wiper blades MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

both the wiper and washer systems. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH - DESCRIPTION)
²Rain Sensor- Vehicles equipped with an
optional automatic wiper feature have an electronic
rain sensor concealed within the base of the rear
view mirror unit on the inside of the laminated wind-
shield glass.
²Rain Sensor Control Module- Vehicles
equipped with an optional automatic wiper feature
have an electronic rain sensor control module located
under the lower instrument panel above the acceler-
ator pedal in the passenger compartment of the vehi-
cle.
²Washer Fluid Level Switch- The optional
washer fluid level switch is integral to a unique ver-
sion of the washer pump/motor unit, which is located
in a dedicated hole on the top of the sump area near
the back of the windshield washer reservoir on the
right front fender wheel house in the engine com-
partment.
²Washer Nozzle- A single washer nozzle with
three separate orifices is secured with integral snap
features to each wiper arm. The hoses for the washer
nozzles are concealed beneath a molded plastic guide
on the underside of each wiper arm and routed to the
engine compartment through unique molded plastic
elbow fittings located near each wiper pivot at the
base of the windshield.
²Washer Pump/Motor- Two different washer
pump/motor units are available for this model. One
version has an integral washer fluid level switch that
provides a hard wired input to the instrument cluster
for control of the optional washer fluid indicator. The
washer pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated
hole on the top of the sump area near the back of the
windshield washer reservoir on the right front fender
wheel house in the engine compartment.
²Washer Reservoir- The washer reservoir is
located on the right front fender wheel house in the
engine compartment. The washer reservoir filler is
accessed from the right front corner of the engine
compartment.
²Wiper Arm- The two unequal length wiper
arms are secured to the two wiper pivots, which
extend through the cowl panel near the base of the
windshield. The longer arm is installed on the left
(driver) side of the windshield.
²Wiper Blade- The two unequal length wiper
blades are secured to the two wiper arms, and are
parked on the glass near the bottom of the wind-
shield when the wiper system is not in operation.
The longer blade is installed on the left (driver) side
of the windshield.
²Wiper Linkage- The wiper pivots are the only
visible components of the wiper linkage. The remain-
der of the linkage is concealed within the engine
compartment just behind the hood opening. Thewiper linkage module includes the two wiper drive
links, the wiper motor crank arm, the two wiper piv-
ots, and the linkage and motor mounting bracket.
²Wiper Motor- The wiper motor is secured to
the wiper linkage module bracket on the underside of
the cowl panel within the engine compartment. The
wiper motor output shaft and crank arm extend
through a clearance hole in the mounting bracket,
where they are connected to a crank arm that drives
the wiper linkage.
²Wiper Relay- The wiper relay is located in a
dedicated receptacle on the lower left surface of the
fuse block underneath the steering column behind
the fuse access panel and the steering column open-
ing panel. The wiper relay is a passive component on
vehicles equipped with the optional automatic wiper
system.
²Wiper, Turn Signals, Engine Start Control
Module- The wiper, turn signals and engine start
control module is integral to the fuse block located
underneath the steering column. The fuse block is
concealed behind the fuse access panel and the steer-
ing column opening panel, where it is secured with
screws to the steering column. The wiper system
functions of this module are passive on vehicles
equipped with the optional automatic wiper system.
Hard wired circuitry connects the wiper and
washer system components to the electrical system of
the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to
several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout
the vehicle and retained by many different methods.
These circuits may be connected to each other, to the
vehicle electrical system and to the wiper and washer
system components through the use of a combination
of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
The wiper and washer system is designed to pro-
vide the vehicle operator with a convenient, safe, and
reliable means of maintaining visibility through the
windshield glass. The various components of this sys-
tem are designed to convert electrical energy pro-
duced by the vehicle electrical system into the
mechanical action of the wiper blades to wipe the
outside surface of the glass, as well as into the
hydraulic action of the washer system to apply
washer fluid stored in an on-board reservoir to the
area of the glass to be wiped. When combined, these
components provide the means to effectively main-
tain clear visibility for the vehicle operator by remov-
ing excess accumulations of rain, snow, bugs, mud, or
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 3

other minor debris from the outside windshield glass
surface that might be encountered while driving the
vehicle under numerous types of inclement operating
conditions.
