123 wipers (and washers) inop

[mnorton]

Could anyone shed light on why my wipers are now inop? Is there a relay somewhere that I can't find? Nothing near the fusebox, however the terminal and fuse on the fusebox is live.

Thanks in advance

I had a problem with the wipers on my 123 wagon some time ago--they wouldn't shut off. My mechanic friend suggested taking out the relay and banging it on the work bench. I did this and the problem was solved!

The relay is located behind the instrument cluster--as I recall, there are a few other relays. Maybe a Haynes manual would tell you which is which. Anyway, if you can pull the cluster, you can see them easily. You could probably see them without pulling it, from underneath. They just unplug. Just a quick bang, not too hard, and see what happens.

I assume that you've checked the fuse first, of course.

Joe B.

[Ken300D]

The wiper equipment on these cars is VERY sensitive to fuse corrosion. And I don't mean visible corrosion either, simply discoloration.

Take the fuse out for the wipers and clean it with fine sandpaper or file until the metal contacts are shiny.

This will likely solve the problem. Repeat every six months (it seems) or as necessary.

Ken300D

[mnorton]

After all that it WAS the fuse. Obviously I checked that both ends showed live, but I replaced it anyway and the wipers started working, so thanks for advice. Actually, this has happened on another circuit and I replaced a 'working' fuse and the circuit was operational. Check there's gas in the tank, is the lesson learned.