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Automotive/VW Windshield Wiper Malfunction

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Expert: - 8/21/2007


Question
Dear Ernie,
I have a 1999 VW Jetta.  Three weeks ago, the windshield wipers stopped working and pulled slowly for the day before I could get it in.  The dealer replaced the motor.  Now, three weeks later, the wipers are again non-operational after working well.  The dealer told me that the linkage shaft needs to be replaced and that it is completely unrelated to the prior repair. Thus, I would have to pay again for the repair.  Does this make sense that these would be unrelated events?
Thanks,

Answer
Note that I do not have service data for vehicles other than my own, so my comments which follow are general ...

Most likely, these failures are unrelated events.  In fact, it is possible that the failure of an aging linkage was hastened by the added stress of being driven by a new motor.  Of course, if failure of the linkage happened to be a frequent aftermath of replacing the drive motor, one would hope that the repair facility is aware of this, and would take steps to deal with both replacements at once; doing so would save not only repeated repair labour, but would have saved a trip for you, the customer.  At the very least, an astute dealer would make it a point to advise the customer at the time of motor replacement if replacement of the linkage at that time also was advisable.

In any event, the second repair should involve only the replacement of the defective linkage.  There should be no reason to replace the motor again, unless the defective linkage was to cause the demise of the motor, which it should NOT do, as the motor is supposed to be effectively protected against overload.  

In the event that the new motor WAS damaged by a failed linkage, I would be inclined to argue for a substantial discount on the repair on the basis that the linkage should have been inspected, serviced or replaced at the time the first motor was replaced.

I am a strong advocate for preventative maintenance, and I also like to get any and all possible repair or replacement projects out of the way that I can during any one disassembly task so that I can reasonably avoid taking the same thing apart again in the forseeable future.

Good luck ... EGK

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Ernest (Ernie) Kenward

Expertise

The challenges I most enjoy are thoughtful technical questions of a trouble-shooting nature in both electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems, mainly automotive but also machine control and small-machine PLC applications. Please note, however, that I am NOT a walking shop manual! I DO, however, make it a point to have those manuals and other service literature for those vehicles I DO own, and highly recommend that anyone serious about maintenance or modification of their vehicles do the same; MOST of your answers WILL be found there. For that matter, I do NOT go out of my way to acquire shop manuals for any vehicle I do NOT own! That being the case, any general query to me along the lines of "What is the meaning of this code read from the ECU of my 2015 XYZ?" or "Where is the fuse for the windshield washer pump found?" (try your car's electrical distribution panel for a start!) will not go far. What I do offer is a pretty good collection of literature, insights and hands-on experience with 1950s to 1980's Ford products (plus a developing database of information and practice with the Mercedes diesel cars), along with an engineering perspective and the ability to design and implement custom control, electrical and mechanical subsystems for vehicles. For that reason, I am happy to make my thoughts and efforts available to those who are of like mind and/or are seriously making a point of learning about their vehicles. Use the Opportunity to Learn!

Experience

A key skill in my work and hobby pursuits both is STRATEGIC TROUBLESHOOTING. I am a senior instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at a leading Canadian polytechnic, my areas being Electrical Power and Industrial Control, electrical and electronics design and manufacturing, and AutoCAD and related CAD/CAE software - plus equipment problem-solving and new equipment design and prototyping. Hobby-wise, I have 30-plus years of experience in auto restoration, mostly in electrical and mechanical systems. Ongoing projects include a 1959 Edsel Corsair, my 1978 Ford E250 class-B motorhome conversion, and the care and upkeep of my Mercedes 300CD. My vehicles become engineering test beds for electrical and mechanical upgrades as ideas present themselves. This includes the design and production of circuit boards to restore or enhance features for which no OEM replacement parts are obtainable, or where better specifications or reliability can be had via newer concepts. Regarding the E250 RV conversion, I designed and continue to revise a custom power distribution system, managed by a Programmable Controller (PLC); this has made most revisions as easy as uploading new firmware as I develop it. The "mini" PLC is a powerful device for custom automotive control systems. One good example (there are many) would be the Moeller "Easy Relay"; these offer a wealth of control, monitoring and variable-and-status display options for such projects. A good example project which has worked well is that one for my RV noted above, which has been on the job - revised in firmware only - for a decade now. It is a load management and charging control system to avoid the sulfation-induced early failure that often befalls deep-cycle batteries used in RV power applications. The battery installed in 2003 lasted long enough to more tnan pay for the PLC that contributed to its longer life ... and the PLC will be there for the next battery as well!

Organizations
IEEE - senior member ... past WCC Student Activities; SME - senior member ... past chair, greater Vancouver chapter chair 318; Edsel Owners' Club - have served in various capacities on chapter executive during seventies; have been Power and Driveline resource on the Edsel Owners' Club "E-team" for more than a decade.

Education/Credentials
Graduate of UBC

Awards and Honors
Certificates of appreciation from IEEE and SME for work in student and chapter activities

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