Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: Why Won't My Windshield Wipers Work?

Start by checking a fuse box diagram, testing out whether a short circuit or some other problem is cutting off power to wipers.

By Jon LeSage - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee (1984-2001).

If you’re trying to get windshield wipers to work again, you might want to start with a fuse box diagram, testing out whether a short circuit or some other problem is cutting off power to wipers. There’s also checklist of common problems to review to get your wipers working in your Jeep Cherokee.

Step 1 – Use the fuse box diagram to find what you’re looking for

It’s a good idea to use a diagram of the Cherokee’s fuse block, which is located in the passenger floor board. You'll probably need to remove the entire panel to gain access to the circuit breaker (CB). If a fuse or CB pops, there's something in its circuit that exceeds the fuse/CB rating due to a short circuit or some other problem. Try replacing the CB and see if the problem persists.

One problem could be coming from the Wipe/Wash switch on the steering column, which contains a relay that powers the front wiper motor. This relay could be acting up. The wiper motor itself could be breaking down.

Figure 1. It’s a good idea to use a diagram of the Cherokee’s fuse block, which is located in the passenger floor board.

Pro Tip

The ground for the front wiper motor is on the left inner fender, near the powertrain control module (PCM). There's two screws located there, plus several wires which are the grounds for other circuits.

Step 2 – Find out of the battery is delivering voltage to the wiper

You can test to see if the battery voltage is bringing power to the windshield wiper. You will be testing for voltage at the front wiper motor connector. When you get your digital voltmeter, you can read about how it works then test on your battery. If these tests show that you have voltages at these connector pin cavities, you probably find that the motor is defective. Read this forum post for step-by-step instructions.

Figure 2. Test to see if the battery voltage is bringing power to the windshield wiper.

Step 3 – Check for common problems

Here’s a series of specific problems that you can check for:

  • The engine is not turned on and the key is half turned on in the accessory mode. Once the engine is started up, everything stops working on the windshield wiper. Check the wiring under the dash and behind the stereo to see if everything’s still connected. The wiper switch itself may have gone bad and needs to be replaced. You may need to have a mechanic check for it.
  • The wipers might only work on the high speed position, but they only turn back and forth like they’re in the slow position. If you hear a whining sound, your wiper motor could be burnt out. It could also be a bad connection in the column that came from having the steering wheel tightened.
  • The wipers run off a circuit breaker under the interior fuse panel. It may stop working then reset itself an hour later. The system is supposed to reset itself simultaneously. If it only ends up working again temporarily, it could be the circuit breaker that needs to be replaced.
  • If you are missing voltages to the windshield wiper, the problem is in the module, wiring, switch, or source. If all the voltages are present, the problem is in the wiper motor.
Figure 3. If you are missing voltages to the windshield wiper, the problem is in the module, wiring, switch, or source.

Pro Tip

Check with O'Reilly's or Autozone for wiper motors. Both retail stores are charging around $60 for a motor. You may be able to locate used wiper motors on the internet for $35.

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