I have a 2001 xj and recently the front and rear wipers would go on randomly without touching the switch. Even when they start going they wont shut off even if you play with the switch......eventually they do or I have to pull the fuse out. I swapped out the fuse and switch and its still does the same thing. Any ideas?

 

That's normal. It's supposed to do that. It's like you're waving at people.

 

Maybe your Jeep senses another Jeep in the vicinity and feels the need to wave and say hi?

Haha but seriously, my first guess would be a loose or faulty fuse so since you have already ruled that out, I'd guess you have a dirty connection somewhere

 

faulty delay module ?

 

Agreed. They're getting power from somewhere and if the '01 delay module is anything like the one in my '89, they're prone to having a mind of their own.

...and emitting the smell of burning circuit boards.

 

Mine only do this when the lights are on and things are wet?

 

Where is the delay module located and how do I go about replacing one?

 

lower trim panel of dash it velcroed just left of steering coloumn

 

you dont have to pull panel down like this just reach up and pull it off its velcroed unplug both ends and plug together if problem goes away replace it ...

 

are you sure the 2001 cherokee's have those? I couldn't find a new one online

 

For your year the delay module is part of the wiper switch assembly.

 

In that case it was replaced already so thats out of the question. I took the circuit breaker/fuse out and the front wipers aren't going on but the rear one will go on randomly when driving.

 

Time to divide and conquer. Disconnect the circuit at a point just after the wiper switch and see if the problem stops.
If it does the problem area is before the point you disconnected. If not, it's after. Keep moving closer to the wiper motor as you find new disconnect points until you isolate it.

Had any wiring harness damage where a couple wires could be shorting together?