Front Windscreen Washer Problem

HI All,

I've finally managed to get my campaign out of barn storage after 15yrs and I'm gradually going through and getting everything working ready for putting it back on the road.

I've got an issue with the front washer that I would be grateful for any help or advice on!!

At times it has been intermittent, but now it doesn't want to work.

If I disconnect the connector from the pump and pull the stalk back, I get 12v showing on the multimeter. The wipers move as they should when trying to use the washers.

If I run some wires direct from the battery to the pump, the pump runs fine and sprays water.

If I then put the plug back onto the pump and pull the stalk back, nothing happens. The pump doesn't run and the wipers don't move as they should.

Disconnecting the plug again means the wipers move when I pull the stalk back.

I've bought a new replacement pump just to check, and if I connect this to the plug, the same thing happens as when connected to the original pump on the washer bottle.

Does anyone have any idea what could be the issue?

Many thanks in advance!

Scott

 

12v doesn't mean its getting enough current to run the pump motor.

I suspect a few dirty connections or a duff wash/wipe relay.

Go thru as many connections as you can and make sure they are clean and bright inc the switch contacts and try another relay

Our Briano has answered a similar Q on a different florum windshield washer pump - Topless Rabbit Forums

Early-1800 said

12v doesn't mean its getting enough current to run the pump motor.

I suspect a few dirty connections or a duff wash/wipe relay.

Go thru as many connections as you can and make sure they are clean and bright inc the switch contacts and try another relay

Our Briano has answered a similar Q on a different florum windshield washer pump - Topless Rabbit Forums

While I like this oldie as it was a First one that showed the quick fix.

So I made another that is all inclusive.

Is it my Wiper switch of my windshield pump acting up? | Volkswagen Owners Club Forum

Thanks guys for the advice and feedback.

I managed to solve it in the end. I found your earlier post Briano1234  (#1573422) and one by rubjonny talking about a few tests to check.

I connected a new earth and that made no difference, so I then took off the cowling around the steering column and unplugged the connector.

I then ran a wire from the Red/Green slot direct to the battery and this fired the pump & washers straight up. This then isolated the issue to the switch on the stalk.

When pulling the stalk back I could see the connection being made ok, so I sprayed a bit of WD40 into the connector and then moved the stalk around in all positions with it pushed back and forward to rub the contact. 

After doing this, turning the ignition back on and pulling the stalk back, the washers fired up straight away!

Thanks again for the advice, appreciated as always.

Now on to the next problem!......