Kevin,

I am replacing the single toggle switch marked “Wiper/Mist” on my 1989 Cruisers Esprit, because the old one never worked when I bought it.

When attempting to configure the boat wiring, I got each wiper to turn on interdependently of each other so I coupled them together but sometimes when I switch it off they continue to run and I’m not sure of how the Mist selection is supposed to work.

By any chance you have a basic diagram of how to wire this to a toggle swich correctly? I am wiring challenged.

Shawn

Hi Shawn,

The key to wiring dual wiper motors is to have the switched power for each wiper switched independently.

If all of the wiper motor power wires are connected together, they will never shut off. Use a dual pole switch that will allow you to independently turn both wipers on and off. Most mist systems work off of a momentary switch. If you buy a dual pole switch that has a center off position, ON in the up position for wiping, and momentary down for mist, you will be all set.

I would also recommend individual circuit protection for wiper motors. If you tie several together, you will need to increase the circuit protection to prevent nuisance tripping but this will cause overheating if a motor gets jammed.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Kevin,

We have three AFI wiper motors on our boat wiring. We have three switches and three fuses for the motors but they are all connected to the same circuit breaker.

Two of the wipers do not work at all and the third will come on sometimes but won’t stay on. The circuit breaker light stays on and the fuses are not burned out.

Are the motors getting the right amperage or any idea of what the problem might be?

Maureen

Hi Maureen,

Each wiper motor will three wires: Ground, On, and Park. If you are missing any of these wires, your wiper will not function properly.

1. I would inspect the wiper motor grounds first. This is the only wire that all three motors have in common. The metal case AFI wiper motors are grounded to one of the motor housing bolts. The plastic case AFI motors have an internal ground.
2. Next, check for constant 12v power to the park terminal on each wiper motor.
3. Finally, check for switched 12v power to the On termianl on each wiper motor.

If all the wiring is correct, then you wiper motors may be dead. Before replacing, I would do one last bench test with separate leads to the wiper motor.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

I am currently beginning my first boat wiring project, a total rewire of a small Owens cruiser from the late ’60s.

Here’s my problem:

The old wiring runs behind the original paneling and headliner. I could try dismantling everything to remove and replace the wires, but am concerned about damaging any of the woodwork. It’s old. It’s gorgeous. It would be a bitch to replace.

I don’t mind leaving the old wiring in place and just running a new harness, but that still leaves the problem of installing the new wires without causing any damage.

Any ideas?

RP

Dear Ron,

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Kevin.