Welcome to the Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast Forum.
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
My 2001 SE has a wiper switch that, when the temperatures dip, will only work pulling the switch. (activating the washer jets). I am of the understanding the "lube" used in the switch goes bad and when cold won't allow the contact to be made in the end of the switch selector itself? It works fine when the weather is hot. My questions:
1. Is there a way to remove the selector end of the switch to clean and get some better lube in there? I noticed a tiny hole on the switch arm that may be a release pin of some kind?
2. Possible to get the switch arm off without removal of the steering wheel? Assuming option 1 cannot be completed.
Most owners replace the stalk switch. Pix attached from RAVE. If working in steering colum good idea to disconnect battery (air bag) when tinkering. Should be able to rotate wheel 90 degrees and have enough clearance to get at switch. Don't know if you would have much success with circuit cleaner.
That said, I have seen write ups for other styles of vehicles where you could take it apart in place. If you elect to go that path, please take photos of the steps and share. I suspect some switch parts might be more difficult to reach than others in the stalk (in the base vs in the stick).
Another option would be to install a new momentary switch, and connect it to pins 3 & 4 of the connector going to wiper motor. Wiring diagram from RAVE attached.
I have the same issue with my '02. I find if I turn the wipers to the hi setting, it works right away. Once the interior warms up, the switch functions as normal. I'm sure I will have to address this at some point soon before it completely fails.
The relay built into the fuse box can also stick when cold and cause this same issue. I'd break out the multimeter and verify the source of the problem and address it from there.
__________________
'03 D2
Super Pro Bushes; Was Koni HT, now HT RAID; Detroit Rear & TT Front; CDL then Quife torque biasing center diff; Style A Wheels; Scorpion ATRs; Goodridge Stainless Lines; EBC YellowStuff on DBA 4000XS; Big Valve Heads; 202 Cam; Stroked to 4.8L; Tuned Motronic; Added ACE & SLS; Euro Headlamps W/ Leveling & Powerfold Mirrors. Forced induction coming next.
No need to remove the steering wheel, just turn it so the bottom (flat side) is facing the towards the switch, same thing for replacing the headlight switch.
You need a new wiper switch, this is common on DII's everytime it gets cold.
Ok guys, thanks for the prior inputs... The switch is fixed and works perfectly.
Removed the switch, dismantled it, cleaned the contacts (original lube was like glue) reassembled, and put back into the disco. Took about an hour.
I will post some pics on the site later today...need to offload from the camera.
Easy sleazy.
Post pics please. Mine does this too. I had this issue during the summer and had the stalk swapped from an older doner Discovery (despite different part numbers the stalks interchanged perfectly) and it worked "better" all fall, but now that it is cold, there is a 10-60 second delay when I turn on the wipers until they function, except when pulling the stalk to clean the windshield, then it works fine "most" of the time even when cold.
Wiper switch non responsive when cold
