Wiper problems
 

I have an 06 A4 Avant. For the 2nd year in a row, the heavy snow has caused grief with my windshield wipers. They now rest in the halfway position, creating a nice obstacle to my field of vision. The wiper motor was replaced under warranty last year. However, the fact that it has happened again makes me wonder if there is a bigger problem here. I have not found any service bulletins or recalls regarding this.

Has anybody else experienced any issues.

Thanks,
Tim.

Re: Wiper problems
 

Well, not if you actually brush the snow off the windshield before you turn the wipers on. The wipers are not nearly strong enough to push the snow off, no matter what car you drive. Sounds like you burned out the wiper motor, which would indicate that it was trying to push too much snow, especially if it's heavy snow.

Brush the snow off FIRST!

Good luck.

Re: Wiper problems
 

Nice diagnosis doctor. You should open your own shop. If the answer were only that simple....
Good luck in your internet travels solving everybody's problems.

Re: Wiper problems
 

I heard of some issues but can not recall it a 100%... i know that it was a plastic regulator that snaped which ate away the gear and it would cause the motor to spin freely. I am going to have to check out the assmebly again to remember what the guy had problems with again. I will let you know ASAP

Re: Wiper problems
 

Is your wiper motor completely dead now? Maybe check the fuse... I think it would be very unlikely to have a 1-yr-old motor fail that quickly and easily. Maybe the motor sezied becuase of frost and was overloaded.

If the fuse broke in the middle of the wiper sweep, I would guess the wiper would remain there. If you cant hear the motor running when you hit the lever prompt, it could be just a fuse...Actually I hope your fix is just a fuse, easy-schmeezy.

good luck to ya!

Re: Wiper problems
 

1 move and Brian, thanks for the feedback. I think 1move is on the right track. The wipers work, they just rest in the extended position. Last year the dealer replaced the motor, likely because that was the easiest thing to do, not because the actual motor failed. It is likely an issue with a regulator, or an part related to the connection between the arm and the motor. I can manually force the wipers back to the resting position, but when they start again, they finish in the extended position.

I am in the car a lot, and even though the car is properly cleaned of snow prior to each trip, there is an inevitable build up of snow and ice in the wiper channel, which appararently causes the problem. Ultimately this is a warranty issue, which the dealer will likely address by replacing the whole wiper/motor assembly.

This is my 2nd A4 avant. Although the car is efficient and proficient, the number of gremlins infecting the car, make it likely it will be my last. (both cars have had a number of electrical issues, is some cases rendering the car undrivable).