Rear wiper switch kills the car!
04-05-2017, 11:48 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-05-2017
Location: CA
Posts: 4
Rear wiper switch kills the car!
I purchased an HHR for my mom recently and the car has been great. Unfortunately after some maintenance I had a dead battery and crossed the jumper cables when connecting it with a spare battery I had. Key was off I did not attempt to crank the ignition, and it was only touched to the terminals for a split second "the time it took to arc plus my reaction time to pull it away". I took it to the dealer as it now has no front parking lights, front wipers, or cruise control, and the rear wiper switch causes one of three things to occur. 1) switch to the left the vehicle will stall and die and will not start. 2) switch in center position the car runs and drives completely fine. 3) switch to the right and the vehicle has trouble starting and won't idle without constantly pressing the accelerator. If I turn the climate control fan speed all the way up the rear wiper comes on by itself. My concern is the dealership wants to replace the underhood junction box with no guarantees it will resolve the issue. I don't believe a failure in the junction box could result in anything other then a non operation. I thought it to be a bcm which only the dealer can program which is why I took it there initially. Thoughts, suggestions? TIA
04-05-2017, 11:52 PM
#2
Platinum Member
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
I'd tend to agree on the BCM issue - the dealer should be able to put their Tech II on it for a better diagnosis. do you know if they have done that?
What kind of price are they quoting on the junction box?
What kind of price are they quoting on the junction box?
04-05-2017, 11:53 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-05-2017
Location: CA
Posts: 4
04-06-2017, 12:18 AM
#4
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,810
Hi Neil, 
to the forums!!
I would have the battery checked before I shelled out $770 for a maybe fix. It may have a dead cell, or just be somewhat discharged. These HHRs need all of the juice they can get. You said the battery was dead, you said you jumpstarted it. But you didn't say you charged it.
If it turns out that the battery is the cause of your wiper switch problems, you may just need some new fuses for the systems that aren't working. Let us know what you find out.
to the forums!!I would have the battery checked before I shelled out $770 for a maybe fix. It may have a dead cell, or just be somewhat discharged. These HHRs need all of the juice they can get. You said the battery was dead, you said you jumpstarted it. But you didn't say you charged it.
If it turns out that the battery is the cause of your wiper switch problems, you may just need some new fuses for the systems that aren't working. Let us know what you find out.
04-06-2017, 12:24 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-05-2017
Location: CA
Posts: 4
Hi Neil, to the forums!!
I would have the battery checked before I shelled out $770 for a maybe fix. It may have a dead cell, or just be somewhat discharged. These HHRs need all of the juice they can get. You said the battery was dead, you said you jumpstarted it. But you didn't say you charged it.
If it turns out that the battery is the cause of your wiper switch problems, you may just need some new fuses for the systems that aren't working. Let us know what you find out.
to the forums!!I would have the battery checked before I shelled out $770 for a maybe fix. It may have a dead cell, or just be somewhat discharged. These HHRs need all of the juice they can get. You said the battery was dead, you said you jumpstarted it. But you didn't say you charged it.
If it turns out that the battery is the cause of your wiper switch problems, you may just need some new fuses for the systems that aren't working. Let us know what you find out.
04-06-2017, 08:10 AM
#7
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,697
I would go with BCM. All of those malfunctions are controlled by the BCM.
Did you check the maxi fuse next to the ground lug in the battery compartment? That powers the BCM.
It is easy enough to inspect the underhood junction box, there is no need to throw parts around to test it. It is only a junction box, if the junctions are burned it is bad.
Replacing the BCM including programming will cost $325 parts + 1.2 hours labor, according to Mitchell. You can get the part for around $190 online, programming is gonna cost though.
The under hood box is easy enough to replace DIY, if you can tackle unplug/plug stuff. About $240 online. 4 bolts and a few tabs.
Did you check the maxi fuse next to the ground lug in the battery compartment? That powers the BCM.
It is easy enough to inspect the underhood junction box, there is no need to throw parts around to test it. It is only a junction box, if the junctions are burned it is bad.
Replacing the BCM including programming will cost $325 parts + 1.2 hours labor, according to Mitchell. You can get the part for around $190 online, programming is gonna cost though.
The under hood box is easy enough to replace DIY, if you can tackle unplug/plug stuff. About $240 online. 4 bolts and a few tabs.
Last edited by donbrew; 04-06-2017 at 09:31 AM.
04-14-2017, 11:39 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-05-2017
Location: CA
Posts: 4
Hi Neil, to the forums!!
I would have the battery checked before I shelled out $770 for a maybe fix. It may have a dead cell, or just be somewhat discharged. These HHRs need all of the juice they can get. You said the battery was dead, you said you jumpstarted it. But you didn't say you charged it.
If it turns out that the battery is the cause of your wiper switch problems, you may just need some new fuses for the systems that aren't working. Let us know what you find out.
to the forums!!I would have the battery checked before I shelled out $770 for a maybe fix. It may have a dead cell, or just be somewhat discharged. These HHRs need all of the juice they can get. You said the battery was dead, you said you jumpstarted it. But you didn't say you charged it.
If it turns out that the battery is the cause of your wiper switch problems, you may just need some new fuses for the systems that aren't working. Let us know what you find out.