Weird problem DISCO2

Dear All,

So I have a problem with my discovery 2 diesel from 2001, where several mechanics dont know what to do next..
My indicator lights, central locking, lighting in the automatic gear knob, are not working.

However, if I turn on the windscreen wiper, everything works. When I turn off my windshield wipers again, everything stops working.
The lights do flash in my speedo cluster, but they don't work and no clicking relays. Windshield wiper on, yes, everything works as it should.

So far done:
- fuse box checked for corrosion and loose contacts
-all fuses checked and replaced
-bcu checked for corrosion and loose contacts
- cabling and plugs checked
- light switch (lever) checked for loose contact points, not the case

This afternoon a mechanic also removed the windscreen wiper arms. When turning the wiper motor out of its ‘zero’ position manually, everything works again.
At zero position of the wiper arms, nothing will work anymore. (Because we were continuing testing, the mechanic also pulled the plug of the windshield wiper lever while the windshield wiper motor was running, putting the arms in the middle)

We have checked the plug of the motor for corrosion, not the case. Also no cable break.

We have removed the plug of the wiper motor. Then nothing works anymore. Even if you turn the wiper lever to "on". So everything works only with the wiper motor rotating.

Before I order all kinds of parts (I have already ordered a new doorlock because we thought it was the problem maker in the first place) I hope you guys can help me out Maybe someone has experienced this once.

Bad earth somewhere ? Its using the wiper circuit as a path to ground ?

Thank tilly2, we checked the earth contacts but they seem fine.
Whats crazy is that its not only the indicators but also the central locking system, and light in shiftknob sleeve

There is a hidden connector that I once had similar trouble from on an early D2 (1999 D2 TD5). It's a single inline plug and socket which was simply not connecting cleanly and is related to the wiper motors. As I recall it's underneath the fuse box (?) near the passenger side bonnet hinge. Making that connection healthy cured all sorts of ills, some similar to those you describe. That took a while to find!

This is a IDM or BCU missbehaviour and you can't rule any of them out other way than changing with a known good one, start with the fusebox cos it doesnt need programming and if no joy go for the BCU

@BoldreChris thanks, I will check this out soon. Can you describe the connector more specific? How many cables on connector?

@sierrafery thanks for the tip. I will check the connection BoldreChris mentioned first. Anybody know where to order a rebuild fusebox? Shipping to the Netherlands? I only found a few on ebay but all are used and who knows if those boxes are better or worser than mine.
Once again thanks for the quick replies! Appreciate it

Just a single wire as I recall. The connector is a white plastic round unit about 4cm long and 1cm diameter. Sorry I can't remember more and my (dead) D2 has a different fuse box layout.

Morice1 said:

So everything works only with the wiper motor rotating.

Click to expand...

That's one heck of a kill switch!

Update;
I replaced fusebox with no succes, problem still there

I de-installed wiper motor, turnen the wheel wiper handel switch on ON, nothing happens. But if I connect a direct 12v + to the red wire on its connector (see picture) coming from inside, everything works perfect. Indicators central locking even works with keyfob.

Is this a BCU issue you guys think?

The radio is working normally?

There is no radio in the car, dont tell me that because of no radio installed, this problem comes up

No i wanted to see if the auxiliary relay is OK or not so better swap R7 with R6 to rule it out, if no change check fusibe link FL7 and F4 , if these are OK then you must rule out the BCU as it seems that it works with backfeed from the wiper motor

@sierrafery thanks but I just replaced AUX relay and checked fuse both are fine, still same problem

Then you have to rule out the BCU cos it's suspect and untill it's not ruled out chasing a wiring issue is inefficient

Hi guys, hereby an update;
I replaces BCU, but same issue.
After 3 espresso’s and just easy thinking I tried to measure which cable gets 12v with and without the backup 12v coming from the wiper. The first cable I tested, I had it! After connecting a 12v to this cable (on fusebox) every issue was resolved. Propably a cable broke somewhere... see picture
Thank you guys for your answers and thinking with me, really appreciate it