Hi had a random issue can't figure it out my windshield wipers turn on on their own when I start the truck I replaced the switch the motors the fuse and relay didn't fix it and now I removed the fuse and relay to hopefully stop it and it still does it not sure where to start looking again if your wondering it's a 2001 dodge dakota with the 4.7 2wd extended cab I've owned the truck once sold it and just got it back but it had the issue before I sold it I'm at a loss need help
Windshield wiper issues
Dragsten56
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Hi had a random issue can't figure it out my windshield wipers turn on on their own when I start the truck I replaced the switch the motors the fuse and relay didn't fix it and now I removed the fuse and relay to hopefully stop it and it still does it not sure where to start looking again if your wondering it's a 2001 dodge dakota with the 4.7 2wd extended cab I've owned the truck once sold it and just got it back but it had the issue before I sold it I'm at a loss need help
the '03 FSM (so this should be applicable to '01 through '04) says that the intermittent wiper controls are controlled by the CTM (central timer module). The CTM is a module on the PCI bus and was sort of the equivalent to what other manufacturers call the BCM (body control module). The CTM also controls several lighting functions from '01 through '04.
. . . I am looking at a schematic for '01 through '04, and it is actually showing quite a few ot the wiper functions going through the CTM. The schematic also shows power going through 20A fuse#5 (which looks like it should be in the cab, not in the PDC) to the switch AND to the relay, so I don't see how power could be getting to the motor with that fuse removed. That one I cannot figure.
As far as the relay, it looks like a 5 pin relay that is energized by the switch and the CTM. Then it looks as if once the relay is energized power goes through the other side of the relay into another input in the CTM (the CTM has 7 ins and outs for the wipers according to this schematic) and after it gets the input from the relay, it (the CTM) sends output to the motor.
I don't see how the wiper motor could get power with either the fuse or relay removed.
On those relays, it's easy to get the wrong one if you go by the 'map' on the inside cover of the PDC. It's almost as if when you look at the 'map' the relays in the PDC are actually backwards of how they are shown on the 'map.' I'll find a layout of the PDC that shows how the fuses and relays are truly laid out as you are looking at it from above, and check with that.
As far as the relay, it looks like a 5 pin relay that is energized by the switch and the CTM. Then it looks as if once the relay is energized power goes through the other side of the relay into another input in the CTM (the CTM has 7 ins and outs for the wipers according to this schematic) and after it gets the input from the relay, it (the CTM) sends output to the motor.
I don't see how the wiper motor could get power with either the fuse or relay removed.
On those relays, it's easy to get the wrong one if you go by the 'map' on the inside cover of the PDC. It's almost as if when you look at the 'map' the relays in the PDC are actually backwards of how they are shown on the 'map.' I'll find a layout of the PDC that shows how the fuses and relays are truly laid out as you are looking at it from above, and check with that.
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Ok so I did figure out what happened and I have to figure out how to solve it now because they bypassed the fuse and relay and hard wired it straight to the switch so I guess I can replace the switch again
Well I guess that would work, but at the very least a fuse to protect the circuit would be a good idea. I guess that would have also had to have bypassed the CTM. Without the CTM I am surprised the intermittent functions would work, and actually, with the switch hardwired to the motor I am not sure why the wipers would just arbitrarily come on by themselves. But if you want to see what the circuit was supposed to look like, I'll attach the schematic.
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Yea I'm going to try and wire it back to the fuse panel but I don't get why someone would do that but for now I might just remove my wiper arms so it's not annoying the shit out of me
I suppose it is possible that whoever rewired it was having issues with the CTM (there are numerous threads related to the CTM doing goofy things on Dakotas) and their (meaning whoever did the rewiring) goal was to eliminate the CTM from the wiper circuit.
But that's just a guess.
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See that was my thought after you mentioned it but the trucks a driving project so I don't really intend on driving in the rain or snow because it has over 400hp to the rear wheels so if the ground is slippery in any way it's sketchy
It might be more convenient to disconnect the electrical connector from the motor?
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I'll try that I mean might aswell because I'm having to bring my rims up to get tires put on I'm reverting my truck from being lowered to stock height I live on dirt roads now and it's horrible
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My truck so you know what I'm having to deal with
![Image]()
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Rear shock blew out hitting the stutter bumps on the dirt going to my house so driving with no shock and on the bump stops in the rear
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Yea it has 4 inch lowering blocks in the rear and had air shock but they blew out and 4 inch beltech springs in the front but I'm going back to stock and might do a rally truck or pre runner build instead seeing as where I live now
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That's a nice looking truck!
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Thanks yea I'm throwing higher profile tires on it now I have issues with turning because of it so I'm putting it back to 2 inches below stock
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This is really great information to know, Thank you very much. My 02 Durango does some strange things at times - Good to know!
Check your battery connections, clean and verify no acid in the insulation, check the gang grounds for poor connection, check battery. If all good replace multifunction switch. This is common with dakotas and caravans.
If the fuse and relay and CTM were all bypassed the condition of the battery cable and the grounds wouldn't have any effect at all upon that.
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