misbehaving wiper
 

Having some intermittent problems with my 124 wipers (no pun intended!)

On one car, the wiper sometimes switches itself on for no reason, or occasionally when the turn signal is used. It only stops when the control is turned to full on, then off again.

On the other, when using the intermittent switch, sometimes the wiper sweeps continually as if it is in position 1.

I realise this is most likely due to bad connections in the switch, so what I'd like to know is whether its possible to strip the switch arm down for cleaning, and if so, where would I start?

Or is this a problem due to a faulty relay, in which case can it be cleaned or should it be replaced?

This is happening to my wife's C280. The wiper cycles sporadically but more frequently when the left turn signal is on. Hope we get some tech advice on this.

Tim

I would agree the problem seems to be in the stalk/multi switch. The hard part is usually getting to it although I have not worked on a Mercedes one. I was recently quoted a price from the dealer for a new one for my C230 and it was pretty reasonable I thought. Something like 79.00. Mine is electrically fine but just mechanically sticky. In my experience with worn switches, sensors, senders etc on cars, it is unlikely that you will be able to service the assembly. If it is worn it has suffered subtle wear in some small areas that will be hard or impossible for you to improve. Even if you were able to get it working better, it likely would not be a lasting repair. I would quote out a new one and see how hard it would be to install. However, it is hard to say for sure without seeing the wiring diagram. I would guess that if it is worn it will exhibit some looseness. The activation when you use the turn signal seems to be a big clue but might not be what it seems. Sorry if this isn't really much help.

Hmm. I've seen it too
 

Yep, I am having an interesting and similar problem.

Turn on headlights - wipers engage
activate horn - wipers engage

This is intermittant, not constant. I am hoping it is a relay issue, and not the botched grounding issue that I've read a bit about here.

Any thoughts?

Maybe it's a new prototype from M-B.............cutting down the amount of switches that are needed ?
:D

did this problem get solved? How?

my wipers just quit working. Bright and dim lights are OK. I believe it to be the combination switch, but might be relay or something else? If combination switch, did you have it replaced? How hard to DIY?

nope. problem still there and haven't fixed it yet. Mainly because it isn't bugging me enough yet and I've had other bits to fix first. Also because the stalk doesn't look like it comes apart for cleaning and the nature of the problem leads me to suspect its a bad contact deep in the innards. I know from experience that its hard to disassemble worn switches and make them work right again so looks like the only fix is to buy a new stalk.

now if I could only figure out a way to get the wiper to wipe clean right in front of my eyes instead of creating a juddering smear I could live with any amount of unpredicability from the wiper switch. :)

(i think I just jacked my own thread there, doh!)

simmo300e

I am uncertain about the cause of your sporadic electrical portion of your wipers .... but regarding the skipping part ....

Be sure your wiper rubber inserts are new and if the blades (the portion that the rubber insert are held by to the arm have not been replaced recently you might want to just go ahead and get a new one. Be sure that the blade is perpendicular to the glass so that coming or going the rubber will flip flop easily and evenly.

Also check the metal arm that comes from the center pivot. Make sure it is not twisted (common on older cars).

Often if all above are good, that using a good cleaner such as ammonia and a plastic scrubbee to clean accumulated gunk and wax off the windshield will get your glass and wipers back to proper operation again.

Haasman

The erratic action on the wipers on my wife's 97 C280 was fixed by replacing the turn signal plate.

Tim

wiper smear solved
 

adding Rain-X to my washer mixture cured the dragging blade problem