my headlights and wipers don't work right

17,595

Asked by crumbob Jan 07, 2015 at 09:29 AM about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I got a OBDII for Christmas and my car I was testing it has a problem with the lights and they only come on when the scanner is plugged in they work on high and low and they go off when I turn the car and all the relays and fuses are good I have checked all the electrical connection. my wipers only work when the scanner is plugged in

7 Answers

103,725

On the Malibu, are the wipers and lights all on the same switch? If so, I would replace the switch. If you have a needle tester, turn on the lights or wipers and stick the needle into the wire. If the light doesn't come on, you know the switch is not operating. Your OBD tester must be acting as the switch when you plug it in.

1 people found this helpful.
103,725

Do you have daytime running lights? Do they come on when you start the car?

103,725

If relays, fuses, and grounds are all good, the only thing I can think of would be the switch. Here's a video of how to replace. Really simple to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR8NmTJ3QVI

2 people found this helpful.
17,595

it wasn't grounding right and when I pluged the OBD in it caused a full ground circuit

My running lights came on last night (on their own) & this morning the wipers came on (by their self) & the batter is now dead!!

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