Golf MkIV - Wipers packed up

[AdrianR]

Worked briefly this morning, then stopped. Linkage appears to move OK, fuse OK so I suspect the relay. It did have a thing last year where they hesitated a few times then worked OK afterwards but now nothing at all.

Allegedly it is relay 377, marked 4B0 955 531A.

Anyone car to confirm/dispute this before I try one?

Thanks,
AdrianR
(Car is 2002 GT TDI, 150K on the clock so I suppose I should expect some mid-life issues)

[martycossie]

i bet wiper linkage sized

[AdrianR]

A google search showed a few people complaining about siezed linkages but they also complained about wipers moving slowly before they failed. Mine appeared to be completely normal and then just stopped.

To add to the mystery, they started working again halfway home last night so maybe we are looking at a loose connection or dirty contact points on the relay rather than a complete failure.

AdrianR

[paoloh]

martycossie said:

i bet wiper linkage seized

I 2nd that. Common VAG problem

[AdrianR]

Removed wiper assembly. Pivots looked OK but cleaned + reoiled anyway. Also took cover off motor (brushes not overly worn) and cleaned commutator with electical contact cleaner, likewise contacts inside relay.

So that's it fixed then is it?
AdrianR

[sparkesp]

Had exactly the slowing up issue recently. Took motor and linkage out. Linkage very stiff. Stripped and re-greased, all ok now. Quite an easy job too.

Having read around this seems a common issue on MK IV.

Peter.

[Targarama]

This is what happened to our MK1 Audi TT's wiper mechanism after 5 years (and the car was garaged). Took me ages to get it out from under the scuttle panel to replace the broken bits.

[AdrianR]

Now have the opposite problem, can't switch the things off!

Common problems seem to be the relay or a short in the rear wash/wipe which affects the front, to be investigated shortly...

AdrianR

[hollow]

didnt add hid bulbs recently ? i know this affects later models with canbus cheap aftermarket kits damage wiper motor