I have a '99 Civic that was stolen a few years ago. Car was recovered and I was busy at the time so instead of doing the repairs myself I opted for a body shop to do the repairs. Big mistake, had to take the car back multiple times. They replaced the steering column with a used one, it was out of a hatchback because it had a rear wiper switch. I took it back and complained and they claimed to put my original switches in (apparently). I then noticed the intermittent feature would only work when the headlights were on. I took it back and they claimed they replaced the switch assembly with a brand new one, but it still had the same problem so they put my original back in. I think it was BS.

Anyone run into this problem? I have a feeling it's going to be the wiper switch or headlight/turn signal switch or both.

 

Do the intermittent wipers turn on with the headlights and with the wiper switch off? Or must both switches be turned on?

Does turning the light switch to parking lights also allow the intermittent wipers to work? Or just the headlights?

 

both switches must be on. parking lights or headlights, doesn't matter. this car is a canadian car too FWIW (daytime running lights).

i also forgot to mention the window washers will squirt but wipers won't on unless parking lights or headlights are on.

 

In the dash fuse box, you will find 7.5A fuse 30 (dash lights) and 7.5A fuse 32 (taillights). Remove each fuse one at a time or at the same time to determine which fuse (if any) is required to allow the intermittent wipers to work.

 

I am away from my car for a few weeks, I will continue troubleshooting when I get it back. Thank you for the help so far.

 

Yea almost 2 yesrs later I know... Life got busy and this problem took the back burner until today. Turns out it was the key sense switch that goes into the key cylinder. I assume the switch got damaged when it got stolen or by the body shop when replacing the column.
​​​​​ I remember a week after getting the car back from the body shop I locked my keys in the car. NO BEEPER when the keys were left in the ignition and drivers door open. Then a few weeks after I told the body shop about the intermittent wiper feature only working with headlights on but they were too incompetent to repair. Insurance then told me I had to take it a shop and pay out of my pocket to repair and then they would reimburse me if it was deemed part of the theft. I actually think they bent the little plunger on the switch when reinstalling, but who knows. Was able to bend it back, and it's working for now but i suspect it wont last long.

Anyhow, fix your own **** ladies and gentlemen, no one else cares about your stuff like you do....

 

Glad you decided to follow up with the resolution!