Install Dimmer Switch on Wipers

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by garybuick, Mar 21, 2005.

  1. garybuick

    garybuick Time Traveler

    Is it possible to put a dimmer switch on the wiper motor? So I can adjust the speed like a variable speed fan?

    Thanks

    Gary
     
  2. Truzi

    Truzi Perpetual Student

    If by dimmer you mean variable resistor, I'd think that would only make the motor move more slowly if you merely wired one in. Doing it that way would likely be too much heat through the circuit as well.
    Your switch should already have at least 2 speeds.

    I may be wrong, but I get the impression you are thinking about delayed wipers, like the newer cars have. For that you'd need to build (or buy) a circuit that will give electricity in pulses (In this case a resistor would control how long it took before the circuit powered the wipers - after they were activated, the process would start again. There are other methods to do this too.)

    I was thinking of finding an old unit from a car in a junk-yard. I have a 90 Daytona I replaced the switches on, and it seems I could adapt the wiper circuit easily. You'd have to modify the existing switch, or make up a new one to fit in the dash, but the actually circuitry should fit anywhere under the dash - you have plenty of room.

    Personally, I plan to use my spare wiper delay as a "kill" switch. When activated, anyone trying to steal the car would find the old junker would stall repeatedly. :Brow:
     
  3. 72Skylark350H

    72Skylark350H Old @ Buick,new here

    I've used an aftermarket wiper delay before. It wasn't bad to install and it worked almost perfectly. There was sometimes problems getting it to stop the wipers at the right rest point. JCWhitney sells one like the one I had. It was based on the 555 timer I.C. and they're not expensive. Tom
     
  4. nailheadina67

    nailheadina67 Official Nailheader

    What Tom said in the above post..........I have one mounted under my dash where you can't see it but I can reach it to activate it. All I know about these is that the older GM cars have a unique park circuit that returns the wipers to the park position, and you need the correct delay unit or they won't stop at the bottom every time......you can't use one made to fit a Ford or Chrysler. :bglasses:
     
  5. doc

    doc Well-Known Member

    switches

    What i need is a woman proof heat alarm switch. My lovely bride of 33 yrs burned up a nearly new engine and then said " I never did smell it" That was JUST before the old Cajun had a screaming, wild eyed, slobbering, hollering fit. :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant:
    LATER, when I settled down, I thought of a heat light sw. connected to a turn signal flasher,connected to a LOUD horn inside the car. :Brow:
    I still havent made one of these but the idea facinates me. :laugh:
     
  6. Truzi

    Truzi Perpetual Student

    That's a cool idea. You could do the same with the oil pressure. :laugh:
     

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