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8. Windshield Wipers and Washers

The operation of the two-speed windshield wipers and washers is controlled by a lever on the steering column. The wiper blades park automatically when the lever is turned off. The wiper motor is located in the air plenum beneath the drip tray in the engine cowl. A relay on the fuse/relay panel controls the intermittent operation of the wipers, and runs the wipers for several sweeps if the washer is actuated while the wiper switch is in the off position.

On models equipped with a rear wiper, the motor is behind the hatchback trim panel. On 1985 and 1986 models, the rear window washer is operated by a separate motor and reservoir in the right side of the luggage compartment. On later models, the rear window washer shares one pump and reservoir with the front washers.

If the wiper or washer motor fails to operate when the steering column lever is moved, see 8.1 Windshield Wiper and Washer Troubleshooting. If the wiper motor runs but the wiper arms do not move, see 8.2 Windshield Wiper Motor and Linkage.

On 1987 and later Golf and GTI models, washer fluid may escape from the rear window washer nozzle when the car is parked on a steep incline. This problem can be solved by installing a check valve, Volkswagen part no. 113 955 975 C, in the washer fluid line near the reservoir in the engine compartment.

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