Front windshield wipers doesn't work no matter how much I use the wiper stalk. So I've done some troubleshooting.

I started with controlling the fuse for the front windshield wiper i found out that it was still operating. A 20 amps fuse. I've heard that in the Fabia mk I there were two fuses for the windshield wiper. Does anyone know if this is the case for the second generation as well?

Further troubleshooting

I started by removing the centre stalk unit, the levers behind the steering wheel that are used to flash highbeam and wipe the front and rear window. Tested with two other centre stalk units, one from 2008 and the other from 2011 with exact article number matching my car.

Same result, I can still flash indicate and use the wiper blade to the rear window. It is still possible to press the trip button on the wiper lever to change from fuel consumption, range and so on. That also worked with the 2008/2011 centre stalk. 

Then I removed the wiper arms and wiper motor. Tested with two other motors from the exact same model as my car. There was no difference either. Checked the wiper linkage, and they had not been rusted or affected by verdigris.

I measured the plug to the wiper motor, and it showed current from time to time. What I can remember. No reaction in current when I pressed the lever, like crazy.

My conclusion is either that it is the relay. But according to those at Skoda, they claim that then I wouldn't been able to see any flow of current at all in the plug/connector to the wiper motor. In case of a bad relay. 

Alternatively, the control unit where the relay is located that does not function. As this seems like the most logical thing, I still hesitate. Because then the car should
have several problems, and it does not. Due to the faulty control unit. But replacing this is expensive and also in need of programming, immobilizer etc.

Good to know is that the previous owner has placed several fuses incorrectly. For example, a 20 ampere, where in the instructions manual it should be a 15 ampere. Could this have something to do with the problems i am having? Everything in the car goes as it should what I have noticed. It has been debugged and no error codes.

Please excuse my english I am Swedish.

It does sound like the wiper control unit has failed.

Is this unit responsible for other stuff in the car? Do you know where it is located in the car?

Check both fuse 26 and 44, but I think it will be a badly burnt relay contact, probably:

Wiper relay replacement - Skoda Fabia Guides - BRISKODA

 

 According to Skoda they told me that if the relay would be bad i wouldnt get any current at all in the plug for the wipermotor. And i am quite sure i did. 

 

Could you link the realy to me, maybe also show me where its located.

Skoda may not be completely correct. 😉

A bad relay contact can present as making the connection, but lack the ability to conduct enough current to start the wiper motor.  I expect Skoda were thinking in terms of a relay that doesn't energise because of a coil fault. Bad contacts is a different fault. 

If you listen carefully when attempting to switch on the wipers you may hear the relay clicking as it does move its contacts? Will be most audible/obvious if you select intermittent and adjust it to short duration. 

 

The control unit containing that relay is just above the clutch pedal on a LHD car.  Relay part number is visible in that thread I linked, but worth checking yours to see if it is the same:

V2384-C2002A403.

 

The necessary coding to change the whole control unit is quite quick and easy, if you have, or can borrow VCDS. Read coding of existing unit, remove from car, fit identical part number replacement (e.g. 2nd hand) then code new unit to match old one. 

If you have the skills to remove the old relay, and solder a new one in, that will be the cheapest solution.

Edited 22 September, 20214 yr by Wino

I think I know that type if clicking noise you are talking about. I hear a clicking noise when I depress my dads xc70 clutch pedal in order to start it. Do you mean that a functioning relay would me the same sort of noise? So far I haven't heard any clicking noises if I push it down or use the intermittent option. But I will try it again with the engine switched off. 
 

"The necessary coding to change the whole control unit is quite quick and easy, if you have, or can borrow VCDS. Read coding of existing unit, remove from car, fit identical part number replacement (e.g. 2nd hand) then code new unit to match old one. 

If you have the skills to remove the old relay, and solder a new one in, that will be the cheapest solution."

I think this might be the solution problem is I do not have access to VCDS nor do I have the soldering skills. 

 

Do you have an image of the whole control unit with the relay in place. That would be so helpful. 

You may need the ignition on to allow the wiper function, can't remember, but if you put your head down close to the control unit you should hear it even if the engine is running, I think.

 

If you can hear the relay clicking, try bypassing the relay as follows:

Open the car but don't put the keys in the ignition, keep them in your pocket.

Unplug the connector (black 5-way) that goes to the plug above the relay, it will be labelled XP4 on the control unit cover. Link pins 3 and 4 (red/grey wire to white/black wire on your car) as shown here. The wiper will start immediately at slow continuous speed, and only stop when you pull the link out again. Refit the connector.

Just a warning to avoid surprises - when I did this exact test as described on my 9N Polo, which has very similar electrics, the wipers came on as expected. But the radio did also, which startled me a bit.  Not sure if yours will do the same, but don't be surprised if it does! 

That connector includes the main earth connection to the control unit, which is why I suggest not having the keys in the ignition, and replacing the connector after the test before doing anything else, to avoid unnecessary errors being generated.

 

I don't have a photo of the control unit in a LHD car, but imagine a mirror image of this, over on the left side above your clutch pedal, instead of the right side above the accelerator:

 

Edited 22 September, 20214 yr by Wino

Looks very good i will take look!

