No wash or wipe

[cab93]

My Golf has been going so well, I even remarked to a friend on just how well it's been running.

Today I pulled on the wash/wiper lever to clean the 'screen and nothing...No water, No movement. Plenty of washer fluid in the reservoir. Fuse No.11 (washer/wiper) OK.

Are there any common fault areas I should look at first? Does the wiper system have a relay?

On a side note: The radiator fan (No.1) fuse has been replaced with the newer clear blue 30 amp type, is this the correct rating? I only ask due it being the only new fuse on the board, and having the radiator fan replaced last year.

Any help received - much appreciated.

Michael

[Jarred]

I'm pretty sure the wiper has a relay [and hence 'click/tick' when they're on]

Perhaps it this relay has bitten the dust, but I don't know for sure

[cab93]

Thanks Jarred,

You're right, the intermittent setting would definitely have a relay. Just need to find out where it's located. Might try cabbyinfo.com.

Michael

[007]

Thanks Jarred,

You're right, the intermittent setting would definitely have a relay. Just need to find out where it's located. Might try cabbyinfo.com.

Michael

Is your interior fan working? I had a similar problem with mine, no wipe, wash, fan, heated rear window, or reversing lights. Turned out to be the fuse and relay panel. It's a sort of sandwich construction and all those components connect through a common track (so the auto sparks told me)! Anyway, replaced the panel, all the relays were fine and it's been great since.

[cab93]

[QUOTE=007;300789]Is your interior fan working? I had a similar problem with mine, no wipe, wash, fan, heated rear window, or reversing lights. Turned out to be the fuse and relay panel. It's a sort of sandwich construction and all those components connect through a common track (so the auto sparks told me)! Anyway, replaced the panel, all the relays were fine and it's been great since.[/QUOTE

Thanks Greg,

Now that I have checked - No fan, rear window demister...Reversing lights work. Hazard light glows weak.

I will have another look tomorrow.

Michael

[Golf Loon]

You can also crack the fusebox open, clean everything and fix any broken tracks and reassemble.

If you look above the fusebox and at the metal terminals, it may well have signs of moisture, very common on Mk1s, yours is a cabrio, so even more potential for leaks.

[Typ53]

Normaly the relay of the wipers has the number 19 or 99.

Cheers

Mario

[AUC-05L]

i had the exact same problem when i first got the golf. no wipers, heater fan etc, it was the ignition switch. i also though it was a relay/fuse at first so replaced them, but the problem was still there.... its the ignition switch.

[cab93]

Thanks guys,

Car has been parked outside for the last few weeks, while I use the garage. All seems dry - no water marks or damp carpets. Fuse box appears original with VW brand relays and ceramic lower fuse (except 1). I am surprised it should just "break".

Yes, #10 does have 99 printed on top. Do these numbers mean anything?

I'm not to confident with electrical stuff, and if does have anything to do with the ignition - it may be time to call an Auto electrician.

Michael

[Typ53]

the number 99 means that this is a programmable relay for different intermittent times. For a test you can also put a number 19 relay in the slot, this is the same but with a fix intermittent time. Maybe you can get a cheap relay at a scrap dealer. If the relay is okay you need a multimeter to test all cables and the wiper switch.

Cheers
Mario

[007]

I think an auto sparks is the right thing to be doing next. Try and find one that knows something about the cars. I went to 2 who all did a temporary fix before I found a bloke who knew something about european cars. It could be the ignition switch and that should be easy to isolate, but I think the car is a bit young for that. The issue with the fuse and relay panel is that one of the tracks (on the inside of the sandwich and to which some key relays/fuses connect) lifts through age and/or heat and so the connection drops out, making it look for all the world like a fuse or relay has gone. But if you check your book you'll see that the fan/wipers/heated rear window are on different fuses and relays which suggests something else. The fuse on your radiator fan could also be a clue. That was something else that went on mine before I replaced the panel. For safety's sake I got them to wire it up outside of the panel so if I get the same problem again, I won't be at risk of cooking the motor. Good Luck with it!

[cab93]

Thanks Mario,

Closer inspection today, revealed the lower retaining screw had worked loose. Allowing the top left fuse board come loose from it's mounting. I guess this movement has damaged the board. Some of the top row of relays had come loose 3-4mm.

My plan is to order a new fuse box, and have a electrician install it for me. This will hopefully restore all functions. Or at least rule this area out as faulty.

Good tip about using relay 19. Ive also heard the horn relay will work in the fuel pump slot as well (however this will not switch off in the event of accident).

Michael

[cab93]

I think an auto sparks is the right thing to be doing next. Try and find one that knows something about the cars. I went to 2 who all did a temporary fix before I found a bloke who knew something about european cars. It could be the ignition switch and that should be easy to isolate, but I think the car is a bit young for that. The issue with the fuse and relay panel is that one of the tracks (on the inside of the sandwich and to which some key relays/fuses connect) lifts through age and/or heat and so the connection drops out, making it look for all the world like a fuse or relay has gone. But if you check your book you'll see that the fan/wipers/heated rear window are on different fuses and relays which suggests something else. The fuse on your radiator fan could also be a clue. That was something else that went on mine before I replaced the panel. For safety's sake I got them to wire it up outside of the panel so if I get the same problem again, I won't be at risk of cooking the motor. Good Luck with it!

Head lights no longer work also. Fuse box is about $95u.s and it doesn't look too involved to replace. I prefer some else do this in case of shorts or fire! If it is not the board I'm sure I can sell it on. As it was loose, this is the only part that I can workout that may have sustain damaged. Ignition switch and starting seem fine.

In a week or so, I guess I will have my answer. and bill $$$

Michael

[AUC-05L]

Head lights no longer work also. Fuse box is about $95u.s and it doesn't look too involved to replace. I prefer some else do this in case of shorts or fire! If it is not the board I'm sure I can sell it on. As it was loose, this is the only part that I can workout that may have sustain damaged. Ignition switch and starting seem fine.

In a week or so, I guess I will have my answer. and bill $$$

Michael

my ignition was fine as well. the only thing the car did was start. good luck with it. let us know what the culprit was.

cheers

[cab93]

my ignition was fine as well. the only thing the car did was start. good luck with it. let us know what the culprit was.

cheers

I ordered the fuse box yesterday from GAP. At least I will have the part if required. Yes it will be interesting to find out whats gone wrong, It's like the car has had a mini stroke will half of its functions no longer working.

Will post up the cause and cost - relays and labour are not cheap!

Michael