'97 Civic EX Canadian 4-dr. 5-sp

For wiring nerds:
This started after recovering the car recently from a theft. The 20A fuse to the ICU is good. Looking at the wiring diagrams, I have no idea why the power isn't getting to the ICU with lights off, and then comes in when the parking lights are switched on.

The Canadian model has the daytime running lights circuit. Continuous wipers work normally.

 

I had that problem a while back. My ITR's harness got crushed by the previous owner's attempt at moving wiring around :/. The ICU wire got cut...and the parking light wire got busted open..and was making contact with the ICU wire intermittently.

It was damaged near the battery.

 

This just happened to my 1999 EX. Intermittent only works with parking lights or headlights on. I've had the steering wheel off several times as I was working on the column. Is it possible there's a connection on the stalk that could cause this electrical issue? Could it be a failing wiper switch. Just strange turning on the lights completes the circuits and gets them working.

 

The integrated control unit (contains relay for intermittent wipers) and the dash lights dimmer switch share the same ground connection (G401, G402). Check this ground connection.

Also check whether dialing the dimmer switch all the way off versus all the way on affects the intermittent wipers differently.

 

[QUOTE=muellersfan;52081941]The integrated control unit (contains relay for intermittent wipers) and the dash lights dimmer switch share the same ground connection (G401, G402). Check this ground connection.

Also check whether dialing the dimmer switch all the way off versus all the way on affects the intermittent wipers differently.


Adjusting the dimmer switch has no effect on the function of the intermittent wiper. They still only work with the parking or headlights on. All seems good under that kick panel on driver side. Grounds seems to be intact. Could a failed wiper stalk be the culprit? I know you can test these for continuity with a multimeter. I just can't recall which pins to test for the intermittent function.

 

Do this multimeter test:

Turn key and light switch OFF.
Unplug connector from dimmer.
Measure resistance/Ohms between the black wire pin in the dimmer connector and the metal frame under the dash.
What's the reading?

 

To clarify: this test in performed with the dimmer switch still installed in the dash? If so, I'm to test resistance of a that pin on the switch and the chassis near where it's ground connection is (under the dash)?

 

Please first try a different easier test:

Remove dash fuse 30.

Turn key to ON(II).

Verify intermittent wipers do not work.

Turn light switch to parking lights setting.

Do intermittent wipers now fail to work?

 

Intermittent function DOES NOT WORK doing this test

 

Wipers did indeed fail to work when performing this test

 

Yes, intermittent wipers failed to work

 

D16's response:
Diagrams for voltage testing cavity B3 of the integrated control unit (ICU) 10P connector..

 

I just had the same concern. Intermittent wipers don’t work until you turn your parking lights on and hearing multiple beeps? It’s your key sense switch/wiring. I just replaced the ignition harness and cut the key beeping switch and turns out wiper and beeping when starting car is gone. Shorted the key sense wires now everything is back to norma, but key beeping will always be there. Until you fix the sensor/wiring.