Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work (Read 552 times) previous topic - next topic

Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

I'm prepping for a long trip this summer.  My windshield wipers don't work on Hi/Lo.  The intermittent wipers are working.  That said ... the last time I used them in a heavy rain, the intermittent wipers weren't reliable.  Sometimes they wouldn't adjust timing, sometimes they wouldn't shut off or turn on.  Hi/Lo wasn't working then either.

I suspect I've got a connection problem but thought I'd get some advice before crawling under the dash.  I'm not even real sure which connection is the likely culprit or which wires in the snakebite of wires under the dash belong to the wipers.

This is a 2011 Nimbus that sat for a long time (2014 to Nov 2020 when we bought it).

Thanks in advance ...

Dave
Dave Carpenter
2011 Nimbus 42 ft
2009 Nimbus 38ft
2017 Wrangler Toad

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #1 –
I've had good luck doing trouble shooting by calling the SmartWheel company.  They walked me through the symptoms and I found it was the connection at the wiper motor.  It was the first thing they suggested I check.

Give them a call.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Dave C –
, the intermittent wipers weren't reliable.  Sometimes they wouldn't adjust timing, sometimes they wouldn't shut off or turn on.  Hi/Lo wasn't working then either.

I suspect I've got a connection problem

Dave
Whenever 12 volt systems are doing strange, explainable things, always suspect a bad ground. 

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #3 –
Thanks Rich & Richard.  I'll take a look at it tomorrow & if I don't make any headway I'll try the Smartwheel company.
Dave Carpenter
2011 Nimbus 42 ft
2009 Nimbus 38ft
2017 Wrangler Toad

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #4 –
I've read through the SmartWheel documentation and talked to Ronnie at Foretravel.  The wipers were working when I bought the coach.  What I think has happened is that a few wires have pulled loose when the column got adjusted.  According to Ronnie, there are connections from the Smartwheel to its controller in the column.  So, first order of business is to remove the plastic cover and trace the wires. 

Should be easy enough but the cover won't come off. 

Any advice on how to remove the cover for this adjustable Smartwheel?  Looking at the pic ...  I've popped the plastic rivets loose at "A".  Those are the only visible connections.  I'd rather not have to pop the metal rivets on the plastic accordion at D.  I have a rivet tool but these are small & I don't have that size. 

The plastic is still stuck firm at its base "B".  The plywood/carpeted cover is loose at "C" but appears to have been nailed in place & even if I pry it loose I'm not sure I can get it off.  Its a wedge facing the wrong direction.  There must be a trick to pulling the plastic cowling off.

I guess an alternative is to go ahead and pop the accordion rivets, check out the wires.  I could drill out the rivets and replace them with small screws.

Thoughts?  Thanks!
Dave Carpenter
2011 Nimbus 42 ft
2009 Nimbus 38ft
2017 Wrangler Toad

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #5 –
I would suggest once again that you call the SmartWheel folks before starting to take things apart.  It may save you a lot of effort. They were very good helping me isolate the problem.

Rich

Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #6 –
I called them ... SmartWheel isn't doing tech support for individuals anymore.  Their website was pretty clear about that and they were pretty clear when I called them.  Maybe they've been bought out by a conglomerate?  IMMI owns them and they look like a large outfit. 

Their tech support docs are pretty good.  Its almost certain this is either a grounding problem or a loose connection.  I need to check the steering column & the connections to the controller which must be in the dash.
Dave Carpenter
2011 Nimbus 42 ft
2009 Nimbus 38ft
2017 Wrangler Toad

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #7 –
Ok .. I got really lucky.  As I was trying to figure out how to get the cowling off the steering column, I found the Smartwheel connector on the left hand side.  I was able to reach in & fish it out from behind the plastic.  I unplugged it, sprayed it with contact cleaner and reconnected.

Wipers are working now! 
Dave Carpenter
2011 Nimbus 42 ft
2009 Nimbus 38ft
2017 Wrangler Toad

Re: Windshield Hi/Lo doesn't work

Reply #8 –
Excellent news and thanks for the update on tech support.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15