I have a 1987 XJ6 with the windshield wipers not working. They work when they want to. And when they work, they stop at any position. I can not figure out this problem. Any suggestions.

 

The wiper switch is the most likely problem ...they're pretty junky....but if you have a test light or meter we can go thru some basic diagnostics.

Cheers
DD

 

When I was checking out my series 3 before purchase, the wipers wouldn't come on at all. The owner took off the fuse panel below the steering column, took out the fuse and wiped it with his shirt, wiped the fuse panel slot (plaid untucked shirt over a tee shirt) and put it back in...TA-DAH! They've been working ever since. Probable issue with mine- the car sat for a few months and grew musty inside from a poor winshield seal. He basically retored the fuse/fuse panel contact. Which by the way, taught me my first lesson with XJ6 III....clean all the fuses and contacts....

 

Which solves an amazing number of Lucas electrical mysteries

Cheers
DD

 

The first thing I did was check the fuses. I noticed that the fuses and fuse panel had moisture in it when I bought the car. There was some rust on the fuses and the tiny metal fuse slots. Should I sand out the tiny metal fuse slots and how ?

Also, when I try to turn on the wipers there is a clicking sound coming from the glove box area. I'm trying to figure this sound out.

Thanks

 

For the fuse slots, I used a small rolled up piece of emery clothe about 1/4 inch round like a pencil (.25 for the metric crowd) and about four inches long and just drug it through the slots a few times, works really well. When done, put a thing layer of dielectric grease to ensure contact.

I belive the clicking sound is simply the relay for the wipers. After cleaning, if they still don't work check the relay. You should be able to open it annd clean the contacts. I imagine Doug Dwyer might chime in here as well?

 

Yes, there is a timer-relay that could be clicking.

Memory a bit foggy here but I think it is supposed to come into play only if the delay function is used.

Might be wrong.

Cheers
DD

 

i have a simmaler problem with my '74 xj12L. i have tracked the problem down to the wiper switch. anybody know where i can get a replacement for a resonable price?

 

Define "reasonable", please

Here's one for just $102

Wiper Switch XJ 76-79 From British Parts Northwest

Google "1974 Jaguar Wiper Switch" for other choices.


Cheers
DD

 

that is very reasonable thanks!

 

I wanted to comment because i have found other post so helpful. Someone posted a picture of relay switches which I found to be a great help. i new the car had relay switches but I did not know which were for the windshield wipers. But, here is the interesting part of my experience. I replaced the relay switches, and then every time I put the wipers on it would blow the wiper fuse. So logically, I suspected the wiper switch. So, I took apart the steering wheel in order to get to the switch. Then, I took the tape off the wires coming up to the switch. Then I jumped the actual switch by touching the exposed wire going into the switch. The wipers worked. Horrah! But, then proceeded to test the switch itself again? now it also worked! Put the whole think back together and it continues to work. By the way, before I did all that I tested to see if there was power to wiper motor before it blew the fuse, which there was not; therefore, I concluded it was not the wiper motor blowing the fuse. Just thought you might want to try this before buying the $100 switch.

 

the Wiper Switch problem can be traced to wear inside the Wiper Switch Case.

the attached Wiper Switch repair article was included in the Nashville Jaguar Club Newsletter back in 2006 and shows you how to rebuild it.

The XJ-6 and the XJ-S switches are the same.

 

My wipers and my rear defrost stopped working at what appears to be the same time. The fuses are next to each other in the fuse box and neither appears to be getting power (I found this after I replaced the wiper switch and what I think is the relay). All of the other fuses are getting power. I cleaned the terminals and replaced the fuses, to no avail. What link do those have? Could the fuse box be bad? Electrical issues are not my forte (frankly, not much else with this car is either).

 

there are 3 black ground wires forming a "Y" near the wipers and turn signal switches, just above the steering column where the wood dash is. Check they are connected. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Not sure if this is relay you referred to but I suspect this is your issue. Odd, but this ignition protection relay feeds power to fuses for wiper and rear defrost as I recall. I had a spare but cleaned the old one and it worked again

 

That sounds like exactly the problem. Thanks! I'll let you know if that does the trick.

 

It worked! Thanks so much! This forum is a lifesaver!

 

Great to hear !!!!

 

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