Land Rover Repair: 98 disco Wiper problem, windshield wipers, bottom position

Question
John:
I have a 98 Disco with 90,000 miles and I am having trouble with
the windshield wipers.The wipers work fine on high and low
speed, but do not work properly on the intermittent setting.
When I use that setting the wipers will go up and then freeze, but not
come back down. Also, even when using the high or low speed setting
when you turn the wiper switch off the wipers will stop wherever
they are at the time. To get them to return to the bottom
position you have to time it just right so you turn the switch off
when the wiper is at the bottom. Otherwise the wiper will stop
midway down the windshield.
Any ideas?

Answer
Hi George,

several years ago, I was having trouble with my wipers.  Like you, the intermitent feature would not work correctly: sometimes it was ok, other times it refused to work OR froze just after starting.  As for the regular setting, this too was not behaving as it should.  Sometimes it froze and other times it work just fine.

I approached my dealership and they proposed to check the entire electrical wiring from the indicator arm switch to the wiper linkage.  With at least 5 hours of labour, they may be able to locate the problem.  Parts extra.

Instead, I decided to take a look at my wiper system and see what could be done to save me money and get the problem solved.  

I removed the wipers and uncovered the wiper linkage unit just below my windshield.  I noticed that rust had formed around the linkage and I noted some discolouring around the wiring harness (inside too).  I had thought that maybe the seating had become loose over time.  I disconnect and reconnect the wiring harness.  When I activated the wipers, the problem did not go away.

I decided that I would replace the rusting linkage and take my chances.  I purchased the series II linkage (series I was no longer available) for $120 and installed it on my Disco.  It worked and has been working fine ever since.

This may be your trouble.  If you are mechanically inclined, you can inspect your wiper linkage and see if corrosion has affected the mechanics and wiring.  LR wire harnesses are notorious for corroding and failing.  This is true for lights, windows and even the wipers.

Best of luck,

JohnMc