Wiper fuse popping when I turn on the ignition.

Justa231v6

oh and seeing the non delay wiper switch is significantly less expensive, i presume the wiring is still the same?

Cusser

Justa231v6 for the ones who have disassembled the column (that is my tomorrow project) did you notice if the multifunction switch and the wiper switch is separate?

Yes, the wiper switch and the headlight switch can each be replaced in the combination switch.

There are two types of headlight switches - white 4-terminal (which I think is no longer available new) and black 5-terminal.

And I believe at least two types of wiper switches (non-delay, delay, and those with cruise control).

Justa231v6

Cusser

this helps significantly. i believe i will have the 5 terminal as that is what is at my wiper motor. but when i get home from work today i will be disassembling the column to get to the combination switch and unplug to see what happens.

Axel-Breaker-Earl

If you decide to change the multiswitch, then you will need to remove the steering wheel, of course.

Justa231v6

Progress, unfortunately not in a good direction. with both of the connectors behind the wiper switch disconnected... still pops a fuse once i turn the key on.

kz6fittycent

Justa231v6 Sorry to hear that, but in electrical troubleshooting, process is progress. Start looking over the wires from the multiswitch all the way down the column. Use your ohm meter and check for fouled wires. You can take the fuse out, and check between the positive side of the wiper fuse and ground. With the switch disconnected, you should be able to determine if you have something fouling out (bare wire somewhere). If you have an open circuit, well, that might complicate matters - it means you need to keep looking, and wiggling wires.

Justa231v6

more process/progress. i removed what felt like two past alarm systems the truck had at one time. cleaned an unbelievable amount of wiring from under the dash. fuse still popping.

anyone have a way to use a tone/probe to trace an automotive wire? i know how to do it for work but not for auto motive wiring.

thank you in advance

kz6fittycent

Justa231v6 oh man! That would be very useful - I used to do use something like that for low voltage stuff that was direct burial.

This is basically what you're looking for. Otherwise, you're going to have to follow a very dogmatic approach and go thru each wire, via process of elimination.

Justa231v6

Ok more progress, I was able to get a tone and learn it goes into the cab at the passenger firewall. Does anyone have an old harness laying around they don’t need? I want to trace the harness so I can check all the connectors or even make a new one if need be.

OGMB2K

I know you are going through a lot with this gremlin, but it is obvious to me that you are not driving it daily. Wouldn't it be easier at this point to remove the dash and get a better view of what was done under your dash?

I mean, a removed cruise control and two alarms so far, sound like a bunch of butchered electrical under that dash. Just make it more accessible and go to town repairing everything you find properly at this point.

Justa231v6

OGMB2K can’t say I completely disagree, I am just not at that spot yet. Also I am working ina. Tight garage and 30 degree weather I can’t bring it out. I am doing my best with what I have. I am also not anything automotive by trade. I am kind of. Winging this… dash removal seems big, and not exactly a one man job.

Justa231v6

any information on where power is coming IN to the column multi switch? I am seeing the blue wires going from the switch but with it disconnected its still blowing, makes me think its between the multi switch and the fuse block. but i am clearly guessing at this point.

Cusser

Justa231v6 any information on where power is coming IN to the column multi switch? I am seeing the blue wires going from the switch but with it disconnected its still blowing, makes me think its between the multi switch and the fuse block.

The wiring diagrams are here: https://mazdaminitruckin.com/wiring-diagrams/

OGMB2K

Justa231v6 makes me think its between the multi switch and the fuse block. but i am clearly guessing at this point.

And no you are not guessing, you are logically eliminating possibilities .. electrical is not easy ..

OGMB2K

Justa231v6 and yes it happens when not plugged into the motor

I am also assuming that means you tried unplugging the harness at the wiper motor correct?

Justa231v6

OGMB2K yes it’s unplugged at both ends, and also every other switch at the column except the wiring with the key. All wires at the multi switch disconnected.

Justa231v6

Cusser thank you, but i couldnt locate the wiper/washer area. seems to be missing in this grouping. its referenced in the contents but i cannot locate below

Cusser

Justa231v6 i couldnt locate the wiper/washer area. seems to be missing in this grouping. its referenced in the contents but i cannot locate below

Yeah, Section D (pages 58-59) seems to be missing, have no idea why...

Justa231v6

Well tonight i was able to get to the back of the fuse box and nothing looks abnormal. I am seeing something which says the wiper fuse also handles the headlights. my headlights work with the stalk. am i going down a wrong path or did that change in the newer models as the manuals i am finding are from newer years?

Cusser

OK, I channeled Sherlock, Columbo, and Monk, and found Section D is in the "regular" service manual, not in the wiring manual, go figure. Should be 8 attachments.

OGMB2K

Then let's work this logically and simple ..

Is there any combination other than Battery disconnected, where that fuse does not blow?
For example:

Everything plugged in, fuse blows
Wiper motor plugged in, fuse blows
Wiper motor plugged in, stalk unplugged, fuse blows ... etc

Identify the components ..

Wiper Motor
Stalk
Fuse panel

Try something like this to track your progress. This way once you plug something in, you should see the fuse pop and know what component triggers the short. Now you can concentrate on the electrical for just that component. Play with the order combinations until you isolate the component. The numbers represent the order you plugged them in until the fuse blew. Do your own thing obviously, but this gives you a start ..

Justa231v6

OGMB2K

everything unplugged fuse blows.

everything plugged in still blows.

everything at the stalk unplugged still blows.

unfortunately i have not gotten a positive where i can trace one part. so far all combinations blow the fuse.

currently trying to track the washer wires which have been cut. i found 5 wires under the hood cut at the wire loom on the drivers side i am trying to figure out as they are just bare ends

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