Windshield wipers (wiper blades) are designed to keep your windshield and rear windows properly clean. In good condition, with the support of washers, they can easily cope with dirt, snow and water. But if the wipers stop working, it is not recommended to continue driving in bad weather conditions. Your safety depends on it. It's better to stop and try to repair them.
In this article we will talk about why the wipers on the VAZ-2109 do not work. We will look at the main causes of this problem, as well as how to fix it.
How does a windshield wiper work?
At the front end of the electric motor rotor, a worm is cut, which engages and drives the main gear of the gearbox. When the windshield wiper is turned on, voltage from the vehicle's on-board circuit is supplied to the electric motor. At the same time, its shaft begins to rotate, driving the gearbox. He, in turn, moves the levers, the ends of which are brought to the surface of the underhood panel of the body and connected to the wiper housings. One of the ends of the gearbox shaft is equipped with a special cam that controls the moving contact for stopping the wipers in the extreme position.
Wiper control
The windshield wiper is controlled using a special switch mounted on the steering column of the car. With its help, the wipers not only turn on and off, but can also operate in different modes. This allows you to adjust the speed of the windshield wiper blades depending on weather conditions. VAZ-2109 cars have three modes:
- intermittent;
- constant with low speed of movement of the wipers;
- constant with high speed of movement of the wipers.
It often happens that the wipers on a VAZ-2109 do not work in only one of the modes, so it is important to know not only the design features of the windshield wiper, but also the mechanism for controlling its operation.
The intermittent operation mode of the wipers is activated in the first (working) and second positions of the switch lever. Its operation is ensured by relay type 526.3747. It is located in the vehicle’s mounting block and is designated on the electronic circuit as “K3”. This relay also turns on the wipers when the windshield and rear window washers are activated.
In the third position, the purifier operates in constant mode at low speed. To switch to constant operation of the wipers at high speed, a fourth position of the lever is provided.
Windshield wiper device
The main purpose of a windshield wiper is to remove dirt, raindrops and snow from the windshield and rear window during bad weather using brushes and washer. If the VAZ wipers do not work, this reduces safety, so it should be brought into working condition as quickly as possible.
In order to identify and troubleshoot problems, you need to know the windshield wiper design.
Components of a car windshield wiper
Its design includes:
- Electrical engine;
- lever system (trapezoid);
- gearbox;
- windshield washer motor;
- tank;
- washer pump;
- washer solenoid valve;
- brushes and springs.
In addition, the design of the windshield wiper includes various small parts.
Glass cleaner circuit
Diagram of glass cleaner and washer
The following components are marked with numbers on the diagram: 1 - electric washer motor; 2 – electric motor for wipers; 3 — mounting block; 4 – ignition switch; 5 – relay that relieves the windshield washer switch; K3 – windshield wiper relay.
The glass cleaner can operate in three modes. Mode “I” is intermittent. Mode “II” is constant. In this mode, the brushes move at low speed. Also a permanent mode is mode III. It differs from the previous one in the high speed of movement of the brushes. The mode is turned on using a switch (video author - Autoelectrics HF).
Symptoms of a problem
To understand the breakdown of the windshield wiper, let's look at what signs it may have.
Symptoms of a malfunction may be the following:
- when turned on, the device does not react at all (the relay does not click, the electric motor does not work);
- the relay is triggered, but the electric motor does not turn on;
- both the relay and motor work, but the brushes do not move or move in the wrong direction;
- The intermittent mode of the VAZ-2109 wipers does not work;
- the electric motor does not stop in intermittent mode;
- The wipers are slow.
Now let’s look at each of the signs separately in the context of probable malfunctions and ways to eliminate them.
The windshield wiper does not respond to turning on or switching modes
If you are trying to turn on the windshield wiper, but the wipers on your VAZ-2109 do not work, and when you switch the lever you do not hear the relay clicks or the sound of the electric motor running, the reason may lie either in the switch, or in the relay, or in the fuses.
In this case, you must first check the integrity of the wiper fuse. It is located in the mounting block and is designated F5. You can check it using a multimeter turned on in tester mode. Next we move on to the bimetallic fuse installed in the purifier gearbox. If the wipers on a VAZ-2109 stop working in winter, this may be the reason. This fuse was equipped with the latest modifications of the “nines”. Its role is to protect the wiper motor from overheating in cases where the brushes freeze to the glass. You can check it with the same multimeter turned on in tester mode.
