Matej Paciga

Hey guys,
I went through the forum and similar threads but haven't found any similarity yet.
So. my windshield wipers works flawlessly until they are not.
Normally, there are no issues with the wipers and majority of the time those are working well.
Then, from time to time (approx. two times a month), wipers are either slow and unable to finish the cycle (on any speed) or are making it only up to 1/4 of the screen and returning back.
One thing I've realized is that when the issue is occurring, wipers are not parking properly (it's like 2-3cm gap from full park position)

I did not strip it yet, just wanted to check with you guys whether there is a known pattern like motor issue or whatnot so i can order some parts before taking it apart.

Thanks!

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I wonder if there are fault codes for that.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Well, it appears that there are six possible fault codes for the wiper motor. I recommend you get a Mercedes-specific scan tool and scan for codes. OR replace the motor. But everyone should have the proper scan tool.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Possible fault codes for the wiper motor:

B219816
B219817
B237904
B237948
B237971
U115300

In addition, there are a bunch of "Rain Sensor" codes that might affect the operation of the wipers. Get scanned!

TimC300

I researched a little into wiper issues since when I scanned my car there is a code for the wiper motor actuator. My wipers work fine so not sure what its even about.

Doesnt appear to be a common problem. Could be faulty motor, issue with the front sam, worn wiring, or broken linkage. I would just start taking things apart and visually look for anything out of place.

Heres a good article with photos on taking things apart: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm

Heres the code I had:

meazz1

I had to replace my wiper motor in my C250 2013. It's not that bad of a job. There are step by step in Pelican site.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Have you noticed that wiper don't work if the hood is open? I know they don't on my SL and believe they don't on my C-Class. If that is the case, then the switch that detects the hood being open or closed could also be malfunctioning, causing the wipers to stop and start.

Matej Paciga

Thanks for all the inputs guys.
It has been scanned in the past when this occurred for the first time and no relevant codes were shown.
Also, it has nothing to do with the hood, in case of hood open, the wipers doesn't work at all.

I will most probably have a look on the mechanism when the issue is occurring and motor operation to seek for any issues over there.
Since i posted, there were no issues with wipers ...

gamma300C

Smells a bit like an area of high resistance on the wiper motor windings or badly worn carbon brushes with intermittent poor contact...you live in area where wipers see a lot of use and your C220 has higher mileage ?

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

So, you are driving in the rain and the road is a little bumpy. You have a bad contact switch. You hit a bump and the car thinks the hood is open and then closed. It could have everything to do with the hood switch.

Scanned in the past? What scanner was used?

gamma300C

The good news is your wiper problem is infrequent(2 times a month)......the bad news is your wiper problem is infrequent, as far as finding the cause(s) .Dx. The hood switch...hmmmm? Couldn't you "isolate" it...unplug the driver's side (LHD) 2 brown wire push connector right under the release cable insert and jumper wire the connector , confirm the wipers work with hood open and no error message, and leave her like that. The original description of how the wipers were "weird" seems to beg another cause.

Matej Paciga

It's been scanned by Delphi and by iCarsoft MB as well
There were some codes but not relevant to wipers (I've been dealing with faulty injector that has been replaced so not really relevant here)

It's not the hood switch either - with that kind of malfunction, wipers either works fully or will not even start to do a thing.
In my case, when the issue is happening the wipers are either slow and able to finish the cycle or will be able to make it only up to 1/4th of the screen and will return back.
This is happening regardless of driving conditions (wet/dry or driving/stationary)

It's 2007 with 380k kms so some wear'n'tear is quite expected

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a motor problem, then. With that many miles and age, I wonder if the motor uses plastic parts that have become worn or broken.

gamma300C

If you dive into repair, mark the exact position, clips, where front of plastic cowl slips onto windshield. At your mileage, the rubber seals around the wiper posts may have split and Driver's side ( if LHD) post leak will wet the front SAM. I took advantage of cowl off to RTV coat these seals from the underside ....my DS post seal was split. No problems after 2 years.
Good luck

CaliBenzDriver

The fact wipers become extra slow before stopping is an interesting tip here.
It sounds like the wipers painted GND post serving the high amp load is acting up.
It's located nearby under plastic cowl.

Of course power relay and bad motor not out of question.

Positively testing intermittent problem is more challenging!

meazz1

Like I mentioned, the wiper motor assembly was around $275 but that was more than 3 yrs ago. The job was pretty straight forward.
My wiper had died and it stopped working completely.

Matej Paciga

It has happened again, this time morning after the rain.
I'm starting with cheapest options here; was able to loosen all of the wiper arms with penetration oil and hammer and I'm getting second hand wiper linkage with motor included.
Either way, it would be most probably safest to replace linkage and motor at the same time.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

If you go down this path, make sure what you get is returnable. Otherwise, you may end up spending a lot more than necessary.

Matej Paciga

Well, honestly there's nothing else besides the linkage and motor.
Car is not showing any other issues that could be related either to fuse box, SAM etc.
Let's see ...

Matej Paciga

So, it's replaced and working

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Great! Would that be the motor, motor and linkage, just linkage?

Matej Paciga

Whole thing
Seems the issue was with the motor itself (weak)