washer timing problem

[sean sherry]

One problem sorted ( SL Plugs ) then another one surfaces, this time with our 2010 C200 GLI Turbo.
The wipers sweep and scratch on a dry screen ,then the washers come on. The Dealer says it is "standard " .... Can't be so as I would have noticed it before , we bought the car new. The pump is buried down there somewhere , I need to check that it gets power first or if it is losing it's prime. Apparently there is no software fix.
My '80 S L doesn't have this problem. Where to now .... Please
... Sean

 

[SEL_69L]

I will ask my brother about your problem.
He is a sort of an electronic gaget maker, and has been since he was a kid.
A sort of a Gyro Gearloose (Walt Disney comics).
He is also a qualified auto electrician, and used to be the electronics troubleshooter for TransPerth Government buses, before he retired.

Styria knows him quite well.

I think it would be possible to take the wiring from the washer pump and the wipers into a small purpose built electronic circuit, to force them to work in the order in which they should, with the time delay you require. It could cost less than $20 electronic components from Jaycar, with whom he has been dealing with since they started business.

 

[sean sherry]

Thank you for that suggestion, I fully understand what you are saying. I have some experience with electronics and making up something from a circuit sketch would not present a problem. I further understand that this is a common issue , so my business instincts tell me that your retired Brother would be onto a.... " nice little earner ".
( Philosophy of Arthur Daley from UK T V Show...... a London Spiv )

............. Sean

 

[BenzBoy]

Sean, I checked the washer operation on the CLK and the ML. The washer sprays water for about a second before the wipers start. The windscreen is quite wet before the wipers start. I suspect your C200 should be the same.
On the Spirit there is a spray of water for about 3 seconds before the wipers start and the timing is adjustable via a knurled knob on the wiper housing.
Regards,
Brian

 

[sean sherry]

I had a further chat with my local merc specialist who tells me that a lot of other makes have this problem. He points out that on the current Mercs the wiper / washer system in hooked up via the Can Bus system and that tapping into it will cause other issues. He suggests to switch the washer briefly with a separate feed before using the wiper switch. A spring loaded toggle switch would do the job. ? ? ?................Sean

P.S I will also check a neighbours 2010 C Class first

 

[BenzBoy]

Oh yes - do not play with the Canbus - that's asking for the wrath of the gods and a million gremlins in the computer....

 

[Styria]

I can't add anything really useful to this debate. First of all, with my 6.9, I replaced the standard container with an alloy unit that I had specifically manufactured. At one stage, when you could still buy a replacement plastic unit, the price from the Benz Dealer was about six hundred crackers - remember, that's a plastic container ! Whilst the alloy unit has been installed, the system is not connected up -just another little job I haven't carried out. In any case, GB has not been out in the rain for two years - has been washed three times only.

Anyway, I have just checked my 420SEL. There is no doubt that the wipers have ONE initial movement to the top of the screen before the screen is squirted with water. So therefore I have the same problem as Sean. Just as a matter of observation or practice on my part - with a nice clean car, that is bodywise, my screen is never dirty, therefore there is no need for me to use the washers/wipers. However, in the event of rain setting in, I always wait at least a minute before the wipers are operated to ensure that the screen is wet and therefore scratching is minimized What I have noticed with screens and wipers on the Honda Jazz, even two days will build up fine sediment on top of the rubber blade. Again, I wipe the blade with a wet chamois every second day, and also clean the screens with a Glass Cleaner. Long story, does it help or make sense ? Regards Styria

 

[sean sherry]

Yes Styria, maybe we are all to dependant on instant fixes , push a button, problem solved ! ....Sean

 

[Styria]

Obviously Sean, if you have a new screen, or one in nice, clear condition, the last thing you really want is to have your wipers mark the screen whilst still dry.

As a matter of possible interest, and I think this is a thoughtful feature, the P5 3litre Rover cars have a small 'boss' by way of a plastic 'pad' that allows the self parking wipers to rest on a cam stainless fitting, thereby keeping the rubber part of the wiper in a suspended position (only just), and also parked 'off' screen. Just think about it - that was a design feature going back fifty years ago. Regards Styria

 

[BenzBoy]

Of course if you are serious about good vision you will regularly "clay" your screen (and connect your beautifully sculpted washer reservoir ).
Regards,
Brian

 

[sean sherry]

Why didn't I think of that Brain , Claying does wonders for the Paint work so why not the screen. I have a Kit to polish screens ( brought back from the U.K.) which does wonders for the 30 year old screen on my 107 SL.
... Sean