82 vanagon wiper switch

[motomike33y]

wiper switch quit on my vanagon. took it off and don't see any obvious problems.  wiper motor works when I jump it.  Have a couple other switches from jetta and rabbit of same vintage.  numbers different but look identical to vanagon--however they don't work either-no obvious reasons.  New switch for vanagon about triple that for rabbit.  Why?  Anything I can do to try rehabbing switch?  all three switches have same basic #321953503, but different suffixes.  vanagon "A", other 2 are B and C.  Suggestions, tips?  thanks.

[the caveman]

try a new wiper relay

[motomike33y]

Where would that be at?  I don't have my Bentley's here to check.  thanks

[the caveman]

For an 82, it shows that it's the one on the r/s of the relay panel, position 5

[motomike33y]

found it, and in Bentleys it's shown as only being needed for intermittent switch wiper.  I located several other relays in my piles of electrical goodies.  There must be a way to test the relay to see if its any good.  Also if its only needed for the intermittent phase, the wipers would work on regular high or low without the relay wouldn't they?   thanks. 

[the caveman]

 Try it anyways. Until the mid 90's ,wiper circuits were the most complicated wiring in VW's

[motomike33y]

tried all of my collection of used relays, none of them made any of my collection of used wiper switches work-guess next step is to try parts place. 

[the caveman]

I'm sure i have a god used one if you want, just postage and a buck or 2 would cover it. let me know.

[motomike33y]

I can jump from the hot wire to other connectors to get the wiper and washer to work, so the motor is ok.  I checked the fuses and they all appear ok-altho they are the old old style so I may replace them just on general principle.  I think I'm going to try to take apart one of the switches because they appear to be a simple matter of sliding contacts.  I can't see visually any difference between the 3 switches I have that have the same number but different suffixes.

[motomike33y]

yes, using the connections that would ordinarily be hooked to the wiper switch.

[motomike33y]

yep, and while I was fiddling and trying relays, I must have flummoxed something because now the starter won't work--again.  good thing I wasn't planning on having to use the vehicle immediately.

[the caveman]

Maybe the X [75] relay is gone. Does the heater fan work?

[motomike33y]

I don't think it does, altho that also has been inconsistent.  Something else I should check out?  How does the heater fan tie into the starter and/or windshield wiper switch?

[the caveman]

The starter issue does confuse things, but maybe it's just the starter. The x relay powers all the functions that pull current when starting-i.e.- interior fan, wipers some lights etc. It's important to check that when the wipers don't work whether the fan etc is/isn't working

[motomike33y]

I'll have to check that relay out when I get a chance.  I think maybe some other factor for starter-perhaps I moved wires when fiddling with the relay and fuse box for the wiper switch.  When I get a chance, I'll check things more thoroughly.