e36 wiper problem

[stampede]

I have a ‘98 E36 323 touring.

On turning on the ignition, the windscreen wipers cycle once (wiper switch in off position). This has been going on for a while. Then suddenly they started intermittently, but repeatedly, cycling once when the ignition is on (again wiper switch in off position), but engine not running.
As of last night, the damn things are cycling when I’m driving.

Could this be linked to the wheel sensor, as the ACS light sometimes stays on after the traction control has activated?

Any help would be much appreciated.

s690

[jamesson]

I don't know about it being linked to the wheel sensor, but it sounds like a dodgy connection in the switch. Even though the stalk is in the 'off' position, the car thinks it's 'on'. I had a similar problem with the other side of the steering column on my old E36 - an indicator stalk which kept flashing the headlights randomly. Very embarassing! A new stalk and internal switch was required, could be the same thing for you.

>> Edited by jamesson on Wednesday 5th April 10:16

[r5gttgaz]

Unplug the stalk then see if it still happens.

[stampede]

jamesson said:

an indicator stalk which kept flashing the headlights randomly. Very embarassing! A new stalk and internal switch was required, could be the same thing for you.

Random flashing, interesting.

Just had another thought, a year or so ago, the alarm kept randomly going off whilst driving (embarassing also and interesting looks from pedestrians), however the imobiliser didn't engage. RAC could't find anything so the very nice man just pulled the sounder out.

Could any of this be connected?????


S690

[weed]

On the previous E30 cars, this problem was often due to a short circuit in an earthing wire that apparently served the screen washer motor which is in the wiper circuit.
So if your younger car is wired the same way....
wiggle the wires to the screen washer motor near the bottle or disconnect it temporarily to see if the random activity goes away.
m