Cruise Control and Windshield washer fluid motor works sometimes

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hekg

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Hey all. I had an issue with my Tahoe where the cruise control, washer fluid and wipers would work erratically so I replaced the control stalk and the wipers started working normally but the cruise control and washer fluid still did not work consistently.

What else besides the controls stalk can be causing these issues?
 

Dre319

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I had/have the same issue. Had to replace my motor for the washer fluid and my cruise still doesn’t work. I have to get that part diagnosed still.


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hekg

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So one has nothing to do with the other. I guess I'll replace my washer fluids motor as well, maybe the cruise control module in the engine bay ...
 

Dre319

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So one has nothing to do with the other. I guess I'll replace my washer fluids motor as well, maybe the cruise control module in the engine bay ...

I hate messing with electrical stuff. I personally would be it tested before replacing parts. Don’t want to buy something that may not be needed.


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someotherguy

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Always helps to give the year along with model (and often engine, trans) when asking tech questions.

Troubleshooting cruise can be different between 88-94 and 95-98 although the module is pretty much the same. 88-94 often suffer problems with internally broken wires in the lever where the wiring bends to go into the column, and the switches in the lever can go bad over time. 95-98 don't usually have problems with the lever. Both generations can suffer brake switch failures and still have working brake lights but no cruise (separate sets of contacts in the brake switch.) Both generations can have the module go bad due to failed solder joints which are easy to fix if you're even marginally good at soldering electronics.

Almost ALL wiper circuit problems with both generations come down to failed solder joints where the harness socket attaches to the circuit board. SUPER easy to fix if you can solder. There is almost never any need to replace the motor (they rarely go bad) and almost never any reason to replace the circuit board since the original is easily repairable. I've seen a couple where they were ran bad for so long that a small trace burns up on the circuit board; once the solder joints are addressed then a small jumper wire can bridge the burnt trace for a permanent repair. And yes an inoperable spray motor can be due to the circuit board solder joint failure, but it's also easy to test the motor alone by unplugging it and using small test leads to jump 12V/GND to it.

Richard
 

stutaeng

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If it's the 96+, it can the "multi-function switch." I had no brake lights and chased it down to brake light switch, so I changed that and nothing. Then I changed the multi function switch. The wiper motor wasn't working before, but after the multi-function switch swap it started working. Cruise also works, but never checked before. In the end, I undid the wiring and found out I was missing the big, 40A fuse and had some wires hacked away. Bought the truck last year.

My suspicion is that the previous owner had one of the parts that I changed and tried to Jerry-rig the brake lights...

I'm not sure if this is the same as someotherguy is saying and I hope this helps.

A voltmeter is very handy to have for checking circuits, along with a basic test light. Wiring diagrams are also extremely valuable to have. Make sure to get the right ones, ie, 88-95, 96-00
 

hekg

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Thanks for the tips guys. My Tahoe is 99, 4x4, 5.7 LT. I have neglected it for a while but I'm now in the process of fixing everything that needs it.

I bought a dashskin dashboard cover, replaced the ugly and cracked 4x4 switches, replacing the hvac controls, replaced the turn signal/cruise control stalk, adding a push-button start button, will be installing an ipad in place of the stock radio and finally getting a new paint job ... oh and i bought a new drivers side leather seat bottom to replace the old torn one.

It's going to be sweet once again when I'm done with everything. I'm excited but I really want to also get my cruise control and washer fluid working first.
:cheers:

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vifferdc

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I would like to hear more about where you bought the replacement driver seat bottom. Mine is trashed.
 

east302

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If the foam is also worn out, theseatshop.com sells replacements which will allow the cover to fit better. Mine was missing chunks so I went that route.

Or you can use an upholstery steamer to get the foam to swell back to original shape. That website has videos showing it.
 
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