Next we move on to the relay. As already mentioned, it is located in the mounting block and is designated as “K3”. We find the relay, remove it from its seat, and put a known-good breaker in its place. Checking the operation of the windshield wiper. If it works, we buy a new relay. If everything remains unchanged, we continue troubleshooting.
As for the switch itself, it is very difficult to check its performance on your own. It has a rather complex design, so it is also easier to replace it with a known worker than to try to repair it. By the way, if the wipers and turn signals of the VAZ-2109 do not work, you can be sure that the problem is in the steering column switch.
Problem with steering column levers and fuse
Quite often, the contact in the steering column wiper switch may disappear. It is located on the steering column on the right. How can you assume this malfunction? The car may have recently been exposed to moisture or dust. Or the windshield wipers stopped working after a trip with curious kids who love to press buttons and pull levers!
In this case, you need to unscrew the plastic steering wheel protection, carefully disconnect the switch from the connector and clean the contacts with a file or fine-grained sandpaper. If necessary, replace the switch. This can be done independently or at a car service center.
Another fairly common reason for the failure of vase wipers is the operation of the bimetallic fuse of the windshield wiper mechanism.
This is the so-called thermal protection. When the temperature on the windshield wiper motor rises, the bimetal plates open the circuit and the wipers do not work. After a while, when the temperature drops to normal, everything can work as usual for a while.
Here you need to figure out what the reason is. Perhaps you just need to sort out the lever system, as it puts a load on the motor. Check for wear, wash and lubricate.
The relay is activated, but the motor does not start
Having discovered such a sign, we can assume that one of the above-mentioned fuses or the electric motor itself has failed. We check the fuses with a multimeter. If everything is in order with them, open the hood and inspect the trapezoid for deformation or the presence of a foreign object in the structure. In winter, it is possible for the wiper blades to freeze to the windshield. This phenomenon is accompanied by similar symptoms, so if the VAZ-2109’s wipers do not work in frosty weather, first check their condition.
If the trapezoid is in working condition and the wiper blades are movable, you will have to remove the electric motor for diagnostics. To completely eliminate other malfunctions, after dismantling the electric motor, connect it directly to the battery terminals. If it works, look for the cause in the electrical circuit; if not, contact an auto electrician.
Verdict
On a VAZ 2109 car, the electric motor and wipers do not work at the same time for the following reasons:
- frozen brushes;
- incorrect location of brush holders in extreme positions and defects in geometry;
- oxidized/burnt contact connectors and defective wires;
- defective relay;
- wear of the brush-collector unit in the gearmotor;
- faulty limit switch.
A properly functioning gear motor may not transmit torque to the wipers in the following cases:
- the nuts securing the levers on the axis of the driven shafts of the trapezoid are loosened;
- the nut pressing the trapezoid crank to the driven gear of the gearbox is unscrewed;
- The teeth on the gears of the gearbox are chipped.
Failure to operate the windshield wipers is a very common malfunction on VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099 vehicles. Its main causes are problems with the electrical part and mechanical failure of the windshield wiper elements. Let's consider a situation where the wipers have completely failed and do not react in any way to moving the lever in the right steering column switch.
List of malfunctions leading to failure of wipers on VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099
At the beginning of the electrician:
— the fuses in the mounting block have blown;
For the old-style mounting block - 17.3722 these are No. 5 and No. 4, for the new ones 2114-3722010-60, 2114-3722010-10, 2114-3722010-18 - F16 and F7. Fuses No. 5, F16 – cleaner, No. 4b A7 – washer.
If the fuses blow, there may be a short circuit in the electrical circuits of not only the windshield wiper, but also other circuits protected by them. See “Fuses and circuits of mounting blocks they protect for VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099”.
— the windshield wiper relay has failed (52.3747, 525.3747);
The relay should click when operating. If this is not the case, either it itself is faulty, or its contacts have oxidized. Sometimes, to restore its functionality, it is enough to take it out and put it back in several times. We replace the faulty relay with a new one.
You can check its serviceability by moving the steering column switch to the uppermost position. In this position, the brushes should work even if the relay is faulty.
Assignment of windshield wiper relay contacts for checking it: input – 15, output – S.
— the steering column switch for the windshield wiper operating modes is faulty;
The purpose of the switch terminals for checking it is: current input - 53a, 1st speed - 53, 2nd - 53b, intermittent mode input - 53e, intermittent mode output 53.
