I have a 2000 4runner, 5speed 4x4, sport, 142k miles, and the front wipers dont always park when I turn them off, they just stop where they are.

I've also noticed that the rear wiper seems to have an issue starting when I turn it on sometimes. most times I can jiggle the stalk and it will usually turn on, but I'm afraid that eventually it will give up the ghost altogether.

every other aspect of the wipers work fine, its just these 2 issues that make me mad.

does this sound like a stalk issue? or is there some sort of wiper control unit that is getting tired?

also, how much of a pain is it to change the control stalks on the column?

thanks for any info.

 

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I am having similar issues and ruled out the wiper motor. My next step is to replace the stalk. Seems to be an easy enough procedure according to the Haynes manual, with the exception of the special service tool for removing the steering wheel. Is that tool necessary?

 

after perusing the internets on my lunch hour yesterday, it looks like the logic for the entire circuit is in fact in the column, not in some outboard ECU type module.

so I believe I am going to start there. hopefully it isnt too expensive.

 

when it is colder than 32 degrees, my rear wiper will wait a bit (1 minute or more) before starting when I have it on intermittent. if I roll it to full on, it will start

above 32 degrees, it just starts for 3 cycles immediately when on intermittent.


it has always done this since dec 1998, so i figured the rear door ecu is programmed to do that when temp is 32 or below

 

my rear wiper used to work fine, lately it has been showing the same signs when cold, and its getting worse.

Im pretty sure both symptoms are related to the stalk at the steering column.

unfortunately the part is $170 and the stealership wants $150 for install as the steering wheel needs to come off(so they say)

 

It's true, the steering wheel does need to come off and the Haynes manual shows a special tool to pull it. I was wondering if anyone has pulled their wheel without that tool. Besides yanking the wheel, the stalk swap seems pretty easy. IIRC, you only need to pull the wheel to get at the screws holding the column covers on. I can check later.

 

The FSM also specifies use of the SST (09950-50012) but the picture of it in the front of the book shows it to be just a multi-use puller. So it depends on whether a puller is needed to get it off. Torque on the nut is only 25 ft-lbs. so it is not supposed to be super tight, but a lot of Toyota factory stuff is on pretty darn tight. I'd say you have a 50/50 chance of getting it off by hand, and a generic wheel puller will work if you can't. I've pulled a bunch by hand with no puller, but not on this car yet. If it were me, I'd try it.