Problem with Wiper Stalk or Relay?

[johnk]

Unfortunatly the plastic broke of the end of my wiper stalk while in storage the last four years. I was able to get a used replacement stalk with the help of one of our members in Ireland for a very reasonable price. Problem is once I installed it nothing happens when I move the wiper switch. The wiper mechanism was froze before I took the car apart and I don't know if any electrical damage was done at that time. I freed up the mechanism and rebuilt the wiper motor and both work fine on there own.

Using the diagram below from a member's previous post I was able to determine that I am getting power to the two proper female connectors on the post. However I do not get any power at any of the posts on the relay regardless of what position I put the wiper switch in. Anybody have guidance on where I should go from here? Should I just assume that the stalk is the issue or is there anything else I should check first?

I greatly appreciate any help.

John

[lpeterssen]

Dear John

Could you be so kind to indicate which cables or post exactly are being powered to understand what is happening. Mark them on the drawing and mention which are the cable Colors related to that post.

Indicate which connector are you talking about... the wiper relay connector, the steering column switch connector, etc.

Best regards
L.peterssen

[Paul & Dolly]

Hi John,

I cant believe it is 9 years since I scribbled those diagrams !

Have you checked that the Wiper Relay is operational, They do fail or get stuck if idle for a long time.

Good luck

Keep well

Paul

[johnk]

Thanks for Responding LP! You already know electrical is not my strong point from helping with my new AC.

Different from the diagram above, my power comes into the connectors 5 and 6 who's position is marked on the diagram. The wire colors are black and purple and red white and blue. I know that one of them is fed from fuse 1 as it had no power when that fuse was out.

The connector I am talking about is the 6 pin connector that the wiper stalk plugs into for control of the wiper, turn signal and horn.

I appreciate any guidance I can get.

John

[johnk]

Thanks Paul
I really appreciate the drawings you did. How do I check to see if the relay is working?

Thanks
John

[Paul & Dolly]

Hi John

A couple of points:
Have you looked in the Technical manual here , under Steering Column Switch ?
The Multi Pin connector should have 12 pins, I think , not 6
My drawings are for an early 250SL RHD, so your 280SL will be different, as the Column switches are not the same.

It is best to identify all the cables on the multi pin connector under the dash and check they operate on the wiper Relay connector under the "hood"

You can unplug the Wiper Relay, and check that it operates by apply 12 volts to the coil and seeing that the appropiate contacts make and break.

Hope this helps, I cant be more specific as Your wiring will be different to mine.

Let us know how you get on.

Keep safe

Paul

[johnk]

Thanks Paul. I will try that tonight.