Polo wiper control issues

dhog4n

Hi All,

I recently came into possession of a 1998 polo 1.4 hatch which I was intending to part out but I suddenly find myself needing to press it into service.

It's a bit tatty which is not an issue but the wipers are a problem.

They cycle through all of the settings randomly while the ignition is switched on and the washer motor turns on and off randomly. I guess the problem lies with the control system but I am not familiar with these cars so I don't know where to look.

So good people of Boards, where is the controller (if there is one!) and is there an easy fix or does it need to replaced? Or is it likely to be corroded wiring or some such thing?

biko

So even if the stalk is "at rest" the wipers will be active? Sounds like wiring of so.

dhog4n

biko wrote: »

So even if the stalk is "at rest" the wipers will be active? Sounds like wiring of so.

Yep! The stalk has no obvious effect on the wipers.

biko

Google it and begin with the cheapest fix.
I'd start with the relay and then the stalk.

http://www.clubpolo.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=230964

dhog4n

biko wrote: »

Google it and begin with the cheapest fix.
I'd start with the relay and then the stalk.

http://www.clubpolo.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=230964

That's a useful link, thanks. I will certainly try the switch wiring and the relay but would either one explain the random cycling through the various settings? If it does, happy days

rex-x

This problem is almost always a faulty stalk, replaced loads of them!

dhog4n

rex-x wrote: »

This problem is almost always a faulty stalk, replaced loads of them!

It was the stalk. I took it apart and cleaned up the contacts with some 800 grit paper and now I have working wipers .

If you're thinking of doing this, be very careful not to flatten any of the moving contacts otherwise they can bridge the fixed contacts and overheat. Guess how I know! Once I had them cut to less than 1mm wide they were fine.