MarxM3

Hey guys,

I recently started having problems with my 1995 C220. It first started when I lost all intermittent speeds on my windshield wiper. It only works at max speed and does not go back to a "parked" position. Basically, wherever I turn off the switch that's where the blade will stop. It is quite amusing trying to time it just right to have it stop near the bottom of the windshield. Now I noticed the turn signals are acting erratically and sometimes don't work at all. I've read many posts stating these same problems usually come with the rear window defroster acting up as well, and I tried mine and it is definitely not working properly. After reading for hours I came to the conclusion that the combination relay was at fault so I ordered a new one from JoeTLC.com. The item I ordered is http://www.joetlc.com/wiper-relay-me...0d-p-6604.html. It arrived and I immediately noticed there was an extra pin on it and the part number was 2018210247 and not 2018210047, however, since it says on JoeTLC, "This part crosses to 2018210047" I was not too concerned. Well, long story short, it did not fix my problem. I really find this odd and I'm stumped at this point. Could it be that this relay is completely incompatible with the original? I've attached images of both the new relay and the original. I'd really appreciate any help on this...



Btw, I just ordered a new combination switch for the steering column, however, I really don't think that is the root of my problems. I am not going to install it until I'm 100% sure it is not the relay.

Ausmbtech

Could also be the combination switch/indicator stalk.

If the relay is playing up (when trying to use the indicators) then the hazards won't work either.

MarxM3

Just want to give an update on my situation for those that might have a similar problem...
I was convinced there was something wrong with the combination relay and I was correct. It turns out there is nothing wrong with the relay itself, however, there was a problem with the connector it is plugged into. I noticed that if I wiggled the combination relay it would intermittently stop working then work again. I unscrewed the tray containing the fuses/relays and lifted it so I was able to access the connectors from below. I pulled the combination relay connector out from below the plastic tray and opened it to remove and clean all the wire terminals. Using a pair of pliers, I "pinched" all the wire terminals (which are cylindrical terminals and were a bit "loose") so they fit snug on the pins of the combination relay and reassembled everything. I installed the new combination relay since I already had it and the original will probably fail sooner rather than later. In the end, all the turn signal and rear window defroster functions work perfectly. The wipers still don't work at the intermittent speeds, however, I think the combination switch should cure this. We'll soon see...

MarxM3

Well guys,

I finally resolved all my wiper/turn signal problems... I just replaced the combination switch and my intermittent speeds on the wiper are back. Everything works perfectly now. Replacing the combination switch was very straight forward and the new one looks more robust than the original. The original had a plastic mounting base meanwhile the new one is all aluminum. Got it brand new on Ebay for $90 with free shipping. Can't beat that!

Hope these updates are helpful for someone who has similar problems in the future.

Thanks guys!

timmyj51

"Got it brand new on Ebay for $90 with free shipping. Can't beat that!"



Could have got the relay from autohaus Arizona for $58.45, with
free shipping.

MarxM3

timmyj51,

Actually, I paid $49.95 for the combination relay. The combination switch on the other hand was $90.

Thanks.

LouP

Hello MarxM3,
Thanks fro your post. I am having the exact same problem. I will replace the relay and apply your suggested fix of crimping the pin sockets.

Vicc220

hey guys thanks for all the info.

Im trying to figure out how to get to my wiper switch . it only works on intermittent. do i have to take the steering wheel off to get the housing off the wiper switch?? i see two holes in the back of the steering wheel , and those kook like the only means to freeing the housing.thanks

Vic.

KennyMBZ

i recently bought a 95 c280 and same thing pretty much, mu signals work sometimes, and wiper works sometimes on low but always on higher levels, my hazards work occasionally as well, but my rear windo defog works great... i was curious if i possibly have the same problem or another completly diff situation?

thanks
ken

petep86

where exactly is this relay located??

c220anon

I had the same problem as Marxm3. Thank you for the solution. Just to clarify this fix is not simple. Took me 3 hours and i am pretty mechanically skilled. The relay box is just behind the fusebox and the troubled relay roughly in the middle. It is the only large black one without a strap. Upon removing it you can turn it around and see the part number referenced. To dislodge the wiring harness (receiver) you can carefully pry it with a screwdriver at all 4 slots and push it down. Open one side of the harness (at a time) very carefully by prying with a small screwdriver. The receivers are loose so be careful not to mix them up - best to hold them in with your thumb and go one at a time. The crimping should only be done at the bottom of the receiver closest to its wire. If you even slightly crimp the top the relay will not plug back in and it is very dificult to open the crimp. This cost me over an hour redoing the work. I suggest crimping slightly with needlenose or snips. The more you close the hole the less chance you can plug the relay back in tightly as you have very little leverage. reassembly is fairly straightforward. You should probably test your relay in the harness before snapping the harness back into the box. If you crimped too much it will not seat all the way. I crimped too much and in the end was not able to reinstall the receiver in the box - I had to plug in the relay and stuff it all in below the box with all the wiring. There is barely enough room for this but it should not cause any problems.
thanks again marx for the $0 fix.

flyboy8584

Hey fellas, My intermitten on my wipers don't work, but on high speed. I bought a wiper relay, but haven't recieved it yet. Is wiper relay and combination relay the same thing? thanks