The faulty switch should be removed, disassembled, the contacts cleaned, or replaced with a new one.
— the connectors in the electrical circuit of the windshield wiper have come off;
In the mounting block these are X1, X2, X3, X4, X11, next to the mounting block there is a connecting block for the electric motor, a block on the steering column switch.
— the contacts in the connectors of the electrical circuit of the windshield wiper have oxidized;
We disconnect all the connecting blocks one by one and clean the contacts with a small needle file. It is better to start with the electric motor block next to the mounting block, as it is constantly exposed to moisture. Here you can check the connection of the “mass” wire of the electric motor.
— the windshield wiper motor brushes are severely worn or stuck;
The commutator against which the brushes are pressed may also burn out.
- or in the windings of the windshield wiper motor.
You can check the serviceability of the wiper motor by applying voltage to it directly from the battery. Input: 1st speed - gray wire from the mounting block, 2nd speed - gray-orange wire from the mounting block. Input for intermittent operation - gray wire from the mounting block.
Electric motor does not stop in intermittent mode
Intermittent mode differs from the others in that at the end of each cycle the wipers stop in the starting position. This is achieved due to the movement of the cam located at the rear end of the gearbox shaft. It closes and opens the moving contact of the windshield wiper limit switch. Irregularities in the operation of wipers in intermittent mode are usually associated with a malfunction: wear, damage. The problem may also be in the switch plate or its contacts.
You can easily replace the cam yourself. As for the plate and contacts, if necessary, you just need to bend them.
Repair
To troubleshoot problems with the wipers on your VAZ 2109, it is not at all necessary to contact a service station. The work can be done with your own hands, saving a decent amount of money.
Repair consists of performing several operations:
- Disassembling the unit;
- Troubleshooting;
- Eliminating the causes of purifier failures;
- Reassembly.
Dismantling
The first step is to learn how to remove windshield wipers. This will give you access to the device and all its components.
Dismantling by a wiper is carried out for their repair, replacement, modernization or when working with other components of your car.
It is enough to follow the specified sequence of actions and first familiarize yourself with the wiper diagram in order to do everything correctly.
- First, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to de-energize the car.
- Remove the brush arms by moving them to a vertical position and unscrewing the fastening nuts. Unscrew the nuts carefully so as not to push the lever out. Otherwise, under the action of the spring, it will fly into the glass and break it.
- By unscrewing the fasteners, the levers can be removed. It is not always possible to do this manually, so arm yourself with pliers. Be careful not to damage the threaded area. To avoid this, screw the nut back onto the splines, but not completely.
- Remove the protective caps made of plastic from the slots on each side.
- Unscrew the upper mounting nuts with the bracket and remove them. Under them there are rubber washers, which are also dismantled.
- Lift the hood and disconnect the wiring harness that powers the wiper motor.
- Unscrew the heater fan mounting screws and move it slightly to the side. This way, when dismantling the purifier, it will not interfere with you.
- Remove the cover from the relay and fuse box. You need to remove not only the wiper relay, but also everything else. Otherwise, they will interfere with your further processes.
- Unscrew the lower fastening nut of the mechanism, remove the plastic holder of the wiring harness from the electric motor from the hole in the car body. Now you can remove the holder so that it does not get lost during the repair.
- All that remains is to push the mechanism roller inside, then lift the electric motor and the windshield wiper mechanism slightly up and to the side. This way you can easily remove the node.
After completely disassembling the unit, you can check the condition of each wiper mechanism and determine the cause of any malfunctions.
Checking the status of elements
By disassembling the design of the wipers on your VAZ 2109, you can identify the damaged components that led to the problem. We will tell you exactly how to find the culprits.
Electric motor housing, stator windings and armature shaft
These elements need to be checked for mechanical damage on the surfaces. The stator should not have any traces of contact with the armature, and vice versa. If defects or scratches are found on the surfaces, try sanding them. If this measure does not help, the components must be replaced
Springs may become damaged and lose their elasticity as they are used. The brushes themselves suffer from this and do not work properly. The presence of wear on the springs indicates the need to replace them.
