Wiper Motor Woes

[chesney]

Not sure if this is the right bit, but I suspect the problem is electrical.
Wipers do not work! Pull switch, nothing happens. It has happened before, but then Dad just whacked it with a screwdriver and it worked again. That isn't fixing it atm, so any ideas? Just so you know, I am absolutely new to electrics, so if I act like an idiot that's why. I swapped the fuse round, and it didn't change anything. The heater works fine, so I don't think the problem is there. Could it be a stuck armature? Has anyone got a test I could do with a voltmeter? I have got a spare in unknown condition I could swap it with. Sorry for the number of questions, but I think I need my wipers in this weather

[bmcecosse]

Battery not flat - engine running ? Do they not even attempt to go if you 'help' them with your hand ? If not - and other ignition controlled items are working - I suppose first check is at the switch. But the fact they responded before to a thump suggests the brushes are badly worn/stuck. To access them - with the Ign OFF - remove the end section of the motor and they will be obvious. If they are worn - try the brushes from your spare!

[chesney]

Funny you should say that BMC, yesterday went to drop something off, didn't leave lights on or anything, was gone a minute, got back, battery flat, just enough to meekly turn the starter. Push starting in the rain on your own is not fun! I should point out that all tests were done with a charged battery, engine running, wet screen. And no, pushing them along has no effect, there is nothing there (electrically of course) Looks like I have to go to the workshop then! To test the switch can I simply take the two wires from the back of the switch and join them?

[bmcecosse]

Yes - that would do....but it is v unlikely to be the switch. It will be brushes - and it's a very simple 'fix' - no 'workshop' required.

[chesney]

Well I have the other motor, but its a completely different design. The square box where the armature sits (i think ) is circular on this one, so not sure if the bushes will fit...
Also, did the 'wire' test, and when I joined them, i got a spark? Unusual. Now she sat in the drive with the battery disconnected.

[bmcecosse]

Ah - so not really a spare. Spark means the motor assembly is jammed - so off with the top cover and lift out the rack drive. Then try the motor without any load. Also - try manual push-pull on the rack cable - do the wipers move ??

[chesney]

Off to try that now then BMC Thanks. It came off a working car, but it was hardly stock. Will post a piccy in due course.
I had a chance to speak to my pal who is a mechanic at a show today. He wondered since, because these self park, and it is jammed, it was trying to self park, even with the ign off and draining the battery? Sound feasable?

[mike.perry]

Why were you push starting it? The manufacturers thoughtfully supplied a starting handle

[chesney]

The manufacturers missed mine
Investigation concludes that the wheelbox and the cable seem free enough, but I couldn't get the bit that drives the wheel (sorry ) to move, looks like a problem of the armature area. I'll let my more experienced father take that apart, when he is back from his show

[chesney]

Also, this is what my spare looks like
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-14W-LUCAS ... 124wt_1041
So it is from a mini - despite being on my minor

[bmcecosse]

Yes -that's your spare - which you say is not the same as the one on the car?

[chesney]

No, it's not the same. When I say it was on my minor, I was referring to the other minor. Now I think on, I remember it was cable tied to the minor it came off. I don't suppose there is a chance it will work on a minor is there?

[bmcecosse]

Of course it will (caveat on the wiper sweep angle) - you just need to make up suitable bracketry -and probably modify the wiring since it is likely a two speed motor,

[chesney]

Lovely! Just need a 3 way switch then! It has a block connector, but also has 3 homemade wires sticking out of the armature casing which I think is how the previous owner got it to work. I just assumed it was stock, as it was connected to the wiper assy with the circlip and everything!

[chesney]

Time for an update. Bad news.
I got Dad to lift the cover, and in very simple terms, it seems the brushes have fallen out and locked the armature up, which has somehow managed to burn out the motor. No sign of the little spring that pulls them together, and it has only one of the 'ears' that the spring slots into. Bit of a bummer as I was about to buy a recon one from one of the many suppliers, but since it is missing the spring and isn't complete, I don't know if they will accept mine and give me back my surcharge

[onion]

but since it is missing the spring and isn't complete, I don't know if they will accept mine and give me back my surcharge

I thought they accepted them as long as they weren't beyond repair? (at least thats what ESM says) I'm sure a missing spring is an easy enough fix for them.
Might be wrong though, never done the surcharge stuff before.

[chesney]

Think i'll give them a ring tomorrow morning and explain the situation. Then they can't say they have received a faulty one and can't give me back my surcharge (well they can, but at least I'll have the 'moral highground' )