Rear Wipers on an old 90

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

One of the things that hasn't worked since I've had my 1987 90, is the rear wiper.

So, I decided to take a look last night. I fell at the first hurdle though, when I realised I have no idea how to turn it on?! I don't seem to have a dedicated switch for it, is it supposed to just come on when I turn the front wipers on or something?

If that is the case, then the problem might be electrical, as nothing was showing up on my meter, on the various wires at the back, when I turned on the front ones.

zeaphod · Oct 31, 2017

From memory, there should be a rotary switch in the middle of the little dash panel (in front of the gear knob). Turn for wipers, push for washer.

mojo247 · Oct 31, 2017

how do you know it doesn't work if you don't know how to turn it on?

Turboman · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
One of the things that hasn't worked since I've had my 1987 90, is the rear wiper.

So, I decided to take a look last night. I fell at the first hurdle though, when I realised I have no idea how to turn it on?! I don't seem to have a dedicated switch for it, is it supposed to just come on when I turn the front wipers on or something?

If that is the case, then the problem might be electrical, as nothing was showing up on my meter, on the various wires at the back, when I turned on the front ones.

What model of Ninety is it?
Mine, a hard top, never had rear wash wipe. Maybe yours is retro fitted, in which case the switch might have been almost anywhere.
My memory is that Station Wagons did have wash wipe as standard, I think the switch was on the little panel with the interior light/ dash light switch. Is there a spare position on yours to fit the switch there?

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

mojo247 said:
how do you know it doesn't work if you don't know how to turn it on?

I'll have to take the (after market) centre console cover plate off and have a look. Maybe the PO that installed it just covered it up if I'm lucky.

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

Turboman said:
What model of Ninety is it?
Mine, a hard top, never had rear wash wipe. Maybe yours is retro fitted, in which case the switch might have been almost anywhere.
My memory is that Station Wagons did have wash wipe as standard, I think the switch was on the little panel with the interior light/ dash light switch. Is there a spare position on yours to fit the switch there?

I've only got 3 switches on there... Heated window, hazards, and interior light.

Turboman · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
I'll have to take the (after market) centre console cover plate off and have a look. Maybe the PO that installed it just covered it up if I'm lucky.

The switches I was talking about weren't anywhere near the center console. They were low down and sort of in front of my right knee.

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

Turboman said:
The switches I was talking about weren't anywhere near the center console. They were low down and sort of in front of my right knee.

Yep I knew that... I'm replying to mojo about the centre console. My other reply is about the switches you're talking about.

Turboman · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
I've only got 3 switches on there... Heated window, hazards, and interior light.

Why not connect it in with heated rear window? They will often be used at the same time.

Mine never had heated window either, hence the space for another switch.

Turboman · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
Yep I knew that... I'm replying to mojo about the centre console. My other reply is about the switches you're talking about.

Apologies. Only just noticed that. In accordance with longstanding tradition, I rarely read the thread!

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

Turboman said:
Why not connect it in with heated rear window? They will often be used at the same time.

Mine never had heated window either, hence the space for another switch.

Yeah that's an idea, but first, I need to find where the wires are. Or start again with new wires

Turboman · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
Yeah that's an idea, but first, I need to find where the wires are. Or start again with new wires

Look at a wiring diagram. All the connections are usually there on the loom, they just need wiring to the switch.

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

Turboman said:
Look at a wiring diagram. All the connections are usually there on the loom, they just need wiring to the switch.

After 14 previous owners, almost nothing on this poor old girl matches up to original specs and layouts, but I'll look it up.

Turboman · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
After 14 previous owners, almost nothing on this poor old girl matches up to original specs and layouts, but I'll look it up.

Sadly, that is a common problem on old landrovers, and has been for many years.

Sometimes it is easier to put things back to standard as much as possible. And the parts to do this are often available secondhand.

bluedog333 · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
I'll have to take the (after market) centre console cover plate off and have a look. Maybe the PO that installed it just covered it up if I'm lucky.

What do you have on the centre console? Should be rear wash/wipe; clock; and cigar lighter.

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

bluedog333 said:
What do you have on the centre console? Should be rear wash/wipe; clock; and cigar lighter.

Someone fitted one of those metal centre consoles over the top. It's fairly modular so I'll open it in the morning and take a peek at the old console behind. Fingers crossed.

bluedog333 · Oct 31, 2017

HeywoodFloyd said:
Someone fitted one of those metal centre consoles over the top. It's fairly modular so I'll open it in the morning and take a peek at the old console behind. Fingers crossed.

You might get lucky and the old wiring’s there somewhere! I’ve got a spare, original, switch and clock panel if you wanted to revert back.

HeywoodFloyd · Oct 31, 2017

bluedog333 said:
You might get lucky and the old wiring’s there somewhere! I’ve got a spare, original, switch and clock panel if you wanted to revert back.

Good to know cheers!

Flossie · Oct 31, 2017

You may find that the dash 'shelf' has been cut away to accommodate the after market panel and you won't be able to fit the original part unless you source another lower dash.

HeywoodFloyd · Nov 1, 2017

Flossie said:
You may find that the dash 'shelf' has been cut away to accommodate the after market panel and you won't be able to fit the original part unless you source another lower dash.

Well an alternative is to locate the old wiring (assuming it's still under there somewhere, and wire it up to a new switch on the after market panel. It has enough blimmin' blank spaces for more switches, might as well make use of them.

Rear Wipers on an old 90

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