wipers won't park

[benjyboots]

Hi.

My wipers won't park when you switch them off, they just stay where they are. Is this because I'm using a wiper motor from an ancient mini, or could there be some sort of wiring problem? Should I just buy a new wiper motor. At £65 from minisportshop.com that seems a bit on the pricey side. Anyone know where I can gat a new one cheaper than that, resonably quickly (SVA retest next Monday)

Cheers.

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

This is a common problem and is to do with the wiring and type of switch used. They can be made to park but a diode is needed in the circuit somewhere. My electronics friend knows how to sort this, but I have no more info than that it can be done by using the above method.

John

[benjyboots]

My electronics friend knows how to sort this

Is there any chance you could have a word with him and find out what the SP is?

Cheers.

[benjyboots]

For anyone else who might experience this:

I managed to fix the problem, which in this case was being caused by the switch responsible for parking the wipers. The plastic housing where the lead plugs into the wiper motor contains a little microswitch which utilises tiny strips of copper to make and break the park circuit. If you're careful, you can prize the switch open to service the switch. The contact strips had become so corroded that no contact was being made on the park circuit. Cleaning these up, and bending them to make sure they make and break propererly did the trick. I added a bit of anticorrode compound for longevity and now it's all as good as new.  

[Muttley]

For reference you can get buy the plastic parking switch bit seperately.  Bought one recently from LSUK for £11.

Muttley (my other toy is a Mini...)

[Blatman]

Any chance of a manufacturers name and part number?

[s.stirley]

The shaft holding the gear with the park cam on can slide up on mini wiper motors too. Tried 3 on my old GT before I worked this out ! simple washer under the circlip fixed it in the end .. d'oh

[Muttley]

Blatman,

It was a Lucas part, 'fraid I don't have the number. LSUK are Lucas agents and are pretty good on price for just about any Lucas part (there also happens to be a branch local to me).  If there is not a branch local to you then any Mini shop such as DSN Classics or Mini Spares can sort you out.

Cheers,

Muttley.