2012 Wiper+Wash goes on by itself

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by lopat08865

Disconnected wiper arm stalk & replaced it with a used one. No reoccurrence of problem for 2 days then it happened again today.

Thought about replacing wiper motor but decided against it because I've been persuaded that the problem lies exclusively with the washer function. Why? The wipers are SUPPOSSED to come on whenever the washer functions, so it's a washer problem, no?

So I still don't know what to do. I guess it's possible the replacement wiper stalk assembly I bought on eBay is also bad. I could buy/try another used one [or new from Toyota for $165].

Made a diagnostic appt w/Toyota for Friday at $107/hour. Really, really hoping someone here has something better to try!

[PS: Toyota parts confirmed what CTScott said: there is NO other relay for the wiper than what's in the stalk. They thought it sounded like a "Spiral Cable" a/k/a "Clock Spring", which parts out at $715 before labor ... ouch!]

[PPS: First occurrence of the problem was the morning after I drove home in the rain. FWIW, I probably turned car off without turning the wipers off. As I say, FWIW.]

Gotta love wrong info from the dealer - The wiper stalk does not route through the spiral cable.

If the stalk did not fix it, then I suspect a pinched wire. The green wire to the washer motor gets grounded to make the washer run when this occurs the logic within the wiper stalk also makes the wiper run. If that green wire is damaged somewhere between the washer motor and the stalk it could be getting intermittently grounded.