Help with wipers

BernieP · BernieP's Garage

I just pulled my 86 Carrera out of winter storage and the wipers will not park. They stop where ever I turn off the switch. Also the intermittent rheostat is not working. Any ideas where to start trouble shooting?

Thanks,
Bernie P

kanadary · 03-04-2011, 07:12 AM

there is a fix for it but i suspect its the wiper switch. i just replaced mine and its fine now. does the intermittent switch work, if it doesn't then its probably the wiper switch on the stalk.

kodioneill · kodioneill's Garage

check all fuses there is a separate power supply for the park signal.

na2ub · 03-04-2011, 07:38 AM

It is the contact in the wiper switch on the steering column. Not hard to fix. As I remember, it was not too difficult to remove the switch / stalk. Then you probably only need to sand / scuff the contact for the switch and put it back. Maybe bend it if it is not making proper contact. The park feature and the intermittent feature both rely on this switch. Over time, corrosion stops it from working and it needs sanded. I did mine about 5 years ago, and it still works great.

Good luck.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

I agree. Emory paper is your new friend....

gabenheimer · 09-08-2011, 09:07 PM

I just took my wiper switch out and cleaned the contacts. The wipers work perfectly now. What grease should I use to protect the contacts before I put it back?

I live in las Vegas where the temperatures inside the car easily reach 140 in the sun. I need something that won't just run out when it gets hot. Wheel bering grease? Dielectric grease? NoLox? Recommendations ?

Thanks.
Randy

na2ub · 09-09-2011, 08:06 AM

I think it will be fine, without grease, for at least another 10 years. If you want to grease it, I think dialectic grease is the only one appropriate. you only need the tinyest smear of grease to coat the contact metal. I wouldn't worry about it running, just don't put much on.

gordner · gordner's Garage

Does dialectic not indicate non-conductive? Seems an unusual choice for a switch contact.

gabenheimer · 09-12-2011, 12:23 PM

I agree it seems counter-intuitive. The grease is displaced when the switch terminals contact so it doesn't prevent the switch from operating. The reason for using dielectric grease is to protect the terminals without introducing any compounds that could cause an electrical arc between terminals. It's probably not a big deal for these low-voltage switches but it matters when applying to ignition wires or high voltage switches.