I just purchased my first ever volvo, 1997 850 Base model wagon, I am so stoked that it seems like such a user friendly car when working on it!! We are currently waiting on a heater core to replace the leaky one and there are a few other things that aren't working.

One major one is the windshield wipers, they only work on high and highest, also the washer fluid doesn't work on either front or back wiper. The wipers on the headlights are gone.

Is there a simple fix for the wipers only working on high? the passenger one runs a little faster than the driver one.

court

 

as far as the washer fluid,it may need a new pump motor. that is located in the tank itself...you may have a bad switch in the steering column for the wipers

 

There are actually two pumps with a wagon. One in the tank for the front windshield and the second on the bumper mount point for the rear.

Both should make noise when activated so have someone listen up by the reservoir when you enable them.

 

My '95 only has four settings. Up is a delay setting where it takes a stroke and sits for a moment before going again. Then there is OFF, slow and fast.
You said they only work on fast and fastest ... what would that be ??

The washer pump for the rear is located on the frame, behind the bumper close to the washer fluid tank. You'll likely need to get down there and check them with a voltmeter or test light to see if your getting power to them. If so you'll need to replace. Make sure you don't have a fuse out.