Does anyone know if the windscreen wipers should activate automatically when the washer fluid is dispensed by pulling the stalk towards you being the steering wheel?

I've had two multiplas over 8 years and this has never been the case.

I was sure if this was by design or whether a fuse or relay was faulty.

aeroadster said:

Does anyone know if the windscreen wipers should activate automatically when the washer fluid is dispensed by pulling the stalk towards you being the steering wheel?

I've had two multiplas over 8 years and this has never been the case.

I was sure if this was by design or whether a fuse or relay was faulty.

Click to expand...

From memory.. my marea is the same..

My concern is that I've called two Fiat dealers, and no one actually knows!!!! :bang::bang::bang:

I'm currently querying this matter with an MOT tester, who insists that all car must have an automatic wash & wiper function.

I've looked at the MOT reference online and this link says:

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_820.htm

Under the reasons for rejection:

Wipers and Washers

a. A wiper or washer control missing or inaccessible to the driver

b. a wiper does not continue to operate automatically when switched on

c. a wiper installed for the use of the driver does not operate over an area of the windscreen large enough to give the driver an adequate view of the road (through the windscreen) to the left and right sides of the vehicle. as well as to the front.

2. A wiper blade insecure, missing, or in such a condition that it does not clear the windscreen effectively to give the driver an adequate view of the road (through the windscreen) to the left and right sides of the vehicle, as well as to the front.

3. The windscreen washers do not provide enough liquid to clear the windscreen in conjunction with the wiper(s)

aeroadster said:

My concern is that I've called two Fiat dealers, and no one actually knows!!!! :bang::bang::bang:

I'm currently querying this matter with an MOT tester, who insists that all car must have an automatic wash & wiper function.

Click to expand...

First, MOT tester is talking rubbish. There is no requirement for autowipe after wash
Section 8.2 of the testers hand book, washers, reason for rejection, "The windscreen washers do not provide enough liquid to clear the windscreen in conjunction with the wiper(s)". Nothing about automatic wiper operation. While you might read this with an emphasis on " in conjunction with the wiper" the key element is "do not provide enough liquid "
If he insists complain to VOSA. I'd report him anyway.


For a specific car auto wipe on wash may depend on the trim level / options /year/ market so some car of the "same" model may have it and some may not.


Robert G8RPI

I agree with you on the poor interpretation by the MOT tester.

I have the Eleganza, which sat at the top of the range. This feature didn't exist on my 54plate 115BHP JTD Eleganza, nor does it exist on my current 120BHP Eleganza.

The fiat dealers are so incompetent that I've asked them for the part number of the wiper switch, so I can check and see if there's a circuit and wiring diagram.

If I can get hold of this information, it will categorically show whether the washer function is remotely connected to the wipers.

aeroadster said:

I agree with you on the poor interpretation by the MOT tester.

I have the Eleganza, which sat at the top of the range. This feature didn't exist on my 54plate 115BHP JTD Eleganza, nor does it exist on my current 120BHP Eleganza.

The fiat dealers are so incompetent that I've asked them for the part number of the wiper switch, so I can check and see if there's a circuit and wiring diagram.

If I can get hold of this information, it will categorically show whether the washer function is remotely connected to the wipers.

Click to expand...

Hi,
Wiring diagram won't help unfortunately. It is almost certainly controlled by the body computer, not by any kind of direct wiring connection.
What does the owners manual say? If it mentions autowipe there may be a "were applicable" or "option dependent" statement.
Out of interest, ask him how he would fix it and how much?


More practicably let him reject the car, make sure he puts exact details of failure (not just "wipers not working") on the rejection notice. Get the MOT done elsewhere then report him to VOSA and send him a bill for the MOT test, your wasted time and mileage. If he doesn't pay tell him you will take it to small claims court. Follow through if he calls your bluff, you can do it on line and add the fees to his bill.


Robert G8RPI.

I got the part numbers, but there's no diagrams for them 735491933 and 735428558.

It's a shame non of the forums Multipla owners have had a chance to read this and confirm.

I talked to an Alfa dealer, as the parts were shared on the older 156 and other models, but they don't have any older second hand cars.

Owners manual for my 2004 roundnose, page 80:

"When the lever is pulled toward the steering wheel (fig.63) the windscreen and headlight washer jets start operating (where fitted) providing the dipped beam headlights are switched on."

No mention of an autowipe. Yes, it's a bit unusual these days, but hardly the end of the world. I find it can be used to good advantage - aim the washer jets so they land somewhere towards the top of the screen when the car is at standstill. Squirt and let the water run down the screen for a second or two to soften the dirt, then flick wipe to clear the screen.

For the last 8 years, we've always just squirted and then manually flicked the wiper stalk down to wipe the screen.

We've never known anything different on either of our Multiplas.

I've lodged a query with VOSA on the matter by e-mail.

I'm on my third Multipla - none of 'em do the "autowipe with wash" thing.

My 2010 doesn't do it and neither do any of my other older Fiats (except the mk2 Punto). Sounds like you need to find a new garage for your MOTs.

My 2005 Eleganza doesn't do it either, got used to just squirting and wiping now (no innuendo intended) ??

Funny enough my Marea 20v HLX had the auto wipe functionality, but my friend who had a 1.8 ELX didn't. Really weird.

aeroadster said:

For the last 8 years, we've always just squirted and then manually flicked the wiper stalk down to wipe the screen.

We've never known anything different on either of our Multiplas.

I've lodged a query with VOSA on the matter by e-mail.

Click to expand...

Did you get any response to your email?


Robert G8RPI.