Rep Power: 0

I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find answers to using the search, so...

'92 LX, AT

#1
Since I bought this car, the wipers have always worked in lo/hi, but on intermittent they would go up about 5" and stop. Occasionally, they will work for awhile on int't, but usually they don't. Recently, they started coming on when I would start the car, regardless of the switch position. Sometimes, they would go one or two times before stopping. Other times, they just keep going. I have tried to change the switch position and they sometimes stop after that. But it is not repeatable enough for me to say that switching the switch position actually causes them to work right. Just this week, I replaced the switch assembly because the return function quit working and the switch would fall to the mist position. Didn't fix it, though.

#2
About the same time, I think, as the wipers started coming on when I start the car, the speedometer stopped working. It first happened on my way home from work one day. I was driving along and suddenly it just went to 0. A couple miles later the CEL came on. I have noticed since then that the CEL comes on after about a few minutes of driving. All of my other instruments work. I also noted one day that slapping the shroud over the area behind the steering wheel caused the speedometer to work for a moment. Sometimes, it would jump up way to the right and then return to 0. I have all of the shrouds off right now for the wiper switch replacement and tried wiggling harnesses right under the steering column, but not clear back under the dash. Nothing seems to have an effect on the speedo. It's obviously a little difficult to do a lot of work up under the dash while driving down the road (the only time the speedometer is supposed to be somewhere other than 0).

Any ideas? From the description, do they sound related? I need to get to the library sometime and make a copy of the wiring diagram, but I'm not sure that the speedometer is an electrical issue. Is my speedometer mechanical or electrically operated? Does anybody have a wiring diagram that they can email me so I can troubleshoot the wiper issue?

edit: I have also confirmed that the battery and alt are ok by checking voltages running and off.

Dave

 
Rep Power: 277

an you locate a code reader to get the CEL code?

 
Rep Power: 812

if new switch didnt fix it, you may need a new wiper motor and be sure the wiring is properly connected and plug terminals are cleaned and regreased with dielectric lube.

for the engine light, you need to get it checked. prolly gonna have to buy a scanner, since auto stores dont carry older than obdII (1995 and newer). may be a bad VSS (vehicle speed sensor) or something.

 
Rep Power: 812

if new switch didnt fix it, you may need a new wiper motor and be sure the wiring is properly connected and plug terminals are cleaned and regreased with dielectric lube.

for the engine light, you need to get it checked. prolly gonna have to buy a scanner, since auto stores dont carry older than obdII (1995 and newer). may be a bad VSS (vehicle speed sensor) or something.