Right Headlight Wiper Malfunctioning

[99SL5]

99 SL 500

When I used the the headlight wipers this morning the right wiper got stuck in the upright position and the washer pump continued running until I turned off the lights. I shut off the car and then tried the headlight washers again. The left operates normally, the right doesn't move and there is no washer fluid is being squirted. I removed and re-inserted the # 2 fuse and the right wiper returned to the proper position but but ultimately got stuck in the same position when I ran the headlight cleaners. I pulled the wiper away from the headlight so I know it is not getting caught anywhere on the lens.

Thanks for any help

[LeaUK]

Please feel free to use the search utility

Try here

[99SL5]

Thanks for the reply. I actually read that thread before I posted my question. I didn't think it was the same problem. Bwheitman and jjrodger both said that the wipers would continue to run while the head lights are on. My wipers stopped but the washer fluid pump continued to run. The information about the recall doesn't apply to me either since the last year for the recall was 94 and mine is a 99. jjrodger replaced the motor to correct his problem. My motor seems OK since I can get it to move. The HCS relay seems plausible but where do I find that?

[LeaUK]

This campaign has been initiated because MBAG has determined that if the headlamp washer system is activated with the headlamp wiper arm misaligned (i.e. headlamp wiper arm does not return to a horizontal park position) or lodged in the groove below the headlamp unit, the headlamp washer pump will run continuously expelling all available headlamp washer fluid and possibly leading to a vehicle fire.

WARNING! Headlamp washer pump operation without the presence of washer fluid can cause the headlamp washer pump to overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
A modified headlamp washer pump has been designed.

Your wiper's position detection either needs adjusting or has failed. With the wiper in an incorrect position the fluid pump will continue expelling water no matter what age you car is. This article talks of a safety hazard which due to the age of your car isn't a problem for you, but the mechanism is the same.

[jjrodger]

My left wiper continued to run. I'm not really sure what my right wiper did; I think it was stuck in the upright position. Your problem sounds identical to mine. The fix is not horrendous. The part is $171 and you need to remove the headlamp to fit. In the meantime you can pull the connection to the headlamp washer pump so you can use your lights without losing all your washer fluid.

[LeaUK]

JJ

Which part did MB replace out of interest??