Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 116 Series (Alfetta Sedan/GT/GTV & Giulietta Sedan) => Topic started by: NSharpley on November 16, 2018, 10:40:17 AM

Title: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: NSharpley on November 16, 2018, 10:40:17 AM
Any suggestions on why this might be the case?

I have a couple of free wires around the area but Ive tested connecting many of them with the wiper stalk on the low speed.   Nothing as yet.

Will post a photo.

Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: poohbah on November 16, 2018, 08:27:50 PM
Same question was asked by someone else a little while back.

www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=18686.0 (http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=18686.0)
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: Alfapride on November 16, 2018, 10:14:32 PM
Where are you located?
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: carlo rossi on November 17, 2018, 10:34:56 AM
its from lack of use lubricate the rods and
wet the windscreen and keep the wiper on flat out ( well as fast as it goes)for
10 mins or so
it needs the cobwebs blown out
well that was mine anyway
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: NSharpley on November 17, 2018, 11:23:11 AM
Many suggestions on the links point to a relay ... the standard fuse box on the Alfetta does not have a relay for the wipers.

So I cannot see how that applies.

Another interesting thing Ive found in trying to fix the left indicator is if I combine the wire for wiper high speed and the left indicator wire from the indicator switch I get wiper low speed and intermittent indicator for a few seconds, then a blown fuse.

So I feel like I am no closer to resolving either of these issues.

Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: bonno on November 17, 2018, 12:04:27 PM
So I assume you can get fast speed ONLY with the wipers, ie; NIL in low speed position. I would be checking power at the wiper motor in the low speed position. If NIL then high probability it is the faulty switch /stork, but first check for loose wires or bad earth before going to the trouble and cost of a replacement part.
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: GTVeloce on November 17, 2018, 01:27:08 PM
I have had great success rebuilding these (three so far). They are quite easy to do and very satisfying. They get clogged up with old lubricant that gets really solid and thick. A clean and grease refresh does wonders to them. I highly suggest this of all 116 owners to speed up their wiper operation.

That said, the problem here may be further than that but that would be a good start. You also need to look at what your power supply is like. Check the power going to motor and see just how many volts are on siesta. Again, if you don't have a relay on your ignition you will be low on volts for sure. Easy test: turn your wipers on full speed and then switch the blower fan on. See how much slower it gets? The relay all but eradicates that.
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: Alfapride on November 18, 2018, 12:13:49 PM
I've fixed three of the relays fixing this problem but could be other problems as others have cited if you're in Melbourne you're welcome to trial a working relay to rule out that issue it's easy to swap in and out
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: NSharpley on November 19, 2018, 01:29:33 AM
Quote from: sportiva on November 17, 2018, 08:03:07 PM
In your first post, you say " you have a couple of free wires"? what color and how many? a wiring schematic might identify the 'free' wires.

I have taken the steering wheel off and can now clearly see which wire is for which switch position.

One of my free wires is the windrescreen washer ... dont have it anymore, dont need it (I hope).

The other ... hmm ... not sure.  But is does not appear to have anything to do with the wipers.

I think its time for the mobile auto elec.

Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: Citroƫnbender on November 19, 2018, 08:37:22 AM
A multimeter like this, is a cheaper start:

https://www.jaycar.com.au/economy-true-rms-autorange-multimeter/p/QM1321

Also suggest trying two other complementary approaches - first up, to post topical and well aimed photographs, second, to try a bit of deduction; see which general bundle the unknown wire comes from, and if its termination is lost, where it may have reached to. Could it be so simple as an ignition barrel light?
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: GTVeloce on November 19, 2018, 03:01:08 PM
QuoteThere is no factory relay

I wasn't suggesting there is. I meant in reference to an ignition relay.

QuoteOne of my free wires is the windrescreen washer ... dont have it anymore, dont need it (I hope).

I vaguely recall you mentioning getting this registered or RWC. If so I suspect this will be a requirement.

Start by cleaning up/rebuilding the wiper motor. It will be in dire need of it regardless of possible wiring issues. It's a 30 minute job and needs no special tools or skills.
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: NSharpley on January 12, 2019, 07:26:31 PM
So ... still nothing but high speed on the wipers.

Pulled out the motor, cleaned it up (it looked pretty good in there anyway), still nothing but high speed.

Using a multimetre I can see there is power to the wire feeding the high speed when the switch is in that position but there is no power feeding the middle setting when in that position.

So its likely thats the issue ... but why? 
Title: Re: Wiper slow speed not working, high speed does.
Post by: bonno on January 12, 2019, 08:02:35 PM
I suspect you have some fault with the low speed part of the mechanism. Find attached a typical wiring layout for a 2 speed column operated wiper switch. Check position 53 at both ends for broken/faulty wire or faulty switch contact.