Wipers not "summer" parking; any advice welcome.

[svxistentialist]

On my '95 UK car I recently noticed that the wipers are stuck permanently in the winter position. Whichever position the switch is turned to, it does not matter, they always park high.

Can any of the erudite electrical people give me an idea what to look for? Could it be a fuse or a bad earth [The passenger {LHS} front window has also stopped working]?

Is there a control box/computer for the wipers? If so, where is it situated?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[SoCal LS-L]

I would say they are unrelated..... There is a control unit for the wipers, unsure where it exactly is though, you can trace the wires from the switch directly to it. My best guess would be dirty switch contacts, if you can, buy some electrical parts cleaner in the spray can and hose it out, or at least resistance test it to make sure the internals are contacting while its pressed in and seperating while its out. Good luck!

[svxistentialist]

Thanks Chris, I'll try that.

[Trevor]

The wiper parking position select switch is of simple SP on/off configuration which has one contact with a lead to ground, so as to ground the other lead when closed/on. It will be a simple matter to check the switch and circuit. The ground lead should be black.

The motor incorporates two limit switches, which would provide two selectable park positions. One of the limit switches will be overridden so as to achieve extra travel for the concealed parking position. All circuits terminate at the wiper control unit so that the actual arrangement can not be ascertained.

It would appear logical to have both limit switches in the ground leg of the motor circuit, and the selector switch arranged to ground the second limit switch to open. As a result the motor would continue to run until the second opened. However automotive electrics are seldom logical and complication is the norm. An interposing relay within the control module, would allow the designer all sorts of options to play with.

P.S. I can see no relationship between the B+ supply to the wiper and window circuits, but both could possibly share the same ground point.

[svxistentialist]

Thanks Trevor

I have to bring my RVR to the dealer today to have the rear brakes fettled for our compulsory test. When I have that sorted I will have a tinker with the wiper set-up on the SVX.

Knock on wood, my #1 car called Jersey Girl has all circuits and lights and bulbs working perfectly. Everything. That car has only 40K on her, and she feels tight when driving, no problems there at present.

The '95 car is the one in my sig pic below, it has 90K miles and is in generally very good condition, though not showroom. I'm going to fix the few minor problems and sell that one. Although I run her on a regular basis and take care of her, I'm coming around to the conclusion she might be better off with a new owner that will use her everyday and keep all things ship-shape on a full-time basis.

I'll let you know what I find.

Joe

[SURTEESS]

Just had to take my RVR in to get replacement front window fitted - stone chip gone bad, overnight the crack went from 1/2 inch to about 6 inches!!! (lucky I got free glass cover).