Trouble in paradise: Rear wipers/wash runs on their own

Kewl X5 · #1 01-11-2007, 05:44 PM

This AM, while driving on the freeway, my rear wiper and rear washer turn themselves on by itself and kept on going for at least 10-15 seconds. It was as if I was pushing the switch to wash the rear window, but I wasn't. Then it would cycle off most likely as a protection from burning out the washer pump. And then it would do it again.

Nothing I did with the wiper stalk could turn it off.

Finally, as the low fluid warning light went on, I pulled over and unplugged the rear washer pump.

Even after I did that, the car tried to wash the rear window, but of course, no more washer fluid was coming out but the rear wiper was cycling as if it received the signal to wash the rear window.

I checked the fuse box in the glove box and F41 fuse is for the rear wiper and it was fine and nothing was shorting it out.

I know there is a ground in the right fender well and it looks fine, but I didn't have any equipment to test it.

There is a rear wiper relay system I think that is the right rear part of the engine compartment, but haven't had anytime to open it up.

Anyhow, has this happened to anyone before and if so, what was the solution.

Thanks in advance.

Sponsored Links

bmann · #2 01-11-2007, 06:57 PM

just out of curiosity, where is the washer pump for the rear wiper located??

Laurence · #3 01-11-2007, 07:28 PM

If you have a look at the online WDS, there is a control module - A36 that is responsible for controlling the wiper motor and washer pump. You may have a faulty unit or lose connection? It appears to be part of the rear washer motor.

Kewl X5 · #4 01-11-2007, 08:04 PM

Thanks for the tip....I already looked at the WDS, checked to make sure nothing was shorting Fuse F41 (in glove box), checked the right fender area where there are grounds which looks good....didn't have time to open the relay box in the rear engine comparment and haven't had time to open up the tailgate to look at A36. But, that is a good idea....

The only other place would be some short at the wiper stalk/column area....

I hate electrical shorts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurence

If you have a look at the online WDS, there is a control module - A36 that is responsible for controlling the wiper motor and washer pump. You may have a faulty unit or lose connection? It appears to be part of the rear washer motor.

Laurence · #5 01-11-2007, 08:15 PM

It may be worth checking that the wiper motor hasn't leaked any water onto the control unit as well.

I had a similar issue a few years back with a headlight washer pump - the control unit just packed up and dumped all the fluid out. Changed it and all was OK!

Let us know how you get on.

Kewl X5 · #6 01-11-2007, 08:44 PM

There are two pumps at the windshield fluid reservoir. One of the pump is for the front windshield and one is for the rear window. You can see the pump that is located at the back of the reservoir; the one closer to the right side of the car with a long hose coming from the pump and heading towards the rear of the car is the pump for the rear window.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmann

just out of curiosity, where is the washer pump for the rear wiper located??