2006 A180 (W169) CDI Windscreen Washer Problem

[Brigbeale]

Hi to all, My wife and I have recently purchased the above vehicle for her.
It was an indulgent purchase and had a couple of known faults -
Louvred sunroof not opening,
Rear door lock not opening from inside and front passenger door lock 'bouncing' - both locks replaced by used car dealer.

I noticed that the rear wiper wasn't working when I turned the switch. Also the rear washer not operating. I did a quick search online about the problem but only found one forum entry about an A and B Class owner who had a problem with one rear wiper and found the cars have different wiring to them.

I contacted the dealer about it an left a message, but it appears he is not interested in it as he has not responded.

I was on the motorway last week and went to clear the windscreen and the washers didn't work. The wipers themselves seemed to work ok so soldiered on until my destination and cleaned the screen with some water from a bottle.

I found out that the front and rear washers use the same washer pump and assumed this was at fault, so replaced it with one from EuroCarParts.
I plugged it in without fitting it to the washer bottle and pressed the end of the multifunction stalk and the motor jumped as it spun up.
I thought 'Good - that's it' and fitted the new pump to the washer bottle.
I then tried it and it worked at first and then stopped. The wipers moved as they should but no wash
I have a basic test lead with a sharp point and probed both leads but got no response from either one.

I went on t'internet tonight to try and find an answer and came across something about N10 and N62?? relays but was interupted and lost the webpage.

I went to check the fuses at the weekend to find out which fuse feeds the the rear wiper but found the fuse guide sheet missing

Could somebody give me some help with this please?

 

[GLK]

Fuse allocation table:

Once you get the electrical problem sorted, you might want to wash the bottle thoroughly, to remove any traces of whatever was there (and I strongly suspect it wasn't quality screenwash), and then get a good one to fill it, ideally Mercedes WinterFit.

You could also remove the nozzles and clean them too, but don't use any needles and such - this will damage the tiny spray holes.

 

[GLK]

 

[Codger49]

I would also check the integrity of the washer tubing, particularly as GLK suspects 'gungy' washer fluid. Certainly W168 A class had the habit of popping washer tubing at joints in some very awkward places.

 

[Brigbeale]

Thanks for your replies.
When I push the end of the stalk to wash the screen, I would expect to hear the washer pump working.
I hear nothing and nothing happens water wise.
The stalk seems to have two stages to it. Push the end in and some resistance is felt and then once the resistance is overcome the stalk end can be pushed in more until it meets a firm stop.

On either position, no water is sprayed onto the windscreen.
Just found the book pack under the back seat and have found the first position is for single wipe only and the second is for wash/wipe.
Obviously something is amiss somewhere.

 

[Brigbeale]

Its been a while so time for an update.
I have finally cured the problems all at once!!

Short history since last thread.
If the stalk end was pressed and held at a certain position, sometimes I would get the system to work properly. Try it again I the same way and it wouldn't work.

Contacted three Mercedes 'Specialists' in Bournemouth and Poole. One was as 'stuffy' as the main dealer. Next one said its the combination stalk but he's not seen it on the 169 before and was fully booked. The last said it may be the stalk but would need to put it on the Star system to make sure it's not the SAM unit or wiring. That was going to cost £60 +vat.
As I was going to claim on the warranty I got with the vehicle, I had to get a printout of the results to I had to pay it.��
After about 1/2 hour, the operative came back into the office and asked a colleague about CAN BUS faults but nothing regarding the faulty wash/wipe system. When they finished their conflab he suggested it may be the stalk but couldn't guarantee it.
I asked for a printout and was told I couldn't have one because 'Mercedes have banned all Star operators handing out printed results from tests!'��
So I was £72 down and nothing to show for it!

I rang the Mercedes dealership and was quoted £116 for a new stalk. Which wasn't as bad as I was expecting. And it was in stock.

After some deliberation after talking to the warranty company, who still insisted on a printout, I decided to visit my local breaker who had just scrapped a 2010 A-Class which was front ended. The stalk assembly including the cruise control and squib/clock spring assembly for £27all ion with a guarantee.

So I opted to abandon the warranty option and fit it myself as the garage also wouldn't guarantee a used part and would change another hours labour to fit it.

So disconnect the battery, let the thing sit for 1/2 hour, remove the airbag, steering wheel(damn that bolt was tight!), squib after applying tape to stop it from turning as I didn't have the little red plug. Then remove the shroud/stalk assembly and exchange the parts out as my one doesn't have cruise control. Reassemble carefully, reconnect battery and switch on the ignition and cringe at what lights up. Just an SRS light. Start engine and SRS light went out after 10-15 seconds.
Try wipers...Ok
Washers....Ok
Rear intermittent wipe...Ok
Rear wash wipe...Ok

Feel quite smug that I've fixed it but balk at the fact I've paid a garage £72 for essentially nothing!