Windscreen Wiper Problem

[Bon]

Hello to you all, first post on this site so go easy on me!!

I have just got rid of my beloved Civic Type R and bought a cheap run around in the form of a mk3 Golf Match.

The car will be great once it's received some much needed TLC. One of its problems is the wipers only work on the high speed setting and don't budge on the intermittent, wash/wipe or slower setting. Further more the ruddy things stop dead when you turn the sitch off again wherever they are on the 'screen.

I've almost perfected the art of getting them to stop at the bottom of the screen but would much rather they did this themselves!!

My first thought was it's the motor that's knackered so tonight I've had the wiper motor cover off and stuck a multi-meter on the terminals and tried the different switch settings. I've got a good 12V on the outer 2 terminals (Brown and Black/Grey) at all times, a good 12V when the switch is on the fast setting on the Brown wire and the next terminal in from the Black/Grey, but nothing on the remaining 2 terminals on the corresponding speeds.

This would suggest (stop me if I'm wrong) that the motor is fine and there's a problem getting the signal to the motor.

Can anyone back this up or offer any advice. I suppose my next attempt will involve changing the relay??

[Bon]

For those of you who suffer a similar problem to this, it turned out to be the relay that was shot.

Got a new 'un on Saturday, fitted it and all my wiping functions (!) have returned.

[taostream]

Hi Bon
Just noticed your post about your mk3 Golf wiper problems. Seems I have a similar issue, except I can't get high speed to work, which is dodgy in heavy rain.

I've only just bought the car so I'm not familiar with what the wiper armature control positions are but looking at the handbook tells me that there should be two positions upwards (1 = quick wipe (slow) and 2 = fast wipe constant) could you tell me if this is right?

How difficult is a new relay to fit?

Thanks in advance. All the best
Taostream

[read5458]

Hi Bon
Just noticed your post about your mk3 Golf wiper problems. Seems I have a similar issue, except I can't get high speed to work, which is dodgy in heavy rain.

I've only just bought the car so I'm not familiar with what the wiper armature control positions are but looking at the handbook tells me that there should be two positions upwards (1 = quick wipe (slow) and 2 = fast wipe constant) could you tell me if this is right?

How difficult is a new relay to fit?

Thanks in advance. All the best
Taostream

Look for relay number 20. Should be bottom row, 2nd in from left. Also look and check fuse F4, it should be a 15A fuse.

If the fuse isn't blown, I suggest you replace the relay.

[taostream]

Look for relay number 20. Should be bottom row, 2nd in from left. Also look and check fuse F4, it should be a 15A fuse.

If the fuse isn't blown, I suggest you replace the relay.

Thanks very much for that, read5458. I'll check.
Cheers
Taostream

[Bon]

Read 5458 is correct with the locations, but the actual relay itself has a number 99 printed on it (handy if you get one from a scrap yard).

It sounds like either the relay/fuse has goen, but could also be the motor itself.

To test that, remove the plastic covering at the top of the engine bay and disconnect the motor's wiring connector. Get a multi-meter and test the sockets for a voltage. Keep the negative lead on the negative wire throughout and change where you stick the positive. You should have a constant 12V on the outer 2 and then as you turn the wiper switch to the different settings you should get 12V on the inner positive points at each wiper setting (easier to do rather than describe). If you don't get any voltage on the various settings then the motor isn't receiving a signal and it's the relay/fuse/switch, however if you get a voltage on all, then it's the motor.

Hope that helps, let us know how you get on!

[taostream]

Thanks Bon. Turned out to be the wiper control stalk that was at fault. Confirmed by vw/audi dismantlers in Rustington, West Sussex. One of the guys showed me what the mechanism should do on a mk3 in the yard and it was clear that mine wasn't doing anything like it. I've replaced the defective stalk and now have wipers which will clear the screen in heavy rain

However, since replacing the stalk the airbag test/warning light doesn't go out !! I'm certain I connected everything up properly. Looks like I now have another problem perhaps far more difficult to solve without huge sums of money. Hope to investigate today - with care!!!

Thanks for your help guys. The relay information is useful since those little bundles of electronics are common sources of trouble.

All the Best
Taostream

[tornadored7]

Hi Tao,

Before doing anything too drastic to recheck the airbag connections/system (i.e. removing the airbag again), I'd suggest scanning for any fault codes in VAG-COM, saving/copying all these faults codes, then clearing any airbag related fault codes.

This might clear the airbag warning light.

You may possibly have reconnected the battery at some point without the airbag connected, e.g. to verify indicator stalk/combination switch functionality, thus triggering an airbag fault code, with the consequent airbag warning light on the dash.

Regards,
TR7

[taostream]

....You may possibly have reconnected the battery at some point without the airbag connected, e.g. to verify indicator stalk/combination switch functionality, thus triggering an airbag fault code, with the consequent airbag warning light on the dash.

Regards,
TR7

Thanks TR7. I hate to admit it but that's exactly what I did All too eager as I was to see whether the wipers worked! I took great care over the various electrical connections, wheel and airbag replacement so I don't suspect any component or wiring malfunction (although I can't yet rule out the possibility).

I'd suggest scanning for any fault codes in VAG-COM, saving/copying all these faults codes, then clearing any airbag related fault codes.

I don't have this software/scanner. I guess the scan/code clearance could be expensive to have done at a VAG garage? Looks like my plan to save some cash in doing the wiper stalk replacement has backfired....could you tell me what's involved in buying and using the DIY kit.

Grateful thanks in advance
Taostream

[tornadored7]

Hi Tao,

You won't necessarily need to purchase or borrow VAG-COM. The VWAudiForum community should be able to help.

Depending upon your location, you should be able to locate someone reasonable close who is VAG-COM equipped. I'm sure they'll be glad to help, given sufficient beverages .

You can use the following thread to determine VAG-COM equipped members and locations;

Vagcom User Locations

then PM (i.e. send a private message) to the appropriate member explaining your position/requirements.

IIRC you are based in West Sussex, which is a little too far from me, otherwise I would have gladly volunteered .

Regards,
TR7