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MG MGF Technical - wash / wipe

My windscreen wipers dont wipe when I use the wash / wipe lever, the washers work fine but I have to turn the wipers on seperately. Can anyone suggest what may be wrong?
Regards
Dep
1998 MGF
j price

Errr, this is normal, as far as I know!
G Martin

Nothing is wrong, that’s how they are supposed to work.
It designed so you can control the amount of screenwash being used. So when driving with the roof down, you can use just a small amount and then control the number and timing of wipes to avoid getting any in your eye/mouth.
It also allows you to wet the screen before the wipers move, which makes the wiper blades last longer as they are not being dragged across a dry screen.
Steve White

Can't really agree with above. Wash wipe should be normal these days, I think it was dictated by what was available in the parts bin at the time. It is very frustrating, especially just after driving my 20 year old Jap 4x4 with old technology wash/wipe with condensers/relays!! All the bits are there to make it work, it just needs some brave soul to plumb the depths of the auxilliary control unit.
Proper wash wipe, with pre wash/after wipe,has been around for over 20 years now, so a very minor irritation on a new clssic car. If anyone can work out how to do it, they will have a queue of people forming up for the mod.
Jerry Herbert

>> I think it was dictated by what was available in the parts bin at the time. <<

Jerry, that was exactly what Brian Griffin said when asked this exact question at MGF10 back in October - the MGF was designed to have a staggering 80% parts commonality with other Rovers of the time. The wash wipe is period Metro, apparently.

Interestingly, the TF was due to recieve ZT column components, along with it's wash/wipe... another reason to be sad of the loss of MG Rover back last April :o(
Rob Bell

I know that Jerry & I didn't agree on this a few weeks ago but I can almost agree with him except - I decide how much wash I want on my car and specifically how much wash goes on my head when the top is down.
John Ponting

If I could digress for a sec, which wiper blades should be used? Mine need replacing. :)
Chris watton

Don't use Bosch ones - they make a horrendous 'clacking' noise at full sweep. I ended up junking mine and replacing with a set purchased from the local dealership (just before they closed up shop)
Rob Bell

Changed mine on Tuesday after the edge got removed as I deiced. Afraid I just went to Halfords and bought what it said in the list. Also bought RainEx Tissues while I was there. Both have prooved to be excellent talismen - it hasn't rained since.
John Ponting

Ah, cool, so the MHF blades are on the manufacturers list of parts? That should make life easier then, I just assumed it wouldnt be on any list!
Chris watton

Just had a pre-programmed wash/wipe fitted to Scarlet - used Ford parts, but am not sure which ones at the moment (i treated Scarlet to a few electrical goodies from an auto-electrician pre-Xmas).

In addition to the wash/wipe, she got...

- One shot windows, up, down and when superlocking (auto close). Both windows.

- Starter button (converted hazard warning light switch)

- New hazard warning button (R75 transmission tunnel switch console)

- Central locking button (R75 transmission tunnel switch console).

Also had the wiring loom on the boot hinge replaced as i had finally given up the ghost.

SF
Scarlet Fever

This thread was discussed between 01/01/2006 and 02/01/2006

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