Windshield wiper system failure

[RicardoD]

Driving home in the dark with rain and my windshield wiper system stopped working. Was able to carefully drive home in the rain.

Symptoms:
Windshield wiper system stopped
Multi-function stalk (recently replaced) but the stalk started getting hot!
Strange smell in cabin (oh boy)
Wiper is stuck in the passenger side position. Not in the one position on driver's side (left side of windshield)
All other multi-function switch features worked fine
- washer fluid and pump ok
- turn signals ok
- high beams ok
- turn signals ok

I will start to search for threads on this topic and will document what I figure out. Any initial pointers appreciated.

 

[IslandMon]

Did you try manually helping it while on to see if it may be mechanically jammed?

 

[RicardoD]

First of all I have been reading those wiper lubrication How-Tos for over a year now, thinking, gee, I should take apart my wiper mechanism and re-lube because for sure in the past 27 years and 192k miles this has never been done. Of course I just kept putting it off.

The hot stalk and stuck in passenger side position makes me think this is a mechanical failure and whatever electrical system is working fine.

IslandMon, yes, that is the next step when the rain stops and there is daylight. Maybe just freeing it up will un stick it. Car is parked in my carport outside. In retrospect should have pulled over and tried that on the drive home.

 

[RicardoD]

yes, I am an f'ing dumbass. IslandMon, so I put on my raincoat. Went outside, grabbed the wiper, and I immediately felt it un-stick and move a bit. Turned car on and now everything is fine.

Note to self: Don't be a lazy ass and not lubricate your wiper mechanism even though you know it should have been done by now.

 

[IslandMon]

Case closed! When I did mine the old grease was caked up and not providing much benefit at all.

 

[TimL]

The ONE time it rains in California..

 

[Jlaa]

yes, I am an f'ing dumbass. IslandMon, so I put on my raincoat. Went outside, grabbed the wiper, and I immediately felt it un-stick and move a bit. Turned car on and now everything is fine.

Note to self: Don't be a lazy ass and not lubricate your wiper mechanism even though you know it should have been done by now.

We should do a wiper-lubricating party as well! I have been procrastinating this bit of maintenance on my end too, rationalizing it to myself as "I never drive in rainy weather".....

 

[nocfn]

life is better with lube.

 

[dionphaneuf]

Sounds like you could have blown the motor - mine did something similar when it failed. Probably worth getting a backup motor/assembly from a local PickNPull or one off eBay. I think I ended up paying like $40 for my full assembly, repainted and greased it and was all good.

 

[gerryvz]

I believe there is a HOW-TO on this entire process.

I also did it and covered some disassembly and lubrication of the wiper mechanism (facelift car) in my Top-End Refresh thread. Look here for more info.

 

[RicardoD]

Thanks Gerry. I have read those HOW-TOs a few times and even purchased the Molycote lube meant for wiper mechanisms! After my Xmas vacation I will get on it!

 

[nocfn]

I think you are about 90% just in need of a good clean and lube of the place. I don't think the first time would yield a broken gear set, they are pretty stout. Post your results and hope it is an easy fix.

 

[TimL]

I have a bosch wiper that has been serviced/lubed by @JC220 - bin on my shelf for about 18 months, but I never installed it, as I went and bought a brand bosch new wiper motor instead. I am happy to give that part to you @RicardoD. Just looks pretty rough on the outside (cap is all faded etc.). I can post pictures in the coming days if there is interest.

 

[tomer]

I am down for a NorCal wiper assembly lube party... And then Ricardo you can give me couple pointers as I need to replace my signal light stalk - can't get high beams to work but everything else does work.

 

[gerryvz]

That was my experience with my E500, as well @nocfn. My wiper had never been maintained, but I noticed since living here in Maryland that it was getting a bit slower and more reluctant. A thorough removal / cleaning / re-lubrication and it's "zipsville" across the windshield once again. It probably should be an every 5-10 year type of job.

Most of the time, relubing will do the trick.

 

[nocfn]

I have the same issue, three relays dont work in my E500, all 3 work in my C126. New switch on order.