windscreen wiper/washer staying on,help!

duke1 · Post by **duke1** » 23 Aug 2020, 12:55

hi all after doing some work on my volvo 850se 1994 estate when i reconnected battery the windscreen was dirty so i used washers and since then they are on all the time both front wipers and screenwash for a few days i been trying to locate for certain the relay,it says left side of instrument panel online searching but theres only 2 relays i found another source i think for early model like mine showing it under the bonnet on the bulkhead,question is do i buy a relay and try that or take it for sods law and the switch is faulty?also can i safely access the switch without upsetting airbags and kit i do not have experience of them and would rather not remove steering wheel if not needed,for now ive removed the fuse from it but typical rain in forecast,thanks for any advice,peace

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 23 Aug 2020, 13:53

The relay is rather tricky to access. Its under the drivers side (UK) kick panel, over toward far right and level with the dash. The wiper relay is no.9 in thie following image, and is a real stretch.

You can safely access the wiper stalk (if thats what you mean), as you only need to remove the steering wheel cowl (two T25 bolts, two T15 screws, you'll need long drivers for the latter). You can then unbolt the stalks (two T25s) and unplug them.

I can't help in diagnosing the actual issue though, apologies.

duke1 · Post by **duke1** » 24 Aug 2020, 09:43

Cookeh wrote: ↑23 Aug 2020, 13:53 The relay is rather tricky to access. Its under the drivers side (UK) kick panel, over toward far right and level with the dash. The wiper relay is no.9 in thie following image, and is a real stretch.

You can safely access the wiper stalk (if thats what you mean), as you only need to remove the steering wheel cowl (two T25 bolts, two T15 screws, you'll need long drivers for the latter). You can then unbolt the stalks (two T25s) and unplug them.

I can't help in diagnosing the actual issue though, apologies.

thank you for reply your not joking about the stretch!i did locate the relay and i can feel it click on as soon as ignition is on which i guess is normal?i cannot undo the cover from the washer stalk as my t15 is too short but im pretty sure the button for the washers is stuck in the on position but untill the tool comes i have removed the relay and swapped it for the rear one as there same part number now wipers switch on and off ok but washers still on unless i disconnect them so i guess im looking for a wiper stalk this week,,,cheers

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 24 Aug 2020, 10:02

Yes, a click would suggest it's operating normally. A good upgrade, whilst you're in there, is to fit a .99 relay from the VW group. This will give you fully controllable intermittent wipers where you can set the wipe delay from anywhere between 1-30 seconds. They're normally £9 or so from eBay, or even cheaper if you don't mind aftermarket variants. Plenty wiper stalks on eBay, too, luckily.