopps the washer and the brass side of the contact that breaks the circuite so it knows to park had a little continuity. Not much at all but it was enough.
Ok the fix was removing the bolt from the circuite board. Remove the square metal clip that the bolt went through. Clean all surfaces completely. Use emory paper to clean contacts and reassemble. Working like a new one.