The windshield wipers every now and then stop working on my girls 96 or sometimes they go on out of random.
Also the same for the headlights. You have to flicker the switch for the regulars to work (and they might die after two minutes) or just drive with the high beams on (risky with cops around).

Bad switch? How and where would I get to the switch and cost to replace if applicable?

 

Are you saying the WW come on by themselves with the switch off? Are there anymore specifics about there malfunctioning time?(ie the mode (intermintant, slow, high), motor runs slow at all speeds, high only,inop at slow ect)Did the lights and wipper issues start around the same time? It sounds like your BCM may be acting up.

 

One last thought pertaining to the lights (this is based on my 97 and it is prob. the same for your 96). The BCM gets a signal from the headlight switch when it's on to turn on the radio backlight and to the dimmer switch. If these items are still functioning when the headlights go out, the switch is still on, and you may have a bad ground.

 

Whats the BCM and where is it?

Thanks.

 

The BCM is the body control module (theres a computer for everything now adays!) The below exerpt is from the 2nd gen service manual, my lists the local a bit diffrent but for ease I cut and past this. mine (97) is remove the rt end cover (plastic part visible with the right door open). remove rt end cowl side trim pnl and pull carpet back exposing the dash liner, cut on preforated dots and pull back the liner. This is where the unit is.

BODY CONTROL MODULE

DESCRIPTION

The Body Control Module (BCM) is concealed

below the driver side end of the instrument panel in

the passenger compartment, where it is secured to

the dash panel side of the Junction Block (JB).

The BCM utilizes integrated circuitry and information

carried on the Programmable Communications

Interface (PCI) data bus network along with many

hard wired inputs to monitor many sensor and

switch inputs throughout the vehicle. In response to

those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming

of the BCM allow it to control and integrate many

electronic functions and features of the vehicle

through both hard wired outputs and the transmission

of electronic message outputs to other electronic

modules in the vehicle over the PCI data bus.

OPERATION

The Body Control Module (BCM) is designed to

control and integrate many of the electronic features

and functions of the vehicle. The microprocessorbased

BCM hardware and software monitors many

hard wired switch and sensor inputs as well as those

the vehicle through its communication over the PCI

data bus network. The internal programming and all

of these inputs allow the BCM microprocessor to

determine the tasks it needs to perform and their

priorities, as well as both the standard and optional

features that it should provide. The BCM programming

then performs those tasks and provides those

features through both PCI data bus communication

with other electronic modules and through hard

wired low current outputs to a number of relays.

These relays provide the BCM with the ability to

control numerous high current accessory systems in

the vehicle.

The BCM monitors its own internal circuitry as

well as many of its input and output circuits, and

will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in electronic

memory for any failure it detects. These DTCs

can be retrieved and diagnosed using a DRBIII

t scan

tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

REMOVAL

(1) Remove the Junction Block/BCM from the vehicle.

Refer to Power Distribution Systems, Junction

Block, Removal and Installation.

(2) Remove the four BCM attaching screws from

the Junction Block.

(3) Disconnect BCM from the Junction Block.

NOTE: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module is

attached to the BCM with three screws. This must

be transferred (if equipped) to the new BCM.

NOTE: If the BCM is replaced, the Vehicle Theft /

Security System (VTSS (if equipped) must be

enabled in the new BCM via the DRB lll

T scan tool

in order to start the vehicle.

INSTALLATION

(1) Connect the BCM to the Junction Block.

(2) Install the four BCM attaching screws to the

Junction Block.

(3) Install the Junction Block/BCM into the vehicle.

Refer to Power Distribution Systems, Junction

Block, Removal and Installation.