Date:         Sun, 8 Jul 2007 21:55:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: rear wiper won't work
Comments: cc: Mark Brush <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20070708163754.WUEU17477.fed1rmmtai111.cox.net@fed1rmimpi03.cox.net>
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> From:    Mark Brush <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
> Date:    Sun, 8 Jul 2007 11:14:41 -0400
>
> I posted this problem back in January, but I'm still confounded by it.
> My rear wiper motor doesn't work.

Reference: page 97.218 of the Bentley.

This is not as detailed as it could be, but here goes.

First, check fuse 12, and replace as needed.  :)

Relay bench test: unplug the rear wiper relay.  Connect terminal 4/31 to
battery ground.  Connect terminal 3/53a to battery voltage through a
20 A fuse.  Connect a test lamp to battery ground and to terminal 2/53.
Jump terminal 1/53c to battery voltage through a 5 A fuse and the test
lamp should light briefly every few seconds, and go out when you unjump
terminal 1/53c.  If it doesn't light ever, or if it comes on and stays
on, or if either fuse blows, the relay is probably bad.  If it behaves
as described, continue.

Wiper motor bench test: Unplug the motor from the harness.  Connect
terminal 31 to battery ground.  Connect a test lamp to battery ground
and to terminal 53a.  Jump terminal 53 to battery voltage through a 20 A
fuse.  The wiper motor should run as long as terminal 53 is jumped, and
the test lamp should come on, going out briefly as the wiper arm moves
through the "park" position.  If the motor blows the fuse, never turns,
or turns and stops, it is probably bad.  If it turns all the time but
the test lamp never comes on or stays on all the time, the park switch
in the motor is bad.  If it behaves as described, then you've got trouble
either in the fuse box or in the wires from back to front.  Post back
and I can give some hints on where to look next.

Matt Roberds