Technical Steering column cluster question.

[Eternal Optimist]

Hi All,

Just back from a weekend jaunt in my old 230 2.8jtd, during which I noticed both the windscreen washer pump and headlamp flash don't work when pulling the relevant stalks.

The wipers work as normal, as do the headlights and full beam.

I manage to access the washer pump. Multimeter revealed zero voltage at the contacts and earth continuity as designed, yet the pump worked a treat when I wheeled out a spare battery and stuck 12v through it.

This led me to investigate the steering wheel cluster. Before I attempt to dig any deeper, my question is, is it possible to repair these things or should I just buy and fit a replacement? I ask as I can't see any way of dismantling it.

TIA for any/all suggestions.

 

[Communicator]

Having examined a column switch assembly from an Alfa 147, I doubt that repair is feasible.

Attached are diagrams for the affected circuits. I am wondering whether there could be a common factor such as the ignition switch? However the diagrams are somewhat convoluted.

 

[Mike1alike]

Multimeter revealed zero voltage at the contacts and earth continuity as designed, yet the pump worked a treat when I wheeled out a spare battery and stuck 12v through it.

Did you check the fuse/relay? If not, I'd say that's what you should start with.

 

[Eternal Optimist]

Having examined a column switch assembly from an Alfa 147, I doubt that repair is feasible.

Attached are diagrams for the affected circuits. I am wondering whether there could be a common factor such as the ignition switch? However the diagrams are somewhat convoluted.

Thank you. I'll take a good look and see if anything jumps out at me.

 

[Eternal Optimist]

Did you check the fuse/relay? If not, I'd say that's what you should start with.

TBH, I wasn't aware there could be a relay in the circuit, but the fusebox was indeed my starting point. Fuse #3 controls both the wipers and washers and it's intact, but thanks for the suggestion. I'd better study the drawings supplied by @Communicator and find a relay.

 

[Mike1alike]

Fuse #3 controls both the wipers and washers and it's intact, but thanks for the suggestion. I'd better study the drawings supplied by @Communicator and find a relay.

Test if voltage comes to it when you turn on the command to washer pump.

 

[Communicator]

TBH, I wasn't aware there could be a relay in the circuit, but the fusebox was indeed my starting point. Fuse #3 controls both the wipers and washers and it's intact, but thanks for the suggestion. I'd better study the drawings supplied by @Communicator and find a relay.

No relays on wash/wipe diagram number 15, and those on headlamp diagram number 10, are used during normal operation.

 

[daroya]

Hi All,

Just back from a weekend jaunt in my old 230 2.8jtd, during which I noticed both the windscreen washer pump and headlamp flash don't work when pulling the relevant stalks.

The wipers work as normal, as do the headlights and full beam.

I manage to access the washer pump. Multimeter revealed zero voltage at the contacts and earth continuity as designed, yet the pump worked a treat when I wheeled out a spare battery and stuck 12v through it.

This led me to investigate the steering wheel cluster. Before I attempt to dig any deeper, my question is, is it possible to repair these things word online or should I just buy and fit a replacement? I ask as I can't see any way of dismantling it.

TIA for any/all suggestions.

The problem is likely the steering column switch cluster. Repair is possible but tricky due to delicate internal contacts, so most people replace the cluster for reliability and ease.

 

[Eternal Optimist]

Quick update...

New stalk switch cluster now fitted - £96 from Coastal Motorhomes - and all is well.

A pretty simple fix, but thanks to all respondents for pointing me in the right direction.