Chrysler Repair: Windshield Wipers erratic operation, windshield wipers, chrysler town

Question
My 1996 Chrysler Town & Country mini van has a problem with the windshield wipers. They are operating erratically. When I turn them on, sometimes they will go without stopping, sometimes they won't stop when I turn them off. And other times they will stop in the middle of the windshield when I turn them off. When on delay wipe they may wipe four or five times in a row and other times they wipe once then delay.  

Answer
Hi Richard,
I don't have much, if any, expertise on van wiring systems. My gut feeling is that you may have a faulty wiper relay, specifically the one for intermittant action. This relay may be located in the power distribution center, a box on the drivers side of the engine compartment. It should have a label describing each of the components inside. So see if you can find such a relay (there may also be a ho/lo wiper speed relay but that is likely not the cause) and replace it if it is not too expensive. Otherwise, I need to get a manual for these vans to be more helpful. The system is controlled by the body computer, but that is expensive, complicated, and doubtful as the problem. You might also check the ground connections (possibly at the driver side strut tower) as a loose wiper motor ground can cause gremlins like this as well. There should be a black wire from the wiper motor that runs to a common ground point for several other components nearby, often on the strut tower (in the car models). Made sure the connection is clean (shiney) and tight.
Let me know if this fails, as I can probably go to a nearby library and check in the van shop manual there.
Roland