Wiper Relay - BMW Forum

hanimourra · 03-09-2009, 08:42 PM

Hi Everyone...

2002 325xi - Wipers don't work anymore. At some point they were moving veeery slowly (very lazy) and today they don't work at all.

I suspect it is the relay. Does anyone agree? It is the cheapest thing to change myself.

Two questions:
1. How do I remove the relay (just literally yank on it or is there some type of latch?)
2. Is the tan coloured relay the one for the wipers? (it shows 3801 on the relay). It is located in the relay box under the hood on the driver side. It is the only browish one.

Obviously I am a newbie at DYI, so any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Hani

hanimourra · 03-12-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanimourra

Hi Everyone...

2002 325xi - Wipers don't work anymore. At some point they were moving veeery slowly (very lazy) and today they don't work at all.

I suspect it is the relay. Does anyone agree? It is the cheapest thing to change myself.

Two questions:
1. How do I remove the relay (just literally yank on it or is there some type of latch?)
2. Is the tan coloured relay the one for the wipers? (it shows 3801 on the relay). It is located in the relay box under the hood on the driver side. It is the only browish one.

Obviously I am a newbie at DYI, so any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Hani

I replaced the relay but still doesn't work. Any other suggestions on what it might be? When the engine is off and I have the key in the ignition, and try to turn on the wipers they move slightly (1 mm or so) then stop and I hear a clicking noise.

Could it be the motor? Is the motor easy to replace myself?

Any guidance would be appreciated

marti5 · 03-13-2009, 05:41 AM

Clicking would be the relay are you sure you changed the correct one? the new one could be faulty.

hanimourra · 03-13-2009, 12:13 PM

Thanks Marti. I confirmed with the dealer that the relay I changed was for the wiper. (Tan colour). I guess I could try to exchange it for another...unless the problem is with the connector itself (not the relay).

Note: the older relay had some burn marks on one of the two contact points. I haven't checked the new one.

Thanks for you help. What is the faster way to check a relay..the dealer wouldn't do it for me.

Hani

marti5 · 03-13-2009, 12:22 PM

You need a multimeter to check a relay, I have put a little more thought in and it may be the connects in the stalk that are full of dust & grime, might be worth taking the stalk off and giving the contacts a good clean up.

marti5 · 03-13-2009, 12:26 PM

Here you go need a multimeter as said:

How to Test a Four Terminal Relay | eHow.com

hanimourra · 03-13-2009, 03:16 PM

Thanks Marti! I will check it out tonight.

hanimourra · 03-13-2009, 03:32 PM

I know this is a ready dumb question, but what are the "stalks" the actual wipers themselves. Do I disconnect where they are attached under the hook? Easy to do?

steppro · 03-19-2009, 09:31 PM

sounds more like a wiper linkage problem, could be binding up. if they are still moving that means they are getting power so the relay should be ok. i would guess its with the motor or the wiper linkage (sometimes also refered to as wiper transmission) if it is binding up it will probably need to be replaced, theyre kinda pricy.

hanimourra · 03-19-2009, 10:10 PM

You are absolutely right Steppro...thanks! I took it in to the mechanic and he said the same thing. I didn't get it fixed since a new wiper linkage/motor costs easily $400 CADs plus 2.5 hours of labour. I am looking for a good place to source out a USED wiper linkage/motor. Does anyone know of such a place in Toronto?

Cheers,
Hani