220TE Rear Wiper Fault

[Casual Traveller]

I have searched the forum and found I have a common problem.

The single wipe function of the rear wiper does not work. I have traced the fault to the harness on the passenger side as it passes from tailgate to roof, next to the tailgate hinge.

Squeezing the harness at this point did get a couple of sweeps, so I presume there is an internally broken wire ( wire for the single wipe feed ). The continous wipe works OK.

Does anyone know what colour the wire is for the single wipe feed?

My thought is to cut the rubber protector around the harness and then cut the single wipe supply wire back until I find 12 volts and re-splice.

I have pulled the rubber protector out of the roof, but am no longer able to wiggle the wires to make it work.

The other possibility is there there maybe a connector just inside the roof, does anyone know? If there is could you please advise on removal of the plastic panel below the headlining.

Has anyone been through this before and is there a standard method of repair.

All advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanks, Graham.

 

[Myros]

I removed the plastic panel at the weekend.

there are two screws by the windows ( one left, one right) at the front end of the panel. There are four or six, (can't remember), screws at the trailing edge. You also need to remove the rear D pillar plastic housings and light fittings, or at least loosen them enough to disengage the top panel. Loosen those, then carefully slide the top panel back and out. It will flex a bit, but not much, so be careful.
You will find a big block connector up in the roof lining, which you also have to release. 4 plastic lugs, two each side at the front, and a kind of cloth-covered bar which sits under tension at the trailing edge. Pop the plastic lugs out with a penknife/screwie, and you can loosen the rear bar with your fingers. It's fastened at the middle and both ends.
My haynes wasn't easy on wires, so just set the switch to on and test with your Voltmeter ( turn the rear lights off at the dash, otherwise you might get a fasle feed from the tail-lock switch)
Replacing the panel is a pig of a job, and goes easier with two bodies. good job the 124 are big at the back.
Good luck

 

[Bolide]

Replace all the cables as they'll all be failing. Do them one-by-one and use some lubricant to feed them through the rubber boot. Just rejoin them either side of the hinge

The washer pipe fails as well, too, so I'd replace that

That big fibreglass panel is brittle, so watch out

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Casual Traveller]

It's fixed.

My thanks to you both, Myros and Bolide.

Had a go at it today and found two broken wires right at the hinge. In the end, I opted for some key hole surgury in the rubber protector and fed two new wires back to the connector block. Gave the rest of the wires a good pull and they seem ok for now. I would like to renew them all as suggested by Bolide but hope they hold out until it's warmer and not drizzling.

The plastic headliner panel was not easy, it's true. Being honest, I was not able to get the sides of it up into the rubbers of the windows, but am not too worried. It doesn't really notice and it will be easier to take off next time. What is the knack for this?

While I was at it, I realigned the rear wiper arm so it parks horizontally and does not touch the window rubber.

So, everything is groovey. Much obliged.

Graham.

 

[Bolide]

The plastic headliner panel is easy. All you need is four arms each four feet long

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Myros]

I'm glad my skinned knuckles served a purpose

i was going to do my gas struts, but gave up when i couldnt get my fudgy fingers in to fiddle with the clips.