I just wanted to share some information regarding the delay wiper systems on our cars. As you all know there is only one delay setting which is either too short or too long, but hardly ever right.
I purchased a Volkswagen wiper delay relay from ebay for about $10 which allows you to “program” your delay time by flicking your wipers to the delay mode for one wipe, then back off for your “time span” and then back to delay, and it will hold that time setting.
I have successfully installed this into my 97 850, which only takes 5 minutes to do. There is a relay panel under the dash above the left foot, which also has the chime unit (a good time to rip this annoying thing out). simply unplug your old unit and plug in the new one.
The VW/Audi part number for this relay is 1HM955531A
(See attached image). I am sure if you are around a wrecking yard you can pull one out of any 1992+ VW and it will work. My relay has 9.9 written on the top in big white numbers, so it should be easy to identify it in the fuse box of a VW.
erikv11 »
I just moved the delay relay from the wrecked wagon to my other one. The relay I have is made by KAE (Kaehler) and only programs the way I described. Probably the more common Bosch relays (Bosch: 0 986 335 058, like the 99 relay from VWs and that IPD sells), only program the other way like JRL describes.
eBay or a junkyard is usually the cheapest source for the VW part.
rspi »
Just picked up a wiper relay out of an old VW Passant wagon from the jy and installed it today. It was one with the 99 on it. It works great. I have semi small hands so I didn’t have to remove the kick plate like iPd recommended. I just pulled the relay 204 on the corner, then removed the wiper relay 203. I was able to install the VW relay by feel, however, my car had NO relays in the 202 slot (not sure what that slot is for).
Once installed, I did like JRL said, on and right back off, then on when needed again and it kept that dime delay. One thing I did notice is that I WAS able to reset the time when I turned it off for longer than 5 seconds. Which is good.
While messing around, I learned that the wipers do work with the relay removed. The only thing is that they do not intermit nor do they park. So if you have wipers that do not park, you may have a bad relay.
Delay wiper upgrade for 850 / V70 models
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Last Updated on July 28, 2024
2 Comments
My wipers had the problem of either staying on nonstop or off all together. The fix at the time was removing and replacing relay. They now won’t work at all. I then purchased a new relay and still don’t work. I officaly have no windshield wipers and i live in Oregon on the coast with lots of rain. My back rear windshield wiper works so i am thinking it is not the control arm on stearing wheel. Any ideas my volvo is a 2002 v70 thanks for help or ideas i just purchased this car and have had many issues but don’t have any other options. Just need it to function safely. Next issue is wheel speed sensor and heater and a couple other minor problems.
Nice tip – thanks for posting