Wiper switch resolder FAQ?
04-09-02, 10:02 PM
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Wiper switch resolder FAQ?
Is there a wiper switch rebuild/resolder guide floating around out there? I don't want to have to buy a whole new switch. :P
-ZenFox
-ZenFox
04-09-02, 10:22 PM
#2
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Solder joints rarely go out in the wiper cluster switches...
It's usually bad contact on the crappy relays.  Most of the write-ups are for replacing the relays.  You can pop open the stock relays and "clean" the contact, but this is not a permanent fix.
Click my FC3S Pro link in my sig and go to...
Tech Sections -> How To's -> Wiper rebuilt
-Ted
It's usually bad contact on the crappy relays.  Most of the write-ups are for replacing the relays.  You can pop open the stock relays and "clean" the contact, but this is not a permanent fix.
Click my FC3S Pro link in my sig and go to...
Tech Sections -> How To's -> Wiper rebuilt
-Ted
04-09-02, 11:25 PM
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Seems like I'm always disagreeing... but hey.
The wiper fix CAN be virtually permenant (years) if done properly.
The crappy relays used in the switch are overburdened. They should be bigger, or less current through them. Anwyays, carbon builds up on the relay contact points, due to arcing when the contacts open or close.
You just clean the contacts up (need to pop the tops off the relays- pretty easy if you read the how to's on the above sites)
BUT- if you don't apply dielectric grease (which probably wasn't done at the freakin factory either) it will happen again soon.
Just apply a dab of dielectric grease to the contact point (but don't submerse it) and it will prevent arcing and carbon build up for a long time!
Good luck!
The wiper fix CAN be virtually permenant (years) if done properly.
The crappy relays used in the switch are overburdened. They should be bigger, or less current through them. Anwyays, carbon builds up on the relay contact points, due to arcing when the contacts open or close.
You just clean the contacts up (need to pop the tops off the relays- pretty easy if you read the how to's on the above sites)
BUT- if you don't apply dielectric grease (which probably wasn't done at the freakin factory either) it will happen again soon.
Just apply a dab of dielectric grease to the contact point (but don't submerse it) and it will prevent arcing and carbon build up for a long time!
Good luck!
04-10-02, 01:08 AM
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When you say 'clean the relay contacts' you mean physically busting open the plastic on all three relays and removing the carbon? I just want to make sure I read you right before I go tinkering. 
And thank you all for the information..
-ZenFox
And thank you all for the information..-ZenFox
04-10-02, 04:15 AM
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You could do it yourself if you have a soldering iron and experience. But if not, Joe Romeo at www.fc3s.org will do it for ya for $50. I'm getting my done by him. He's done tons of them.
Jay Kim
Jay Kim
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04-10-02, 05:57 AM
#8
I wish I was driving!
Originally posted by ZenFox
When you say 'clean the relay contacts' you mean physically busting open the plastic on all three relays and removing the carbon? I just want to make sure I read you right before I go tinkering. And thank you all for the information..
-ZenFox
When you say 'clean the relay contacts' you mean physically busting open the plastic on all three relays and removing the carbon? I just want to make sure I read you right before I go tinkering.
And thank you all for the information..-ZenFox
I just replaced my 2 relay's, cost me $15 when I ordered a bunch (friends as well)
Sean
04-10-02, 08:52 AM
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Originally posted by ZenFox
When you say 'clean the relay contacts' you mean physically busting open the plastic on all three relays and removing the carbon? I just want to make sure I read you right before I go tinkering. And thank you all for the information..
When you say 'clean the relay contacts' you mean physically busting open the plastic on all three relays and removing the carbon? I just want to make sure I read you right before I go tinkering.
And thank you all for the information..
Keep in mind, these contacts are TINY - we're talking about 1mm in diameter!
-Ted
04-10-02, 09:57 AM
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yes, check the write-up, there are detailed pics...
For all you lazy people...
http://fc3s-pro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html
-Ted
For all you lazy people...
http://fc3s-pro.com/TECH/HOWTO/WIPER/wiper.html
-Ted
04-10-02, 10:15 AM
#12
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
For $10 for the new relay including shipping, why would you go through cleaning them? Its a 100% more work to just clean the old factory relay.
The factory relays were not designed for american miles and use. If you use something like the Digikey Z950-ND relay, you get a heavy duty moisture/water resistant relay that will hold up to typical american miles on a car.
Plus half the factory relays I have seen when replacing them have the case that has been melted, indicating an overheating problem. This doesn't happen with the Digikey replacement.
The factory relays were not designed for american miles and use. If you use something like the Digikey Z950-ND relay, you get a heavy duty moisture/water resistant relay that will hold up to typical american miles on a car.
Plus half the factory relays I have seen when replacing them have the case that has been melted, indicating an overheating problem. This doesn't happen with the Digikey replacement.