Rain-sensitive wipers

[cdf]

I seem to have a previously unsuspected extra feature on my 1995 SL320 - a windscreen wiper that stops working in the wet. Come the rain, it will run at high speed setting only (not regular or intermittent), though it can sometimes be coaxed into regular after switching from high.

I've had the control stalk checked and the wiper motor replaced, but the "feature" remains. Jiggling the stalk sometimes seems to get some action but usually results in the wiper parking at random positions on the screen.

Any ideas?

 

[television]

I seem to have a previously unsuspected extra feature on my 1995 SL320 - a windscreen wiper that stops working in the wet. Come the rain, it will run at high speed setting only (not regular or intermittent), though it can sometimes be coaxed into regular after switching from high.

I've had the control stalk checked and the wiper motor replaced, but the "feature" remains. Jiggling the stalk sometimes seems to get some action but usually results in the wiper parking at random positions on the screen.

Any ideas?

I think that it could be the stalk,the only other thing is the N10 multi relay, get some one to blanket solder ther whole thing.

malcolm

 

[cdf]

Thanks, Television. Sounds likely, I agree, but how would the stalk be reacting to rain (or damp air)? There does not appear to be any water leak into the steering wheel area.

PS: I assume my repair guy would understand "blanket soldering" - sorry for my ignorance.

 

[television]

Sorry old age means I forget some things, The fuse holders and relay contact are a big source of problems, they should be removed and cleaned with a good contact cleaner. By blanket soldering, it means re flowing every soldered joint on the board, best done by someone in electronics like a TV service man who works from home.

Malcolm

 

[cdf]

Thank you Malcolm - all most helpful. I guess that water is somehow getting into the fuse holders and/or relay contacts. I'll start with cleaning and go from there.

 

[merc-tech]

May not be an electrical problem!!
Sometimes the wiper mechanism sticks and will only work on high speed but that is cured by greasing the wiper linkage.

 

[davidsl500]

Actually, mine has started the very same thing. Always works on high speed because this is the fail safe setting. Sometimes works on slow speed but being speed sensitive it stops when I slow down and doesnt always pick up again. Most irritating, rainex helps !!

 

[merc300e]

Sometimes the rain sensor itself moves very sightly away from the front screen. This gives faults. Try pushing it closer with your hand when its raining. Regards.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

I must say, the whole idea of rain sensitive wipers sounds great.....but int he real world I find it an absolute pain. I would much rather have a manually adjustable delay than let the computer "guess" at how hard it's raining.