1998 E39 Wiper problems

Windshield wipers stopped working the other day, then came back for a short
time. Now failed again and intermittently the windshield washer also stops
working.
I've tried changing the Wiper Relay (newer Tyco model fitted, which I got
from BMW dealer), worked for 1/2 hour then stopped again. I checked the
relay was fully home in socket - seemed OK.

Any ideas what it may be ?

Is it worth doing a power reset - not sure what this actually does but a
number of people have commented on doing this for various other electrical
faults ?

Model 532SE Auto 1998 (108k miles)

Cheers

Scott

Sounds like it could be a bad or loose connection / wire somewhere. I
would take out a digital multimeter and test for current and voltage on
various parts of the circuit before doing a reset. Why don't you test
the relay for power when the wipers are not working? Electrical
troubleshooting usually requires tracing circuits.

The washer and wiper circuits also go into the "General Module" (master
controller). This module (GM III) (A1) is located behind the glove
compartment. That might be a pain to access though. I suppose you
have a service manual.

before you try this check to see if the wiper linkages are binding or in
need of grease.

chrispy
"Scott" > wrote in message
...
> Windshield wipers stopped working the other day, then came back for a
short
> time. Now failed again and intermittently the windshield washer also stops
> working.
> I've tried changing the Wiper Relay (newer Tyco model fitted, which I got
> from BMW dealer), worked for 1/2 hour then stopped again. I checked the
> relay was fully home in socket - seemed OK.
>
> Any ideas what it may be ?
>
> Is it worth doing a power reset - not sure what this actually does but a
> number of people have commented on doing this for various other electrical
> faults ?
>
> Model 532SE Auto 1998 (108k miles)
>
> Cheers
>
> Scott
>
>

When the same thing happened to me it was the relays, plural as in there
were two of them...next to each other under the passenger side air cleaner i
believe.
Richard
"Scott" > wrote in message
...
> Windshield wipers stopped working the other day, then came back for a
> short time. Now failed again and intermittently the windshield washer also
> stops working.
> I've tried changing the Wiper Relay (newer Tyco model fitted, which I got
> from BMW dealer), worked for 1/2 hour then stopped again. I checked the
> relay was fully home in socket - seemed OK.
>
> Any ideas what it may be ?
>
> Is it worth doing a power reset - not sure what this actually does but a
> number of people have commented on doing this for various other electrical
> faults ?
>
> Model 532SE Auto 1998 (108k miles)
>
> Cheers
>
> Scott
>

Thanks for the replies..

Problem has now changed slightly and the wipers work for a bit, then slow to
a juddering movement, then stop.

Tried greasing the wiper arms, but they seemed to be well greased anyway -
my thinking now is it may be the motor, so may have to resign myself to
taking it into the dealer for a new wiper motor.

Anyone any more ideas before I change the motor ?

Cheers
Scott

"Scott" > wrote in message
...
> Windshield wipers stopped working the other day, then came back for a
> short time. Now failed again and intermittently the windshield washer also
> stops working.
> I've tried changing the Wiper Relay (newer Tyco model fitted, which I got
> from BMW dealer), worked for 1/2 hour then stopped again. I checked the
> relay was fully home in socket - seemed OK.
>
> Any ideas what it may be ?
>
> Is it worth doing a power reset - not sure what this actually does but a
> number of people have commented on doing this for various other electrical
> faults ?
>
> Model 532SE Auto 1998 (108k miles)
>
> Cheers
>
> Scott
>

I suppose the wiper motor is always a possible culprit but then I am
left wondering why your windshield washer pump would also stop working.

If I were you I would check the pump as well and see if it is always
getting power when it washer is activated - before I get a replacement
motor for the wiper. Are you absolutely sure the washer is also
malfunctioning?

In oups.com,
Michael Low > decided to enlighten our sheltered
souls with a rant as follows
> I suppose the wiper motor is always a possible culprit but then I am
> left wondering why your windshield washer pump would also stop
> working.
>
> If I were you I would check the pump as well and see if it is always
> getting power when it washer is activated - before I get a replacement
> motor for the wiper. Are you absolutely sure the washer is also
> malfunctioning?

Sounds like a bad earth somewhere to me. Probably on the wiper switch.


--
Pete M

Mercedes 260E
Ford Capri (ressurection started)
"Never moon a werewolf"

COSOC #5
Scouse Git extraordinaire. Liverpool, Great Britain

In article >,
Scott > wrote:
> Problem has now changed slightly and the wipers work for a bit, then
> slow to a juddering movement, then stop.

> Tried greasing the wiper arms, but they seemed to be well greased anyway
> - my thinking now is it may be the motor, so may have to resign myself
> to taking it into the dealer for a new wiper motor.

To me it doesn't sound like a motor fault. I'd want to be certain power
was getting to the motor before replacing it.

--
*Drugs may lead to nowhere, but at least it's the scenic route *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.