Wiper problem

[Bggdnssnguy]

So when I got my 88 325i, the wipers were inop.

Was told it needed a motor, but when the wiper switch is on. The relay or control unit doesn't click or make noise. So I bought a used switch and control unit. Couldn't get my steering wheel off the column so I rigged up the switch to where it should work. But nothing, so I changed out the control unit with new switch. Still nothing. It's like it's not getting power to the relay..

Has anyone had this problem? Does anyone have a wiring diagram or know what's hot and what is ground? Is there another fuse or relay in the system?
Any info will help before I make my own complete circuit for wipers.

[vpilarrt]

http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

[Das Delfin]

Google e30 fuse diagram and check that. Double check your wiring for the switch. Take off the panel for the heater blower motor and look down in there and see if you can see that the wiper motor is plugged in.

Those electrical troubleshooting diagrams on wedophones are your best friend. The downloads you can get have problem solving procedures too. It's amazing. Usually brown or black is ground on these cars

[Bggdnssnguy]

I have googled and googled. I only see one relay for the wipers, no fuse unless it's named different. And everything for the switch is hooked up. I even tried another switch and still nothing.

[vpilarrt]

Fuse #5

[Das Delfin]

It's possible that the used relay can be dead. Get a volt meter and use the electrical troubleshoot manual to learn how to test the relay. You can also see if you are getting power to the stalk. If you have checked everything else, you have to start tracing the signal.

[Bggdnssnguy]

Will do this weekend. Thanks everyone for the help!!

[Bggdnssnguy]

Well tonight I worked on it.cand wipers are working! #5 fuse was missing, put one in and the new control unit.cand now we are working again. But PO took the motor out to clean it and didn't put the screws tight on the housing. So that's loose and will have to be taken out again.

[Das Delfin]

Getting to the motor to tighten those bolts isn't that hard. Just take off your blower motor cover and you should be able to reach in there with a wrench and get it done!

[Bggdnssnguy]

yeah. I'll just have to take the other side apart and reach in there. I can't believe how simple that was.. I saw they missing fuse like a billion times and thought maybe I should put one in and never did.

[PKile]

Keep a close eye on the wiper motor and wiring...after tightening the motor you might want to run a hose on your windshield and run the wipers for awhile, checking for smells, noises, and electrical smoke. If a fuse was missing, the PO might have had a problem with the wipers and pulled the fuse.

[Das Delfin]

^ this is true! When motors go bad they draw more current than normal and blow fuses. Might be the reason why the fuse was missing.

[Bggdnssnguy]

I took the wiper blades off and ran it. At slow speeds it doesn't smoke, but at high speeds it does. So if you or anyone else has a motor. Let me know! It's suppose to rain all next week and need it bad!