Smoke under the dashboard

[Sledge]

DD:

I'm with you on that, when given a choice.

So I took out the speedo and got a look at the picture behind the dashboard. Several wires had snagged on and wrapped around the windshield wiper motor output arm, resulting in several broken wires and/or wires pulled out of their connectors. Further, the windshield wiper motor itself was heat-damaged internally (from the smoke smell and goo coming from the motor). Apparrently the wires wrapped the arm so tightly it could no longer move. Even with the wiper switch off it was trying to return to the stowed position.

I had this car "professionally" built, by a dealer who has since quit the business. I've spent a lot of the last two years fixing his mistakes, which have been many, and the incredibly poor workmanship, which continues to crop up. I pretty much expected the harness to avoid the wiper mechanism, but I guess that was too much to ask. In this case, three strokes (of the wipers) and you're out.

Aside from obtaining a new wiper motor, I've got everything fixed but the night lighting on the volt meter. I'll get to that tomorrow.

I'm too old, and have spent too much money, for this s__t. But at least it will get fixed right. To other Backdraft owners who haven't really used their wipers yet (more than a stroke or two), it may be worthwhile to take a look under the dash and make sure the wiper mechanism isn't going to snag anything.

Cheers