Wipers not working

Post by **Rustuponmyhands** » 02 Jun 2008, 16:37

Had an intermittent fault with the windscreen wipers but,alas, now they are not working at all.
The fuses are all intact.
I have changed the switch on the steering column - no joy.
Cleaned the earth 'crowns' - no joy.
Sprayed WD40 on all the wiring (this is about the limit of my electrics knowledge) including on the wiper motor - no joy.
The bus is a 1982 Devon 2l Aircooled.
Does this mean a new wiper motor? Any help appreciated.

Post by **Poseidon** » 02 Jun 2008, 16:55

Check the X-load relay. I had the same happen, it was just the relay that failed.. Your haynes manual will tell you which one it is...

Post by **Rustuponmyhands** » 02 Jun 2008, 18:40

Much obliged.
I've got the Haynes manual on order - decided to bite the bullet and get one (my mechanical skills are below the stated one spanner level) - hope the x relay thing is in the index......

Post by **Poseidon** » 02 Jun 2008, 20:44

ok, just had a quick check, the relay is the X-contact (load reduction) which can be found in position 8 on your fuse box (see pic)

From what I remember my fan blower switch also didn't function with this relay blown. (although I'm not sure if Aircooled has a blower switch..

Another check to see if its the motor is to remove the glove box and look up underneath, you'll see the wiper assembly. I put 12v on to this using a + feed, the motor turned, so I eliminated that..

Hope this helps.

Tim

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Post by **splity61** » 03 Jun 2008, 18:39

The wiper spindles have a habit of seizing, take the wiper arms off. remove the plastic slieve, undo the 17mm nut then remove the plastic body seal. you then have a bare spindle. Spray with WD40 and leave. With the glove box removed, gently tap the wiper motor. Try tis a few times it might work. failing that a new motor is needed. Its a fiddly job. Not sure if you can refurb the system with the dash in. I did mine whilst the dash was out to change the blower motor. If you do refurb make sure to take the spindles apart and give them a good clean and grease. Also put the new motor on as it says in the manual, I put mine back and they did a great job of wiping the front panel and did nowt for the screen!!! As my wife said, 'they put instructions in for a purpose!!!!!'
Have fun.

Post by **Rustuponmyhands** » 03 Jun 2008, 19:15

Thanks for the information, it is much appreciated.
I've had another look at the fuse box. Unlike the diagram, there are only two relay blocks (?) fitted on the fuse box and none appear to be connected to the wiper fuse. I've taken a photograph of the layout - but alas my computer skills are the same as my mechanical skills, so cannot fix it to this post.
You're right about there not being a blower fitted (we just open the window on warm days and wrap up on cold ones!).
I'll try tapping the motor as well (gleam in my eye as I look for the biggest hammer I have.....).