How to replace the intermittent wiper relay
Auto repair

How to replace the intermittent wiper relay

09.11.2022 /

If the wipers operate at high and low speeds but do not intermittent, the intermittent wiper relay may be faulty.

Intermittent wipers are a great feature for times when the rain isn't so heavy that the wipers run at low speed. The intermittent wiper relay gives you this function. The relay acts as a switch and supplies power to the circuits as needed. In the case of your wipers, it controls low, high and intermittent speed, activating the specific circuit at the moment depending on what speed the wiper switch is set to.

Like any electronic component, it can fail completely or only in one circuit. Your wiper relay may be faulty if the low and high speed wiper positions are working properly but the intermittent wipe function stops working. Any combination of on and off positions is a good indication of a bad relay.

Part 1 of 1: Intermittent Wiper Relay Replacement

Necessary materials

  • User's Guide
  • Screwdriver - Flat/Phillips

Step 1. Find your relay. Many late model vehicles may have multiple fuse and relay locations.

Can be both under the hood and internal locations. Your user manual is a good source of locations and diagrams. There are often diagrams on the fuse/relay box cover as well.

  • AttentionA: If your car is a little older, it may only have a fuse box located under the dashboard on the driver's or passenger's side with a relay installed in or near it. In these vehicles, the relays are often mounted separately from the fuse box, usually under the dashboard near the steering column.

Step 2: Remove the relay. With the ignition off, remove the relay.

Sometimes they can be a bit tight and require little effort to pull them out. If you cannot pry it out by hand, carefully pry it out with an appropriate size screwdriver.

Step 3: Install the new relay. Compare the failed relay with the new one.

The labels may vary, but make sure the number and position of the plugs are correct. Before putting everything back together, turn on the key to make sure the new relay is working properly. After checking, turn off the key and fasten all buttons.

If you need a wiper intermittent relay replacement and you're not entirely sure you can do the repair, invite one of AvtoTachki's certified technicians to your home or work and do the replacement for you.

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