Wiper problem is now sending me insane!

[Andy Land]

Hi guys,

I have posted about this a couple of times before but it is now doing my fruit!
If I flash lights, switch headlights on, activate main beam or indicate left the wipers will do a sweep of the screen.
I have tried as many earths as I can find behind the dash and in the fusebox, I've even fitted an extra earth strap from bulkhead to chassis. It used to be even worse when the spotlights were wired to main beam by previous owner but I've stripped all that out. I have today fitted a brand new indicator stalk (thanks Buster for the fab photo guide) and it is still doing it!
The previous owner had tapped into the main beam circuit behind the left hand headlight if that makes any sense with why it does it when indicating left.
Sorry to harp on about this but I guess it just needs one person who has had the same and I may get to the bottom of it.

Thanks all.

 

[Trewey]

I've got exactly the same problem and not a clue how to fix it as well.
But I aint losin sleep over it.

 

[Andy Land]

Reason why it needs sorting is that mine failed the MOT on it ... because it's intermittent I flicked all the switches a few times when it went for re-test and it didn't do it! Certainly carried on when I drove home with the pass certificate though. Knackering plenty of wiper blades sweeping a dry screen too ... I can't keep using the washer. Please let me know if you have any luck when you look at it.

 

[bluehaze]

What condition is the block connector in that connects the wiper stalk?

Power might be passing from side to side rather than back and forth?

Have either of the wires that power the lhs of the stalk and go to the motor been touched?

I had a similar problem but it disappeared when I changed the wiper stalk.

 

[Andy Land]

What condition is the block connector in that connects the wiper stalk?

Power might be passing from side to side rather than back and forth?

Have either of the wires that power the lhs of the stalk and go to the motor been touched?

I had a similar problem but it disappeared when I changed the wiper stalk.

Hi BH, thanks for the reply ... block connector was very solid and took some prizing apart but apart from being very dusty I didn't notice anything amiss when changing the stalk. It does it when I turn the headlights on too with the small stalk behind it. It doesn't do it all the time which is the strange part. It'll do it when indicating left all the time if the lights are on but just occasionally if they're off. The only thing I haven't looked at is the earth in the inner wing being as it seems like it's a left hand side issue. Just something I thought of whilst looking at a couple of other threads.
Cheers.

 

[hammoj28]

Iv got this, when I put my Main beam on my wipers are now on constantly. Only happend when the battery is fully charged though.

 

[Andy Land]

Iv got this, when I put my Main beam on my wipers are now on constantly. Only happend when the battery is fully charged though.

Mine don't come on constantly but just start when they feel like it with the lights on. Indicating left and flashing lights and it will usually just wipe once!
I know Landy electrics can be a right pig but this is doing my nut in

 

[Station House]

Nightmare Andy - would drive me nuts as well

How tricky would it be to

1) Trace the wiring from the steering column switch to the wipe motor using a tester like the Sealey PPX [ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-Auto-Probe-Plus-6-24V/dp/B000R9Y35C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1301307613&sr=8-4]Sealey PPX Auto Probe Plus 6-24V: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors[/ame] looking for shorts, continuity and earth faults

2) Run three new cables from the switch directly to the wiper motor (essentially a horizontal run behind the dash) thereby cutting out the existing wiring completely?

 

[Andy Land]

Nightmare Andy - would drive me nuts as well

How tricky would it be to

1) Trace the wiring from the steering column switch to the wipe motor using a tester like the Sealey PPX Sealey PPX Auto Probe Plus 6-24V: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors looking for shorts, continuity and earth faults

2) Run three new cables from the switch directly to the wiper motor (essentially a horizontal run behind the dash) thereby cutting out the existing wiring completely?

Hi SH,

I guess running new wires out would only need the dash out but I've got to the point where I want to find the cause and fix it rather than do an alternative fix without ever finding the original problem. I've got a feeling it is an earth in the inner wing but not too sure where to look down there. I may fit a new earth in this area but try an earth with a jump lead to the engine first. Hey ho, onwards and upwards ... hope you're well btw.
Andy.

