Discovery 2 pre-facelift wipers

Hi everyone, on my 6th Landy now, 2002 Disco 2 & Ive read so much about the wiper issues they can face but none explain what I am experiencing.

I switch wipers on in any position & usually have a delay before they start. While waiting if I initiate a single wipe they will work & stop in any position when the stalk is released. Once they do start working they can be totally normal OR I will sometimes find fast speed will also have a delay before working like it is waiting for the next intermittant cycle.

Turn them off for 5-10 minuts & the same sequence may start again or they are totally normal. I have read about contacts in the stalk but switching through the positions several times does nothing, seems like they just need time to 'wake up'. Sometimes they work straigh away, it's like they are possessed.

Thanks for any help....

The Disco 2 wipers appear to have a bit of a complicated circuit, although, all that's being done is switching a motor on and off in accordance with various conditions set by the stalk switches.
The first thing to check is that the IDM or Intelligent Driver Module which is on the back of the fuse board and the passenger compartment fuse box are totally dry and free from any corrosion from earlier water damage. The same checks would also apply to the BCU which responds to the stalk switch inputs and then communicates with the IDM.
Check also that the relay on the fuseboard is working properly and not being a bit sticky; replacement is the best way to check.
Failure to park in the proper position is usually due to a faulty park switch on the wiper motor gearbox.
Having said all that, there could still be issues with the switch stalk.

On ours we had the same problems & all were solved by changing the column switch stalk.
When I took the old switch apart the electrical contact area was packed with grease - which was preventing good switching.
Second hand switch from a breaker only cost £20 and wasn't difficult to fit.

If this symptom occurs on fast speed too then you can rule out the IDM cos then the motor is directly fed through the stalk's contact, (the relay is not interchangeable cos it's soldered into the IDM board), in this case the stalk or motor(due to park switch fault) are suspects and i'd replace the stalk first cos it's easyer, the fact that switching through the positions several times does nothing can be irrelevant... if on fast speed is OK then the IDM becomes suspect, the BCU is involved ONLY in the intermittent operation so this one seems to be ruled out .... unless you are unlucky enough to be some hidden wiring issue

If I remember correctly, most wipe motors once they are off their home position, internally hold the power on until they return to the home position. Which is why this scenario usually only happens when you turn the vehicle off and remove the key. I think you may find the internal contact that holds the power on when not parked may be worn out.

Simon098 said:

If I remember correctly, most wipe motors once they are off their home position, internally hold the power on until they return to the home position. Which is why this scenario usually only happens when you turn the vehicle off and remove the key. I think you may find the internal contact that holds the power on when not parked may be worn out.

Click to expand...

Would appear that yes, it uses a park switch. If this is knackered, I would expect the symptoms your seeing.

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I might wait until something fails completely as the issue is so random.

Thanks again!

Having an upcoming MOT usually focuses the mind and generates motivation - lol