Problem with winshield wiper delay mode - 986 Forum

gdalby · 04-09-2009, 04:05 PM

Hello,
I'm new to the forum, as well as to Porsche ownership! I just bought my 02 Boxster in January and couldn't be happier. But I digress, I've been having a problem with my windshield wipers in the delay mode.

It seems that the adjuster for the delay is not working properly. No matter where I set it at, the wipers take a long time between actions. 1:40 minutes to be exact. Does anyone know what this problem could be or how I could take care of it? The other two modes work fine. Thank you in advance!

Greg

Lil bastard · 04-09-2009, 07:47 PM

Sounds as if the intermittent wiper relay is bad. The relay panel is above the driver side kick panel, above the fuses.

The wiper relay is #16, it is just to the right of the convertible top relay which is the only double-sized relay in the panel.

First try pulling the relay and re-seating it. If that fails, replace. In fact, if that fails, report back here.

There is a relay available from VW which will give you variable delay from 1 - 180sec (IIRC) instead of the pre-set fixed delay from the OEM unit. You program the desired delay through the wiper stalk on the column (and can change it at any time). It costs about the same as the OEM replacement and is a direct plug&play.

pab99c · 08-31-2009, 06:47 AM

Hi,

I have extactly the same problem on my 2003 Boxster S.

No matter what position the wiper frequency control is set the intermittent wipers only operate every 1min 40 seconds. Other modes are fine.

I've reseated the relay in #16 as you suggest but this didnt seem to fix it.

I noticed a replacement relay is about £40. So before I spend some money - Would like to know if others tried this and if it fixed your problem?

Cheer,

Paul.

Viper5 · 02-05-2010, 10:59 AM

Anyone ever figure out how to fix this? My delay mode is also freezing, but not for 1min 40sec. It just freezes while its in the middle of it's cycle so that it's partially blocking my view. Then it will just continue.

yimmy149 · 02-05-2010, 12:53 PM

Sometimes a little vaseline on the pins of the relay may help. I had a Ford that was having intermittent cruise control problems. I bent the pins slightly on the relay so it would fit tighter and greased the pins. Worked for 5+ years after that.

-james

Viper5 · 02-05-2010, 07:41 PM

I'll try taking it out and reinserting and make sure it fits snug...not sure I need vasoline lol

70Sixter · 02-06-2010, 07:05 AM

I use Napa CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner.

Muzzle of Bees · 11-09-2013, 01:24 PM

My intermittent wiper switch seems to be non functional at the moment. I pulled the #16 relay and reseated it, but no luck. I read where some of the switches may not be wired so the nob does not have power. Anyhow, I was going to verify that the switch has power by removing the left switch panel to verify it is wired before I purchase a new relay. Doe the knob come off first or does the panel pull over top of the switch? I was pulling on the knob, but it is really tough to pull.

Thanks

ohhh my · 11-09-2013, 08:37 PM

My knob seems to do nothing as well. Regardless of what I set it as, it seems the frequency of wipe does not change....

Do our cars have rain sensing wipers? is that what line in the middle of the windshield is for?

particlewave · 11-09-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohhh my

Do our cars have rain sensing wipers? is that what line in the middle of the windshield is for?

That's the radio antenna

kearth2001 · 04-03-2015, 06:07 PM

I recently purchased a 2001 Boxster S that had no engine or transmission, and the interior was ruined by rain. I found another 2001 S that had been hit in the rear end, with only 27,000 actual miles on it. Unlike my original Boxster that had been an automatic, this one was a manual. I quite literally removed everything from the donor car. When I say everything, I mean everything... Once I had the car back together the only problem I was having was the wipers would not turn off when the ignition switch was turned on. From this web site, I saw where others were having a similar problem and it was suggested the wiper module might be bad. Since I had the one from my original car (the one I removed and replaced from the donor car) I just swapped them out, and to my relief, the wipers started working perfectly. I appreciate the info I received from this site and hope others will find this remedy will resolve their issue, as well.
Mike