Intermittent rear wiper control
 

V70 D5 '02

Rear wiper works when I push the stalk forwards to wash it, but has been progressively more intermittent when using the switch at the end of the stalk to the point now when the switch does nothing most of the time.

It strikes me that the most likely point of failure here is the switch on the end of the stalk.

Couple of Q's for the community here:

Anyone else experienced this issue and fixed it? If so, what was the cause - the switch or something else?

And..Anyone know the easiest way to fix the switch, if that's what it is?

Cheers all

The stalks (both) are known to get dirty and can always need a good clean. :) It's not a very difficult job. :)

My first look would be the cables, especially the part where they go from the body to the lid. Broken cable(s) aren't unusual at this area.

Does cleaning them resolve this issue?
If so what is the best way to clean them, a damp cloth ?
As I currently have the same issue as well as the rotating part of the wiper adjuster that sets how often the intermittent wipe happens, doesn't work well.

Check the wiring going into the boot. This is the state of the cables from earlier this year (see the attachment), it started with an intermittent wiper and ended with the boot not opening at all. Had to re-solder the broken ones. All works fine again. Mine is a 2003 V70 by the way.

If the issue is with the contacts, yes it helps a lot. I had problems with the turn signal stalk, all resolved after a good clean. The contacts get a little dirty, and the spring plates need to be adjusted a bit. I cleaned it with contact cleaner, fine sanding paper and IPA.

It's not a big deal, all in all around half an hour for dismanteling, cleaning and putting it back together. :) That's why I'd clean them anyway, it's nothing fancy and no rocket sience. :D :D :D And you can rule out the stalk afterwards, if you still have problems, it's most likely a broken cable (see pic from robdeszan). I'd always clean before I start the PITA job with the multimeter. :D

Thanks for the info Paddy.

Did you clean the stalk while it was mounted to the car?
If so how did you take it apart?

No, the stalk is very easy to uninstall. :)

Take a look here at this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4KKMesIfNs

Needs a T25 torx and a PH, that's it. :)

Thanks for the video but I know how to remove the indicator stalk, thankfully that is super simple, but my issue is with the wiper stalk which I think needs the steering wheel to be removed to be able to remove the stalk.
Unless there is some trick I am missing?

ps://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Volvo-V70/69-ELEC-Steering_Column_Switch_Replacement/69-ELEC-Steering_Column_Switch_Replacement.htm

Hi.
This link shows how.

Thanks for the link, but that is for the old chassis car.
I tried to remove the wiper arm stalk at a scrap yard and found it would be necessary to remove the steering wheel which I am nervous about doing.