The battery on my 1990 240DL died after 7 years, so I had it replaced. Since the new battery was put in, the wipers have not worked properly. Typically, if I move the stalk so the wiper activates once, or if I use the windshield washer, the wipers will move but will stall out in the up position. With some effort I can return them to their parked position, but after that the wipers will not move at all, either intermittently or using the constant-speed switch (either slow or fast).

The wiper motor was replaced about a year ago. All fuses appear intact. Do folks think it is a relay issue, or perhaps a mechanical issue with the wipers themselves? Thanks for your replies.

 

pull the glovebox out, and disconnect the wiper linkage arm from the wiper motor... move the wipers manually and see if the linkage is all smooth and working right.

see https://cleanflametrap.com/wiper.html for a whole bunch of stuff on the wiper mechanics...

 

Thanks -- definitely a lot of information at that link. I'll give it a try.

 

Upshot: the mechanic said I needed both a new wiper motor and stalk switch. Ouch!