headlight washers

My headlight washers start and continue to run as soon as I turn on my headlights. Any suggestions as to where to start looking?

[speace]

I will presume you have a 129. Somewhere on this board is a thread about the problem including a safety recall.

Here is my understanding of the problem. When a problem occurs that somehow doesn't let the wiper arm return to the home position properly the washer pump will continue to run. If the pump continues to run dry (all fluid pumped out) the pump motor can overheat and possibly cause a fire.

The recall covers the 2 pumps (one windshield, one headlight) and replaces them with ones that somehow won't catch fire if run dry.

My understsanding is that the problem with the pump continuing to run is one of alignment/adjustment. or just plain R&R of the headlight wipers.

Someone please correct me if I've taken the wrong interpretation of the problem and subsequent recall.

Oh! in the mean time you can unplug the wire to the washer pump. The two pumps are attached to the washer fluid reservoir.
I don't recall which of the two is for the headlight washers, but I THINK it is the one on the front of the reservoir (towards the front of the car.) If you get the wrong one your windshield washer will not operate...

Thanks for the input but I don't think that's it. This is an '82 280SL and doesn't have wipers, just washers. You're right that the front washer pump is for the headlight washers and I did unplug it. The washer for the windshield works fine. If you think of another place to look, please let me know

I have an 83 500SL and have the same problem. When I turn on the fog lights, the washer headlight washer comes on and stays on.

I disconnected the front pump to solve the problem for now but would like to get it fixed. I was thinking it might be in the light control switch on the dash, but I'm guessings. It seems like a good place to start unless we hear from others who have solved the same problem

[Don Moranville]

The windshield and headlamp washers were not working on my 92 500SL. I found that both pumps were defective and replaced them. Works fine except headlamp washer pump will not turn off once activated unless electical plug pulled. Anyone have a solution or suggestion?

[speace]

It is my understanding that the headlight washer pump doesn't turn off until the headlight wipers are properly parked. There may be a mechanical issue with the wiper(s). Did they fully return to the park position? If not, can you cycle them once to see if they will park themselves? Remember that they only wipe when the headlights are on and you activate the windshield washer.

If you've replaced both pumps, then it is my understanding that you've effectively taken care of the recall on those pumps. It seems that they were prone to catching fire if left on and continually pumping from a dry reservoir.
I don't think they will reimburse you for your new pumps due to the age of the vehicle. When I inquired about mine they said that it was no longer an "active" recall. The pumps aren't very expensive anyway...

There should still be a post here on the board with the details of the recall.

Many people just unplug the wipers since we don't REALLY need them anyway...

Some forum members are going a step further by removing the wipers and replacing the metal trim with a "Euro?" part that doesn't have the hole in it. This should show up in a search as well.

Mine did stick once or twice a few years ago, but they are connected and working fine now.

Good Luck!

[Don Moranville]

Thanks for info. When I purchased the auto, the washer reservoir was dry and thought this to be the reason washers were not working. But, after filling reservoir, and washers did work, I tested the pumps. They would not spin when 12v. applied and corrosion was evident. As I have stated, after pump replacement, system worked fine except washer pump to lamps will not turn off once activated unless I turn engine off. The wipers appear to return to normal parking position. I am not positive about what is normal parking position but, assume when the blades lie parallel with the bottom of headlamp lens.

[Boudreaux]

Would removing the #11 fuse solve this problem? That is what I did on my car and have had no problems yet. The passenger side wiper never worked except spray the washer fluid all over the lens. The drivers side wiper worked fine. Any comments?