County Wiper Wiring

[clive22]

Hi,

Having problems with my '85 V8 county wipers. The fuse keeps blowing over bumps, etc. whether the wipers or washers are on or not, suggesting perhaps a rubbed through wire or other intermittent short behind dash.

The wipers (and washers) themselves work true - correct sweep, no untoward noises etc.

Pulled dash, and fuse box apart looking and around washer motor. Patched the green wire (only active +12v wire on windscreen washers switch) onto another circuit. Wipers & washers work fine - slow, fast, single, except that they don't auto park, i.e. stop dead, middle of screen if that were they are when you turn them off.

Is this controlled by the intermittent wiper relay? Part No # AMR2341, if so where is it on a county. Article on another forum said its under the steering column cover for an '02 Defender. It isn't' there on mine, nor behind the dash, or fuse box where there are other relays, but all standard five pin or the indicator flashers?

How do I wire up the wiper motor so it auto parks?- planning to introduce all new circuit - wiring, fuse and relay. Just need help to wire up inc. new relay

Thinking this will be easier then breaking through very difficult to access tightly bound cable bundles - all other electrical function and look sound.

Thanks

Clive

[Bearman]

G'day Clive,
If your vehicle is an original '85 County it won't have intermittent wiper function unless it has been upgraded. That came on later 110 models. As for the short/fuse problem, I would look under the steering column shroud for pinched wires. I had a similar problem some years ago with my '86 110. It turned out to be a pinched wire under the steering column shorting onto the lower part of the dash. The wipers should "auto park" irregardless of whether or not they have the intermittent function (which may have been added to yours). Definitely sounds like a wiring problem not a wiper motor problem.

[clive22]

Thanks Brian,

Will check under shroud Plastic panels could easily earth wire against metal steering column.

Yep there is no intermittent wiper and so no relay - which explains why I can't find it.

Will probably end up rewiring all four wires with new fuse. Found other fourms with posts for other Brit. cars with Lucas wiper motors. Seems what I have overlooked is that the park wire needs to be live as well, but this is difficult to pick up as the power goes on & off as the wipers leave the park position, i.e. powers down when in park position via internal cam operated switch in the wiper motor.

Will confirm when able to work on vehicle - too wet & dark here ATM with car outside. If all works OK will post wiring method - may help others

Cheers
Clive

Clive