1996 C280 - Problem with wiper motor/switch?
 

Here is the problem with our 1996 C280. Recently the windshield wiper started acting very funny and almost sticking in the center position. Sometimes it works fine and then it will slow down and stick again and seems to be far less smooth in its arc than before. I also noticed the wiper switch/stalk is getting hot. We had our local repair shop replace the wiper motor but the problem is still there!

Any ideas?

Thanks

Most likely needs lubing. Easy job. Do a search, as it's been covered many times in various threads. Bewarned, most MB dealers won't lube it, but only replace the entire assembly at a high price.

Sorry but I don't follow what you mean. What is it that you suggest I lube? We have already replaced the wiper motor and it didn't help the problem. Is there something else (linkage?) to lube?

Thanks

mine keeps turning off and on randomly.... anyone know whats causing this

The wipers 'retract' and 'extend' running on 2 guide rods. Those rods are located under the plastic cover on the wiper pivot. They require lubrication periodically. The cover can be removed easily to access the guides. Park the wiper in the middle of the windshield or simply move it by hand. Under each side is a slot (Use a small dental mirror to find them). Use something like a right-angle slot screwdriver to pop the cover using these slots. Lube the guides and put the cover back on. I would suggest a good synthetic grease designed for a wide range of temperatures. Do the procedure once a year as par of your normal maintenance, otherwise increased current draw could fry the motor.

While I'm *positive* you've tried this, make sure you are using a good wiper blade. I put on a $8 cheapie and 1 month later, got the exact same symptoms you describe. I've since switched to Bosch and am doing just fine.

Guys, thanks for all the replies. Here is the current situation:

-First step (wasted money?) was a new wiper motor, which as I stated above, didn't fix the problem.

-Today I removed the plastic cover, cleaned off what little of the old grease was left, and lube all the moving parts with expensive, synthetic, waterproof grease. This did NOT fix the problem :( The wiper is still slow, seems to stick as it moves through it's travel and the wiper stalk on the column still gets hot.

What next? This 1996 C280 only has 118km (73k miles) and I am using a Bosch blade insert.

Thanks

Sorry for the "bump", but can anyone help me with this problem?


TIA,

Are you saying the stalk on the steering column gets hot? If so, you may have a bad contact at the switch. I have never removed this so I can't help you there...good luck

Sorry for the silly question, but where is the "switch"? Do you mean a bad connection to the actual wiper stalk? I would think that a bad connection would cause an intermittant wiper, not a slow and somewhat jerky one.

My symptoms sound the same as others who fixed their problem but cleaning and lubing the wiper shaft...but it didn't work for me :(

Sounds possibly like the switch itself is bad. The switch is a part called the combination or "combi" switch. It controls the wipers, turn signals, and high beam/low beam. It is, in effect, the "stalk", the switch is inside the steering column.
To test the theory I'd find the connector for the wiper motor and try jumping it to battery power and see if it runs normally.

On the lubing process you did, did you lube the shiny shaft that makes the eccentric sweep of the wiper blade (the rod that moves up and down as the wiper sweeps)? I've heard regular transmission fluid is good for lubing the shaft.
Gilly

Guys,

this problem with the wiper just won't go away. I took the car to the local MBZ dealer and they lube the linkage again. Still the same problem!

I tried banging on all the relays behind the fuse box and that didn't seem to make the wiper better or worse.

It does seem to be heat related. If I haven't used the wiper all day it works fine for the first 30sec or so, but after that it starts to slow down and jam.

Any ideas?