Cadillac SRX Wiper System Failure & Repair Solutions

As someone with some repair experience, I dealt with a similar issue on my 2012 Cadillac CTS. The symptoms were identical, unresponsive wipers and an error code. After inspection, the problem turned out to be a faulty wiring harness connection near the steering column. The rain sensor wiring had deteriorated over time, causing intermittent failures before completely stopping. The turn signal assembly was also affected since they share some connection points. My mechanic diagnosed and fixed the issue by repairing the damaged wiring connections and testing the car wipers system thoroughly. The total repair cost was 95€, which included labor and parts. Before suggesting specific solutions for your SRX, does the problem occur consistently or intermittently? Are there any other electrical issues, especially around the steering column area? Have you noticed any warning lights on the dashboard? Did the problem start suddenly or gradually get worse?

Thanks for the detailed reply. The issue started gradually over two weeks before failing completely. I notice the wipers only stopped after I had my last service at 56731 KM. No other electrical problems or warning lights, just the wipers being completely unresponsive. I checked under the hood and the wiper motor appears properly connected, though the wiring harness near the steering column does show some wear. The wiper switch itself moves freely but produces no response. No issues with turn signals or cruise control, which I initially thought might be related since they share the same general area. Did your mechanic need any special diagnostic tools, or is this something that could potentially be fixed at home?

Based on your description, this sounds very similar to what I experienced. Since your wiper switch moves freely but gives no response, while the wiper motor appears connected, I strongly suspect the wiring harness issue is identical to what I faced. The timing after your service is interesting, sometimes moving or adjusting components during routine maintenance can aggravate already worn wiring connections. The gradual failure pattern also matches my experience with deteriorating wiring harness connections. While I initially considered attempting the repair myself, the location of the wiring near the steering column made access tricky. The mechanic needed specific diagnostic equipment to properly test the circuits and rain sensor connections. They also had to partially disassemble the steering column cover to access the damaged section of the wiring harness. The repair itself took about 2 hours, and the mechanic performed a full system diagnostic afterward to ensure all connections were properly restored. In your case, since the symptoms are nearly identical, I would expect similar repair costs around 100€. Given the complexity of accessing the wiring harness and the need for proper diagnostic tools, I would recommend having a professional handle this repair. The risk of causing additional electrical issues while working near the steering column makes this a job better left to experienced technicians.

Thanks everyone for the insights. After considering all the feedback, I scheduled an appointment with a certified shop tomorrow. The similarities to your wiring harness issue, especially the gradual failure and location near the steering column, convinced me this needs professional attention. The fact that my windshield wipers failed shortly after service does make me wonder if something got disturbed during maintenance. At least the rain sensor and other electrical components are still working normally. I feel better knowing this is likely a common issue with a straightforward fix. The 100€ estimate seems reasonable given the diagnostic work and labor involved. Will update once I get it repaired in case others run into similar problems with their wiper system. Thanks again for helping me avoid a potentially risky DIY repair around sensitive electrical components.