washer wiper problem c180 ptrl 2003

[hatter]

Hi all

I have a washer wiper problem with my c180 where it will only activate on third request and I have tried filling / flushing the bottle but yet this makes no difference.It works every time but not until third press....

Nct/pmo advises me their test will fail car with this problem as its called for on the report sheet. My car bi-yearly check is scheduled for jan 09!!!

Assuming it's a simple motor , where is the intelligence that controls the activation ( 3 times etc ) .I am not a mechanic , is this easy to replace if its the motor / other .

thanks

H

 

[television]

we have had a few post on this and the 3 times push of late.

Not sure if we got to the bottom of it, and I will do some checking

 

[rpe2]

Mrs E's does the same.

Can't fathom it either.

 

[jberks]

Does the pump operate each time or is quiet until the 3rd press? Just wondering whether its a valve problem and it's draining back to the tank.

On the same vein, my rain sensor goes to sleep sometimes. One min it's fine, jumping into life every so often, then I'm sat waiting for the screen to clear and it doesn't. The washer no longer works at this point either and neither does the single wipe (part press of the washer). I have to select off or constant and then switch back at which point it's fine again.
Reported it a couple of times to the dealer but of course it's working perfectly when they see it. They did allegedly replace something but it's no different.
Ideas?

 

[television]

Does the pump operate each time or is quiet until the 3rd press? Just wondering whether its a valve problem and it's draining back to the tank.

On the same vein, my rain sensor goes to sleep sometimes. One min it's fine, jumping into life every so often, then I'm sat waiting for the screen to clear and it doesn't. The washer no longer works at this point either and neither does the single wipe (part press of the washer). I have to select off or constant and then switch back at which point it's fine again.
Reported it a couple of times to the dealer but of course it's working perfectly when they see it. They did allegedly replace something but it's no different.
Ideas?

Isnt this where the contacts need cleaning on the stalk

 

[jberks]

Isnt this where the contacts need cleaning on the stalk

I don't know - good idea though. I guess I'm falling into the same trap as the mechanics. Assuming its a controller or bus issue when it could easily be a simple mechanical problem. It does make sense I guess as twisting the switch in either direction does wake it up but pressing it doesn't.
Is this a diy task? Whats the chances of being able to strip the stalk down without having springs and metal contacts fly out from every direction?

 

[television]

The switch can be cleaned without dismantling, the aerosols push it right in and many have done it

 

[hatter]

Hi All,

When out to the car and turned the ignition key to the full on position without actually turning engine on.Then tried to listem for washer wiper motor , but actually the wipters nothong would work .Turned ignityion key off and back on again.This time the washer still would not work at all no matter how manytimes I pressed but then I tired the actual wipers then selves which worked this time and when I returned the wipers to the off position I tried the washer again and yes this time it worked , but every second time and somnetime first time .

i THEN TRUNED ON ENGINE - AND PROBLEM IS BACK TO 3 TIME PROBLEM - VERY ODD INDEED .

H

 

[jberks]

The switch can be cleaned without dismantling, the aerosols push it right in and many have done it

Thanks Malcolm - I have a maplin contact cleaner aerosol (somewhere) will that do the trick or do I need something else?

Hatter - it sounds similar to my issue - dead switch, fittle with it a bit and it comes to life. Maybe it's worth trying Malcolms suggestion. Looks like I will be.

 

[Dec]

Don’t know if your cars would be the same set up as my W202 but on the W202 the push in washer/wiper goes through the relay which is the N10? I think. So it is a toss up between the stalk and the relay, you could have a fiddle with the stalk first as that won’t cost anything. This is for a W202, don’t know how similar yours will be.

Dec

 

[Loxy]

Hi Guys, I am new to your excellent forum (ive just bought a C270 estate) so be gentle with me

My washer system was also doing the same so I emptied the bottle then filled with hot water and then ran it through the system until no more soap suds were evident, after a while every press of the button resulted in the screen being sprayed (even after a 45second wait), left it overnight & all was well, refilled with water & screen wash & immediately it was back to the 3 push to work mode again, my guess is that there is a non-return valve somewhere (or maybe in the pump?) that has got dirt or dried screen wash in it so when water only is used it can seal however with the screenwash it results in a soapy mixture that isnt as good at sealing the valve???
So I will try to use plain water again & run it though the system some more to see it that will fix it otherwise will try and remove bottle & pump to check it over.

 

[argonite]

My 2002 C270 is in the stealership at the moment, having this same problem sorted out under warranty. I'll let you know what they've done!

Will

 

[rpe2]

Thanks Will, will be good to bottom this one out.

 

[rpe2]

Hi Will,

Did the stealership get to the bottom of this problem?

Thanks

 

[BlackC55]

Check the pipes routed near the battery. I suspect they are being kinked when the bonnet is closed. They have to be placed in a certain way.

 

[argonite]

Sorry it's taken so long to reply.

Stealership were rubbish. Have no idea what's causing it. In the end they thought it might be a part which wasn't covered by my approved used Merc warranty, and they wanted me to pay £250, so I left it. Passed its MOT, so that's all I was really worried about.

I'd still be very pleased to know what to do to fix it!

Will

 

[rpe2]

Agreed, Mrs E's still does it. Have checked pump, pipe routing etc..

Thanks for posting back.

 

[Celtic pride]

Mine does it too!!

I thought it was something to do with heated jets - mine has done it all the time I have owned it. It passed it's MOT three weeks ago too.

Huw

 

[The mallard]

I know this is an old thread, but i found it because I also have the 3 push fault. 2003 W203, press the end of stalk and the washer motor runs momentarily then stops, press again, momentary run then stop. Third press works normally. I have now developed the habit of 3 quick presses to use the washer. But, once it is working, it continues to work properly for that journey.

Did anyone ever get to the root cause. I was thinking faulty relay, but not sure.

Anyone/

 

[rpe2]

Still no closer

A mars bar to the 1st answer that solves it.