On 22/09/2021 at 15:28, Wino said:

You may need the ignition on to allow the wiper function, can't remember, but if you put your head down close to the control unit you should hear it even if the engine is running, I think.

 

If you can hear the relay clicking, try bypassing the relay as follows:

Open the car but don't put the keys in the ignition, keep them in your pocket.

Unplug the connector (black 5-way) that goes to the plug above the relay, it will be labelled XP4 on the control unit cover. Link pins 3 and 4 (red/grey wire to white/black wire on your car) as shown here. The wiper will start immediately at slow continuous speed, and only stop when you pull the link out again. Refit the connector.

Just a warning to avoid surprises - when I did this exact test as described on my 9N Polo, which has very similar electrics, the wipers came on as expected. But the radio did also, which startled me a bit.  Not sure if yours will do the same, but don't be surprised if it does! 

That connector includes the main earth connection to the control unit, which is why I suggest not having the keys in the ignition, and replacing the connector after the test before doing anything else, to avoid unnecessary errors being generated.

 

I don't have a photo of the control unit in a LHD car, but imagine a mirror image of this, over on the left side above your clutch pedal, instead of the right side above the accelerator:

 

Okay so this is the control unit? And inside this there will be a relay, that i need to replace?

6 minutes ago, Auxiliary said:

Okay so this is the control unit? And inside this there will be a relay, that i need to replace?

Do i need to unsolder the relay in order for it to come out like on the Mk 1 Fabia?

I'm out walking the dog, answers in half an hour. 

33 minutes ago, Auxiliary said:

Okay so this is the control unit? And inside this there will be a relay, that i need to replace?

Yes. Have you looked at your car yet to find it?

26 minutes ago, Auxiliary said:

Do i need to unsolder the relay in order for it to come out like on the Mk 1 Fabia?

Yes, if that is identified as the problem.

16 minutes ago, Wino said:

Yes. Have you looked at your car yet to find it?

Yes, if that is identified as the problem.

 

No, I have not located it yet, or identified it as the problem. I thought I just had to locate the relay and then unplug it

Unfortunately not.

If you know anyone that has VCDS near you, ask them to do an autoscan and then at least you'll have the module coding (and module part number).

Five minute job. 

 

Example below of the relevant part of such a scan from our Mk1

 

 

Edited 23 September, 20214 yr by Wino

18 minutes ago, Wino said:

Unfortunately not.

If you know anyone that has VCDS near you, ask them to do an autoscan and then at least you'll have the module coding (and module part number).

Five minute job. 

 

Example below of the relevant part of such a scan from our Mk1

 

 

Can you download VCDS and what could it show me that a debugger cant?

There is a freeware version of VCDS, VCDS Lite, but I've not heard of anyone trying it on a mk2 even though I believe it may work on early ones. 

If it did, you'd only have to spend a small amount on a cable to connect OBD port to laptop (FTDI cable).  Not sure what you mean by a debugger, but if it can output something that looks like the snippet from my autoscan, then that will do.

 

18 minutes ago, Wino said:

There is a freeware version of VCDS, VCDS Lite, but I've not heard of anyone trying it on a mk2 even though I believe it may work on early ones. 

If it did, you'd only have to spend a small amount on a cable to connect OBD port to laptop (FTDI cable).  Not sure what you mean by a debugger, but if it can output something that looks like the snippet from my autoscan, then that will do.

 

We used a big tablet which is capable of reading codes of all car brands and models.

Fault codes, I guess, rather than 'configuration codes' which is what the e.g. 25754 is, and what you might need to apply to another module if you replaced rather than repaired.

13 hours ago, Wino said:

Fault codes, I guess, rather than 'configuration codes' which is what the e.g. 25754 is, and what you might need to apply to another module if you replaced rather than repaired.

 

Yes a fault caode reader. I think i will be able to download VCDS but i still need to connector to obd2 and then till my laptop. How do you get those stuff?

This is what I have: VW Audi Seat Skoda USB Interface for VAG-COM 409.1 or VCDS Lite - most VAG 1996-2003 (gendan.co.uk)

 

But you may want to ask other owners of early mk2 Fabias whether they have managed to use such a cable with VCDS Lite on their cars.  I have speculated about it on here before, and looking at the wiring diagrams, there isn't an obvious difference between mk1 and early mk2 that would affect it, but that doesn't mean it will certainly work.

You could be a pioneer, but it would be sad to spend the £20 (equivalent) for no data.

If anyone near me geographically has a pre-facelift mk2 Fabia and would like me to try a free scan, please get in touch!

24 minutes ago, Wino said:

If anyone near me geographically has a pre-facelift mk2 Fabia and would like me to try a free scan, please get in touch!

That would be very nice, yes!
One thing that is also on my mind, I the milage. My car has done 165 000 miles and I have the BZG engine. It has a full service book and I feel like it's well maintained mechanically. How long could I keep going do you think? 

 

The concern is the timing chain tensioner. I hear no rattles so far during cold starts.