Windshield wiper not working on "intermittent"

kaerlighedsbamsen · Post by **kaerlighedsbamsen** » 21 Oct 2008, 14:39

My 1993 240GL has a problem with the windshield wipers in the intermittent position. Not alle the time but on-off. They work perfect in normal mode.

It seems that the wipers go a little too far up when they should have stopped and then starts moving again - and so over and over gain..

I have located i box on the motor that drives the wipers containing some white discs and contacts. Can the problem be here? (tried the obvious dismantle-clean-adjust-grease-reassembe but no effect)

Other possible solutions..?

Any reply will be gratefully recieved!

Post by **billofdurham** » 21 Oct 2008, 15:40

It is possible that the intermittent wipe relay is starting to fail. It is behind the driver's side kick panel.

The other thing that comes to mind is the parking switch in the wiper motor. \if that is the problem then you are looking at a new motor as you have done the only service/repair that is possible on these units. Parts are as rare as hen's teeth.

Bill.

kaerlighedsbamsen · Post by **kaerlighedsbamsen** » 22 Oct 2008, 16:27

Any idear on how to test the relay?

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Oct 2008, 07:16

You can try giving the relay a hard flick with your finger and see if it starts to work properly. If it does you need a new relay.

The only way I know to test a relay is to substitute it with a known good one of the same type.

Bill.

kaerlighedsbamsen · Post by **kaerlighedsbamsen** » 23 Oct 2008, 08:33

Thanks Bill- you seem to be a walking Volvo-handbook...

Might try to give the parking switch in the wiper-motor a second examination as well. Will return with the results as soon as it is done.

kaerlighedsbamsen · Post by **kaerlighedsbamsen** » 02 Nov 2008, 15:47

Update:

Finding no fault on the intermittent relay i opened the box with the parking switch on the wiper motor and did some thorough checking with a multimeter. It turned out that the discs were slightly worn. Bent the contacts a little so that the breakers made contact on the right position again and gave the whole thing a thorough spray with WD40 to prevent moisture.

Problem solved.

Best regards/ Ty

Post by **billofdurham** » 03 Nov 2008, 12:00

Thank you for the update.

You do realise you have done an "impossible repair" according to most Volvo dealers. What do they know?

Bill.

hrforever · Post by **hrforever** » 29 Nov 2008, 22:03

Interesting problem. I also have a problem in that when I turn the wipers to 'intermittent' they sit and wait for a second the take off in the normal, continuous mode. I have tried severla relays but still the same outcome.

I wonder if this could be resolved with a similar pull apart and clean. kaerlighedsbamsen, do you have any pictures of what you pulled apart?

Cheers

Post by **billofdurham** » 30 Nov 2008, 11:37

hrforever, Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

This is a typical wiper motor as fitted to the 240. It may help you.

Bill.

kaerlighedsbamsen · Post by **kaerlighedsbamsen** » 01 Dec 2008, 00:34

Hrforever: What i did was this:

My motor looks slightly different from the image Billofdurham sent but nr. 6 is a white plastic disc with grooves of differing width (broadness..?) on the outer rim. In these grooves 3 copperblades (Nr.4) run and make contact at various points on the turn of the disc.

Open the motor housing, take the whole package of contacts out, clean and use sandpaper/a file to clean the breakerpoints between the blades. Dust of thoroughly (compressed air). Now make sure the disc is clean. If you take it out make WERRY sure you have made marks to show exact position. Reassemble and now run the wipers without the gearcower. Use something non-metal to pry the blades to see when they should touch and when not to. Bend blades carefully with pliers, test, reassemble, WD40 and off you go!

Best of luck! Ty