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Wipers don’t work

JohnCRS

JohnCRS

PCGB Member
Member
Bit of a puzzle..probably something stupid but…
I took the front bumper off to clean everything out. Good job done and put it all back together again. Everything ok, all lights etc. working and car starts up with no lights on dash. Except, the wipers don‘t work. The only response from the wiper stalk is the windscreen washers, but not the headlamp ones in the bumper. No action from the wipers on any setting or single wipe.
So, perhaps there is a link between wipers not working and the front headlight washers ditto. Thinking I must have missed a connection, I took the bumper off again. (I’m getting good at that.) Just the two connectors one in each wing. All OK. No loose wires or open connections..
Has anyone got an idea on what is going on please
 
Several years ago I removed the front bumper to re-build the A/c etc and pinched the water feed pipe to the front head lamps. (Boxster 987.2 with headlamp washers).
Had to remove it to clear, but do not recall the wipers not working.
Maybe just check the wiper fuse first?
As you say, a bit odd.
 
Don't the headlight washers only operate every 10 screen washes or similar? I think previous cars of mine were like that, can't remember what Porsches do. That might explain them not working (they might if you try 10+ times?).

As for the wipers, no idea I'm afraid John! No dash warnings is odd, usually you'll get a fault flash up. Low battery perhaps? That can cause strange electrical issues.
 
Headlamp washers work every 10 washes when headlamps are on continuously over that period, or instantly using the button on the underside of the stalk. Can’t comment intelligently on why wipers don’t work based on what you have done.
 
Yes, the lamp washers are an MoT test, and my local tech did not now how to 'fire' them in the test. IIRC the lamps need to be on before the washers can be activated by the button.
Why the wipers do not work beats me atm.
 
That’s an odd one John.

Windscreen wash/wipe plus a headlight wash/wipe capability … you’d have to think that there’s some sort of connection there somewhere, but anyone’s guess as to what’s going on.🤔

As Brian said, the headlight washers are supposed to operate after 10 independent on/off operations of the wipers when the lights are on, but I’ve never experienced that myself and have resorted to using the button on the underside of the wiper stalk.

Assuming everything was working before you removed the bumper you’d have to suspect a possible issue with the connectors you split. Are you sure that you haven’t got a bent pin somewhere in there and that the wires are secure in the body of the connectors?

Jeff
 
Thank you for all the suggestions. I now have the answer (roll of drums and a trumpet fanfare!)

The wipers don’t work if the front lid is not latched properly! I secured the bonnet and voila! Cue intense embarrassment and frustration at having removed the front bumper for a second time unnecessarily and then of course having to refit it.

As for the headlamp washers, at least I had the sense to read the manual before taking everything apart, so I clawed back a little self respect. I had forgotten the little button underneath the wiper stalk and that it helps to have the headlights on.

They say every day is a school day. Well, I graduated yesterday, from primary school.
 
Good going, will no doubt save a few more of the same 'issue'.
In life, every day is indeed a school day for us all.
As to cars, I'm still in short trousers...
 
In this high-tech world it’s the simple things that catch you out John!🙄

Good to hear the problem has been solved … and you’re even more proficient at removing/replacing the front bumper too!😀

Jeff

PS: Given that the ignition needs to be turned-on to operate the wipers, you should have had a visible and audible warning that the bonnet was open. A lesson to be learned … ignore warnings at your peril!
 
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Good point Jeff, but I did not get a warning of any kind. The car was idling, but the driver's door as open as well as the bonnet. It's all a bit wierd how these things are set up.
 
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