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This problem has been covered in the archives, but it seems the CEGer who took the most direct approach is no longer among us ...
My windshield wiper's intermittent function and washer-activation function have stopped working. Archive posts say the relay is the most likely reason. The (unfortunately) no-longer-with-us genious CEGer said he solved the same problem by opening the relay and carefully cleaning the contacts with the striker from a matchbook.
Question is: How to open the relay's casing? Trying to pry it open with jeweler's screwdrivers didn't work ... And I'm kind of reluctant to put it's opposite corners in the vice-grips and slowly squeeze it until it maybe opens like an egg ... no reassembly required.
Anyone know of a better way?
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I recently posted link to that thread, but details of opening case were not included. As I recall when I opened mine for curiousity, after buying replacement, I had to use toothpicks to hold top and base apart, when prying top away from base with jeweller's screwdriver. Try that, see if it works and repost. Patience definitely req'd.
I can look for the relay tomorrow and refresh methodology if you're unsuccessful.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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Originally posted by horseydug:
I recently posted link to that thread, but details of opening case were not included. As I recall when I opened mine for curiousity, after buying replacement, I had to use toothpicks to hold top and base apart, when prying top away from base with jeweller's screwdriver. Try that, see if it works and repost. Patience definitely req'd.
I can look for the relay tomorrow and refresh methodology if you're unsuccessful.
Yeah, Horseydug, if I remember correctly, it was you who said something like "Hmm ... where did I put that old relay?"
Your toothpick trick may very well get me around problem I hit. Will let you know how it goes.
Thanks a mil for the tip.
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Originally posted by horseydug:
I recently posted link to that thread, but details of opening case were not included. As I recall when I opened mine for curiousity, after buying replacement, I had to use toothpicks to hold top and base apart, when prying top away from base with jeweller's screwdriver. Try that, see if it works and repost. Patience definitely req'd.
I can look for the relay tomorrow and refresh methodology if you're unsuccessful.
Finally got around trying your suggestion today, substituting multiple jeweler's screwdrivers for the toothpicks. Good news is: It worked like a charm; had it open in about two minutes. Bad news is: The interior was pristine -- nothing to clean off. Even the dialectric grease on the exterior prongs was still perfectly good.
Sooo, looks like I have an unrepairable bad relay ... but, at least, now I know that.
Thanks again for the suggestion.
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OK, there's a new wrinkle. With the relay the owner's manual says energizes the wiper motor (R15) removed, the wipers still work.
What is the deal? Which relay is actually related to the wiper-function problem described in my original post?
PS: Having bought my 98 CSVT used, I'm not certain I was given the correct manual -- drawings of the car show a standard Contour and there's a reference to a relay that controls the daytime running lights. '98 CSVT's don't have DRL's.
edit: quote removed to shorten.
Last edited by horseydug; 05/12/03 12:36 AM.
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The relay r15 is called the interval wiper relay, when faulty (your's probably has open coil) it's only the intermittent function that is lost.
DRLs are required in Canada. In your car, in the engine compartment fuse box, you may find either a shorting bar or blank socket whereas DRL relay is installed in mine. Some CEG members have added the DRL relay.
SVTs come with standard owner's manual plus an SVT supplement.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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Originally posted by horseydug:
The relay r15 is called the interval wiper relay, when faulty (your's probably has open coil) it's only the intermittent function that is lost.
DRLs are required in Canada. In your car, in the engine compartment fuse box, you may find either a shorting bar or blank socket whereas DRL relay is installed in mine. Some CEG members have added the DRL relay.
SVTs come with standard owner's manual plus an SVT supplement.
Yes, intermittent and auto-activation when using the windshield washer.
Ultimately, what happened was:
I discovered when the relay was removed, it only seemed to affect the ability of the wipers to park themselves after they've been turned off. Evidently, it holds just enough charge to allow the wipers to return to their starting position.
So, I opened the relay again, gave it a couple of real quick top and bottom sprays with Amsoil MP (a dry-film metal protectant/penetrating lube), allowed the liquid carrier to completely evaporate, put the relay back in its case, reinstalled it ... And the problem was gone. Whatever was stuck was unstuck. Wipers have full-functionality again.
Thanks for also clueing me in to the SVT Owner's Manual supplement. I guess Car Max didn't give me one.
At the risk of further exposing my sub-basic knowledge of auto-electronics, are you saying that simply installing the DRL relay will give my 98 DRL's?
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Check this site for SVT supplement:
manuals
Essentially yes, re your DRL question, if the shorting bar is present and you get the DRL relay. Search of General mods using 'DRL' should get you details.
So, it seems like you had a dirty contact on relay after all. Glad things are now working OK.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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