 

[Station House]

Undertsand Andy - I'd feel the same, always wondering what was it and will something else happen as a result

Daft idea - and honestly no idea if it would work. What happens if you hard wire from the Wiper motor body to the battery earth terminal - not permanently - but very close to each other and might make a difference.

There again might not of course, but 5 min job to run a length of wire as a 'let's see'


I'm fine - thanks for asking - just concluded a £30 pads swap job which became a £270 change all the callipers and 3 brake pipes one! At least it was warmer for laying under him

 

[Andy Land]

Undertsand Andy - I'd feel the same, always wondering what was it and will something else happen as a result

Daft idea - and honestly no idea if it would work. What happens if you hard wire from the Wiper motor body to the battery earth terminal - not permanently - but very close to each other and might make a difference.

There again might not of course, but 5 min job to run a length of wire as a 'let's see'


I'm fine - thanks for asking - just concluded a £30 pads swap job which became a £270 change all the callipers and 3 brake pipes one! At least it was warmer for laying under him

Excellent SH ... no stopping you now then ... although that may be the wrong term to use

Regarding the wire from the wiper motor I don't think it would do anything as the wiper motor must be getting a live from somewhere. I know the wiper motor earth is fine as I checked it when I fitted a new park switch recently.
No doubt I'll give it a try though when all else fails anyway!

 

[Station House]

Sorry - think I've confused

Was picking up on your suspicion re earth issue in the inner wing.

Was wondering if earthing the wiper motor directly to the battery would prove or disprove anything.

Presume when you say you know the starter motor earth is fine means you've run a continuity check direct from the battery to the motor already?

On that basis sorry chum, out of ideas for now beyond the less than desirable 'work around' approach.

 

[waz]

I had a similar problem with my 93 200tdi, it turned out to be the wiring loom running through the chassis that had chafed and shorted together.

 

[Andy Land]

I had a similar problem with my 93 200tdi, it turned out to be the wiring loom running through the chassis that had chafed and shorted together.

Cheers Waz, any idea where on the chassis yours went so I know where to look first?

 

[waz]

Yes, it was pasenger side just back from the front wheel, not easy to inspect. I had to have the whole cradle replaced which cost me £250. It wasnt just the wipers that came on unexpectedly but side lights as well ocasionally.

 

[Andy Land]

Yes, it was pasenger side just back from the front wheel, not easy to inspect. I had to have the whole cradle replaced which cost me £250. It wasnt just the wipers that came on unexpectedly but side lights as well ocasionally.

Thanks Waz ... I've already decided that's not the problem with mine ... ouch

 

[Andy Land]

Well I had 30 minutes spare yesterday so I undid the three earths connected to the inner wing and joined them to a new earth strap I'd made up and connected to the washer bottle mount. Guess what? .... diddly squat, still the same! May have a play at the weekend and send it straight to the chassis instead but not looking promising. Oh well.

 

[MrJC]

Have you thought of biting the bullet and trying to find a mobile auto electrician? I have one who charges by the hour.... I think it may save your sanity and for £30 or so. Cheaper than a shop if thats a comfort. However, it is very possible he wont be able to sort it.... but if he does ..... give him an hour and you may sleep again!

 

[Andy Land]

Have you thought of biting the bullet and trying to find a mobile auto electrician? I have one who charges by the hour.... I think it may save your sanity and for £30 or so. Cheaper than a shop if thats a comfort. However, it is very possible he wont be able to sort it.... but if he does ..... give him an hour and you may sleep again!

Now that idea is starting to sound like a very good one ... I just want to try another couple of things first and then I'll hand it over

 

[bluehaze]

Andy, did the problem exist prior to changing the return to park sensor?

Have you traced the lives to the wiper stalk?