Audi Repair: audi a3 1999 5 door window wiper fault, stranger things, audi a3

Question
QUESTION: My wipers have gone crazy. They function normally on each cycle but when turned to the off position they wipe 8 or 9 times and stop wherever they choose. (most distracting!) Most times when I turn the ignition this will happen although the wipers should be off! They don't seem to park correctly on most occasions either. Every once in a while they will be as normal until I need to use them, then we begin the fun of the fault all over again. Please help!!
Thank you

ANSWER: This sounds like a problem with the wiper motor itself.  It may be resolved by disassembly and cleaning, but it's probably easier to replace the wiper motor.  You could also cehck the controlling relay, since that is a much easier thing to replace.  Good luck,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I forgot to mention that my interior light also flashes when driving. Could this be connected to the fault with the wipers? (As it started at the same time!)It isn't an open door because the car clearly tells me they are all closed, although when the flashing first started opening and slamming the passenger door stopped the flashing. Now I can't stop it no matter what I do. Where would I find the relay? Is there several of them and if so, how do I know which one to replace? Very confusing for me!
Thank you

Answer
The interior light flashing is more than likely a door sensor, which I don't see being connected to the wiper motor problem.  But stranger things have happened.  I cannot post pictures here, but in your manual you should have a description of the fuses and relays, you will have to remove the lower dash on the left side to get to all the relays.  If the passenger door is indeed the culprit, then check the interior light switch in that door first.  Let me know what you find,  Jan