Windscreen wipers permanently on!

Post by **Geraldine** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 5:17 pm

Hi, seems to be one thing after another at the moment!
Have just sorted out the indicators with a new flasher unit, got in to drive today and I can't switch the wipers off. Most embarrassing when it's about 25 degrees and sunny!
Just wondered what the most likely cause is, am rather a beginner at fixing things at the moment.

Post by **PSL184** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 6:06 pm

Did you disconnect any wires when you were changing your flasher unit? Maybe you took some off the fusebox and put them back in the wrong place?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:28 pm

Must have done something - too much of a coincidence!
Take the fuse out meantime - don't let them drag on the screen - will burn out motor and probably scratch the screen too!

Post by **Geraldine** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:14 am

Thanks for replies, when I replaced the flasher unit I didn't do anything to the fusebox, I just plugged the new unit in.
Before this the wipers wouldn't "park" in the right position, they would stop in the middle of the screen, so maybe something wrong anyway. Would taking out the fuse stop other things working? Guess I will have to disconnect them for the moment, as I need to use the car tomorrow, at least the weather forecast is dry fo next week!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:22 pm

Yes - same fuse for brake lights (so that's worrying) and flashers. You can take the wires off the wiper motor - and tape them up so they don't touch each other - or earth. The will run constantly if the self-parking arrangement is not working - so check that out - read it up in the Manual!

Post by **Geraldine** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:20 am

Thanks for your help, my husband had a look at it yesterday and managed to get them to switch off a couple of times with the dashboard switch but took quite a few attempts. So at the moment they are off and still connected.
Will go and study the manual!

Post by **David53** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 11:21 am

If you could get them to turn on and off with the switch but only intermittently then my money's on the switch.

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:04 pm

The windscreen wipers are wired with the switch on the earth side of the circuit, that is the live feed goes direct to the wiper and the switch cuts off the feed to earth. Therefore if there is a loose connection between the wiper motor and the switch which is earthing out this will cause the wipers to keep running until the ignition is switched off.
Adjustment of the self park is by loosening the screws holding the top of the wiper motor and rotating the central circular plate until you achieve the best parking position. Then tighten the screws. This self parking system is also circuited to earth and if permanently live could be the problem. Remove the central cap and examine for any damage or short circuits.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:59 pm

See Barry's wonderful clear diagram at the top of this section!