1. Check the Fuse: Before anything else, check the fuse(s) related to the wipers in your 1995 Suburban's fuse box (usually under the hood or inside the cabin, check your owner's manual). Replace any blown fuses. There might be more than one fuse involved, perhaps one for the motor and another for the switch circuit.
2. Inspect the Wiring Harness:
* Steering Column Switch: Carefully inspect the wiring harness connected to the wiper switch itself. Look for any broken, frayed, or corroded wires. Pay close attention where the wires enter and exit the steering column. Movement of the steering column can cause wires to break internally.
* Wiper Motor Connection: Examine the wiring harness at the wiper motor. Again, look for damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
* Ground Connection: A poor ground connection is a common culprit. Trace the ground wire from the wiper motor (usually a black wire) and ensure it's securely connected to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the body of the vehicle. Clean any corrosion off the ground point and the connector.
3. Test for Power and Ground at the Wiper Motor:
* With the Switch ON: Use a multimeter or test light to check for power at the wiper motor connector. You should have power at one wire (likely 12V+) when the switch is on.
* With the Switch ON: Check for a good ground at the other wire. The multimeter should show continuity between the ground wire and a known good ground point on the vehicle body.
4. Test the Wiper Switch:
This is more complex and often requires removing the steering column cover to access the switch. Testing the switch requires a multimeter and understanding the switch's wiring diagram (which you might find online through a repair manual or forum dedicated to 1995 Suburbans). Be extremely careful when working near the airbag system. If you're not comfortable with this step, it's best to take it to a mechanic.
5. Relay (Possible, but less likely): Some wiper systems use a relay. Locate the wiper relay (check your owner's manual or online resources for your vehicle) and visually inspect it for damage. You can also try swapping the relay with another relay of the same type (if you have a spare) as a test.
Likely Culprit: Based on your description, the most probable cause is either a broken wire in the harness (somewhere between the switch and the motor), a faulty wiper switch, or a poor ground connection.
Important Note: If you're not comfortable working with car electrical systems, it's best to take your Suburban to a qualified mechanic. Improper wiring can lead to electrical shorts and potentially damage other components or even create a fire hazard.