Check how freely the brushes move in the holders. If there are any jams, try sanding the assembly. The presence of chips, cracks and signs of wear requires replacement of brushes
It is not uncommon for traces of soot and brush friction to appear on the surface of the commutator. Polishing paste will help to cope with the problem. The anchor must be clamped in the drill chuck, which will increase the efficiency of polishing. There should be no scratches, chips or other damage on the collector. Again, if you have them, try sanding them. Otherwise, the anchor is changed to a new one
Reducer drive gear
Check for mechanical damage and chipped teeth. If some teeth are missing, the brushes may work slowly or the intermittent operation may be disrupted. It's best to replace the gear. When replacing, treat the new gear with plastic grease and lubricate the gear housing, having first cleaned it of traces of old lubricant
Wiper drive rods
Make sure they are not bent. If there are slight deformations, you can try to align the rods manually or with tools. If alignment cannot be achieved, replace
Threaded part of lever rollers
Threads and splines are often damaged. If this happens, you will have to replace the entire linkage assembly.
Fuses and relays
Quite often, the cause of a wiper failure is a relay or a blown fuse. The fuse for the glass washer motor is element F7, and the relay responsible for the unit of interest to us is indicated in the mounting block K3.
If the windshield wiper fails, first check to see if the fuse has blown and if everything is in order with the relays that are responsible for the operation of this unit. Often complex repairs are not required; it is enough to simply remove the burnt-out fuse element and replace it with a new one.
In some cases, a blown fuse indicates something more than just a broken fuse. What exactly causes the fuse to break is an important question. Therefore, it is recommended to disassemble the wipers, check the condition of all components and figure out what was the real reason for the failure of the brushes on the VAZ 2109.
The windshield wiper kit type 33.5205 consists of an electric drive, arms and brushes. The movement of the windshield wiper blades is parallel. The windshield wiper connection diagram is shown in Fig. 9.21. Windshield wipers can be domestic or imported. Windshield wipers are interchangeable in connection and mounting dimensions. The gearmotors (electric motors with gearboxes) of these windshield wipers are also interchangeable, although they have some differences in design. The windshield wiper has three operating modes: the 1st and 2nd modes are constant (but with different speeds of movement of the blades), and the 3rd mode is with intermittent movement of the wiper blades. The windshield wiper electric motor is excited by permanent magnets, three-brush, with two rotation speeds. To protect the electric motor from overloads when the brushes freeze to the glass, there is high resistance to their movement, or when the windshield wiper mechanism gets stuck, a reusable thermo-bimetallic fuse is installed in the wiper. For imported gearmotors, the fuse is installed under the gearbox cover on the limit switch panel, and for domestic gearmotors, the fuse is located on the wiper drive bracket. The intermittent operation of the windshield wiper is ensured by an electronic relay type 52.3747 installed in the mounting block. This relay also turns on the windshield wiper motor (low speed) when the windshield washer is turned on. A relay of type 526.3747 without terminal “K” is installed in the mounting block 2114-3722010. Its characteristics are the same as those of relay 52.3747. This relay can also be installed in the previous mounting block. On some VAZ 2108 and VAZ 2109 vehicles, tailgate glass wipers can be installed along with washer solenoid valves. The windshield wiper connection diagram is shown in Fig. 9.22. The tailgate glass wiper consists of a gear motor, a lever and a brush. Laying the lever with a brush on the right in the direction of travel of the car. A thermobimetallic fuse is installed in the windshield wiper gear motors to protect against overloads. For a windshield wiper, when the gear motor is loaded with a torque of 0.49 N m (0.05 kgf m), a supply voltage of 14 V and an ambient temperature of (25 ± 10) ° C, the number of double strokes of the gear motor shaft should be (50 ± 5) min, and the power consumption current no more than 2 A.
The wipers on the VAZ-2109 work slowly
The reasons for reducing the speed of brush movement are:
- low air temperature;
- wear (licking) of the splines connecting the levers and wiper housings;
- problems with the electric motor.
In the first case, the wipers may move more slowly than usual due to the grease solidifying on the gearbox gears. As a rule, when the car warms up, this problem disappears.
When the spline joint wears out, the brushes can also move more slowly due to the rotation of the lever tips in their seats. This problem is solved by replacing worn elements.
If these measures do not bring the desired result, we remove the electric motor and send it for repair.
The rear wiper of the VAZ-2109 does not work
The VAZ-2109 has another wiper. It is located on the glass of the rear door and has an autonomous drive. The wiper is driven by a separate electric motor with a small gearbox. You can get to it from the inside of the door by removing its trim.
A malfunction of the rear wiper can also be associated with both problems with the switch and problems with the electric motor itself. Most often it stops working:
- due to a violation of normal contact in the connector;
- rupture of the supply wire;
- breakdown of the electric motor or its gearbox.
