ml 320 rear wiper - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

richard28 · #1 03-07-2003, 12:19 PM

Wouldn't you know it. During the NE snowstorm yesterday the rear wiper on my '98 ml320 stopped in the 8 oclock position. It wouldnt move after i restarted the car or today. I can't tell if the dashboard switch feels different. Pls advise, & if the motor needs replacing how is it done or should I take it to the dealer? Thanks for the help.

elau · #2 03-07-2003, 05:46 PM

I would check the fuse first. It just happened to my W124. I turned on the wiper to get rid of the snow on the windshield and the wiper stopped and stuck in the middle. I thought I burned the motor at first but it was a blown fuse after all.

tabo · #3 03-08-2003, 04:39 AM

Under warranty, because it was getting loud.. but it never stopped on me!

DR.DIESEL · #4 03-08-2003, 01:24 PM

there is also a relay mounted right to the motor.
the fuse either blew or the shaft siezed to the tube (common)
good luck

Gilly · #5 03-08-2003, 04:47 PM

Richard:
Was the rear wiper motor getting noisy prior to it quiting, or you think it was just a sudden failure? I've replaced loads of rear wiper motors on ML's, but the usueal problem was a complaint about a squawking noise when it was operating. Either that or the rear washer nozzle broke off the end of the shaft, which also requires motor replacement.
The hardest part of replacing it is removing the inner tailgate trim. You also need to remove the wiper arm, which can be seized on there pretty good, but a carefullt placed channel-lock pliers (not a vice grip) will usually do the job. Once this is done, you'll see the three bolts holding the wiper motor to the tailgate. The wiper arm shaft passes right through the glass, comes off real nice. The relay Dr D mentioned will come with the new motor.
I've had very little trouble with the rear wiper other than the 2 problems I already mentioned.

Gilly

richard28 · #6 03-10-2003, 09:52 AM

There was no noise, it just stopped. Is the fuse to check located in the tailgate or in a fusebox ( which one?). Thanks.

Gilly · #7 03-10-2003, 10:50 PM

No fuse in the tailgate, all in the fuse box under the hood on a 98

Gilly

richard28 · #8 03-11-2003, 10:26 AM

Thanks Gilly; I'll check over the weekend & report back. BTW, do you know which fuse number this is or is there an identification card in the fuse box? I haven't checked the ML fuses before, only the ones on my 300e. Thanks again.

tabo · #9 03-11-2003, 12:14 PM

The fuse box is located on the drivers side of the engine in the middle. It is held on by two clips in the font. The fuse locations are clearly written on the fuse box panel. The relays are also located there as well.

richard28 · #10 03-11-2003, 12:20 PM

Thanks; I'll report back.

richard28 · #11 03-24-2003, 10:53 AM

You all were right on the money. Opened the fuse box, found the fuse per the instructions & replaced the blown fuse. It took two minutes, & the best part is that my wife now is willing to believe that I know what I'm doing ( with the help of Gilly & the rest of the wonderful forum participants). Thanks guys, you're the best. Rich

tabo · #12 03-24-2003, 12:09 PM

everytime there is something happens to your car check the fuses first! because usually thats the culprit =P you just saved yourself $100/ hour at mercedes =)

richard28 · #13 03-24-2003, 12:25 PM

Thanks again , Tabo. A word to the wise......

elau · #14 03-24-2003, 11:05 PM

Good to hear it was a blown fuse. I learned from this forum - when thing breaks, check the minor stuff first and go from there. Mechanical parts usually break down in stages, while electrical parts break down in a flash.