xspence

The w. washer pump starts on its own , with no key in ignition. This problem has persisted after changing the pump, wiper control switch and the wiper motor assembly. After these changes were made, each time, it took from 2 to 8hours with the vehicle parked and unoccupied , for the pump to start. To stop, required the power plug to be pulled from the pump. Does anyone have any idea what may be the cause?

snap-on

Has this vehicle ever had the airbag deployed?

xspence

No , the vehicle was hit on the driver's side and sustained major damage , 4 years ago . This happened with my mother-in law, who was the previous owner. As far as we know the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was completely rebuilt and has been running fine since. This washer problem for the past 3 weeks is driving me nuts. It is milder today and I was out in the yard once again trying to solve the problem . Plugged the washer pump in and worked the lever and pump seemed to come on and stop normally, until I started the engine, and it came on and stayed on. Would not stop until I pulled the plug. The wiper motor plug was disconnected during this exercise.

snap-on

I just ask to see if you may have a clock spring issue.

If it were me I would start at the switch. Check for power with a test light at pin "A".

The switch you changed was new right?

xspence

The new switch came from Mazda dealer....The baffling part of this is that the pump starts after the car has been sitting for a few hours and won't shutoff until disabled. Presently the power plug is pulled on the pump motor. Also wiper motor plug is pulled as the wipers will not shutoff when car is running ...with the pump disabled. I am wondering if possibly a remote starter which is on the car, and has been disconnected because the engine would not shut off from the ignition key when started remotely, might have something to do with it. this remote was diabled last winter. I know i am grasping at straws but it has been frustrating.

snap-on

I'm having a hard time pointing to the switch if you bought it new. You have a short somewhere and I don't understand why it takes a few hours to rear it's head.
I'll check out the wiring diagrams closer and see if I can come up with something.

xspence

Thanks , I appreciate your quick response. The reason I have not gone to a Mazda dealer is that the nearest one is 100 kms. away. Speaking to them on the phone, they are as baffled as I am....Supplying expensive ...non returnable parts only. I have been to an electrical shop , specializing in alternators, starters etc. He thought the problem was in the wiper park awitch on the wiper motor assembly. This switch is not sold separately. I replaced the original motor unit with an 02 unit I obtained from a salvage dealer at 1/4 the price. Still the same problem. It looks like I am accumulating a supply of good used parts. Do you think a wire on the steering column may be shorting? Looking forward to hearing more from you ...Thanks again