Vtecjunkie88

Hey everybody,

Just signed up and hoping someone on this fourm can help me out. The issue I'm having is when I pull back on the wiper switch for the washer fluid to spray it does, but the wipers dont automatically activate. Im not sure if this is how its supposed work or if there is a problem with the wiper motor, multi-function switch, or possibly the ICU. Please help this is getting annoying having to spray and click the wipers on to clear the windshield. Thanks

1997 Honda Civic EX Coupe, d16y8 vtec

ameer_vtec99

does your wipers works with out pulling it back to spray the water and wiper speed levels works correctly ?

Vtecjunkie88

Yes, everything functions normally beside the fact that the wipers dont activate with the washer spray

Vtecjunkie88

Anybody out there with a 6th gen civic that has had this problem? How is the spray suppose to work? Really need the help guys

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Some Civics have this feature, some do not. All USDM 5G Civics do not have it. All CDM 5G and 6G Civics do. Some USDM 6G Civics do not have it, but I always thought this was only the lower models (like the CX hatchback), not the upper ones like the EX. Someone may have replaced your ICU with a lesser one, or else that function has stopped working.

You can pick up a replacement ICU at a junkyard for probably about $10.

jbpnoman

Are you 100% sure of that? My DX does it, and the CX is the only thing below the DX. I have a hard time believing Honda would have a different wiper control made for just one trim (that was only available in one chassis, to boot).

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

The 96-00 Service Manual wiring diagram for the ICU suggests that some vehicles did not receive combined wiper-washer operation. I presumed this was the lower models. However, Honda EPC says all 96-00 Civics got the same ICU, but maybe on some vehicles it was not wired up? I don't know. To quote Roger Daltrey: "Certain things, I can't explain."

axis11

Here in Saudi Arabia, 6th gen civic lxi have the windshield washer and wiper control operate separately.

kyden

my 99 dx coupe automatically wipes. my 97 integra doesn't.

Former User

My 00 Civic EX has said wiper function, but my 97 Civic DX does not.

cvcrcr99

Wow. I thought that the auto wipe thingy was standard. Learn something new each day.

92 VX hatch
93 EX coupe
98 LX sedan
98 EX coupe
99 EX coupe
98 Integra GS sedan

All of which wipe/d as I pulled back to spray fluid.

Vtecjunkie88

So try an ICU?

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Interesting. I'm guessing if you add a wire in the correct spot on the ICU and splice it to the washer's WHT/BLK then you can add this feature to your DX ... provided the ICUs are indeed identical.

Doubtful that the 92 and 93 had this feature, unless the vehicles were CDM or had been retrofit with a CDM ICU (or newer USDM ICU with that feature) and had the appropriate wire added.

Former User

Circuit diagrams in the USDM 92 Civic service manual indicate that some 92 Civics had said feature.

Former User

I'll definitely look into this^ and get back to you.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Indeed they did ... only the CDM ones. Check the ICU diagrams on 23-160 and 23-161. Note Pin A7 on the CDM is present as well as a BLK/GRN from the washer switch to washer motor. None of this is present on the USDM diagrams.

I had to retrofit this feature on my (originally) USDM 93 Si Hatchback. (Actually, I used an ICU from a 98+ CR-V so I could get a lights-on indicator and an intermittent rear wiper.)

Former User

cvcrcr99

Come to think of the the 92 VX was CDM. You are right about that. Had this car about 2 years ago, and I remember the seller mentioning something about CDM. I didn't care, just wanted a white EG hatch that got insane gas mileage.

I owned the 93 almost 8 years ago, so it is hard to remember exactly, but for the life me, I could swear it was USDM.

TiNuts

My '97 HX doesn't wipe with the sprayer. Glad to know it's supposed to be like this.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

True enough, but as I posted earlier, it might be a 1-wire upgrade ... and it is a highly useful and practical one at that. Maybe Ron@HT will do some investigating for everyone.

kyden

i actually like not having it wipe. when dealing with snow + salt spraying on the windshield, i like being able to control how many times it goes across the windshield. 1 extra wipe and it's all streaks.

Former User

Will do sir.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Fair enough, but I tend to consider that more a wiper blade issue vs. a function of the wiper-washer operation.

I had this "feature" (or lack thereof) on my originally-USDM 93 Hatchback here in Canada, and all I could think of when I used it was: "CHEAPSKATE ASIAN IMPORTS". It was one of the first things I upgraded.

94EG8

That was my take on it. I'm Canadian so it wipes, but a lot of times I would like to spray first, especially when there's sand all over the windshield.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

^ Sand ... heheh ... must live on (near) the coast, you maritimer!