Two wiper systems are available: the standard
intermittent wipe system, or an optional automatic
wipe system. The vehicle operator initiates all wiper
and washer system functions with the multi-function
switch wiper control stalk that extends from the
right side of the steering column, just below the
steering wheel. Depressing, raising, or pulling the
right control stalk of the multi-function switch
selects the desired wiper system operating mode (Fig.
2). The wiper system allows the vehicle operator to
select from two continuous wiper speeds, Hi or Lo,
either a fixed interval intermittent wipe mode or an
auto wipe mode (as the vehicle is equipped), and a
pulse wipe mode. Pushing the knob on the end of the
control stalk towards the steering column activates
the washer pump/motor, which dispenses washer
fluid onto the windshield glass through the washer
nozzles.
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
wiper and washer system components may be diag-
nosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the features
and operation of the wiper and washer system.
INTERMITTENT WIPE SYSTEM
When the ignition switch is in the On position, bat-
tery current from a fuse in the fuse block underneath
the steering column is provided through a fused igni-
tion switch output (run-start) circuit to the intermit-tent wipe logic circuitry of the wiper, turn signals
and engine start control module within the fuse
block, the multi-function switch, the wiper relay and
the wiper motor park switch. The internal circuitry
of the multi-function switch provides a direct hard
wired battery current output to the low speed or high
speed brushes of the wiper motor when the Low,
High, or Pulse position is selected, which causes the
wipers to cycle at the selected speed for as long as
that switch position remains selected.
In order to provide the intermittent wipe and wipe-
after-wash features, the intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuitry of the wiper, turn signals and engine start
control module within the fuse block monitors inputs
from the intermittent wipe and washer switch cir-
cuitry of the multi-function switch and the park
switch in the wiper motor. When the intermittent
wipe position is selected with the multi-function
switch control stalk, the intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuitry responds by energizing the wiper relay and
calculating the correct delay interval. The energized
wiper relay directs battery current through the inter-
mittent wipe position circuitry of the multi-function
switch to the low speed brush of the wiper motor.
The intermittent wipe logic circuit monitors the
wiper motor operation through the wiper on/off relay
output circuit, which allows it to determine the
proper timing to begin the next wiper blade sweep.
The normal delay interval is about five seconds.
When the Off position of the multi-function switch
wiper control stalk is selected, one of two events is
possible. The event that will occur depends upon the
position of the wiper blades on the windshield at the
moment that the Off position is selected. If the wiper
blades are in the down position on the windshield
when the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to
ground, the intermittent wipe logic circuit de-ener-
gizes the wiper relay, and the wiper motor ceases to
operate.
If the wiper blades are not in the down position on
the windshield at the moment the Off position is
selected, the park switch is closed to battery current
through the fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit. The intermittent wipe logic circuit energizes
the wiper relay and the wiper on-off relay output cir-
cuit directs battery current to the low speed brush of
the wiper motor through the normally open contact
of the wiper relay, then through the internal Off posi-
tion circuitry of the multi-function switch. This
causes the wiper motor to continue running until the
wiper blades are in the down position on the wind-
shield and the park switch is again closed to ground.
When the Wash position of the control knob on the
right control stalk of the multi-function switch is
selected, the washer switch circuitry directs battery
current to the washer pump motor and to the inter-
mittent wipe logic circuitry. When the washer switch
Fig. 2 Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
1 - INTERMITTENT WIPE MODE (OR AUTO WIPE MODE IF
EQUIPPED)
2 - CONTINUOUS LOW SPEED WIPE MODE
3 - CONTINUOUS HIGH SPEED WIPE MODE
4 - WASHER MODE
5 - PULSE WIPE MODE
8R - 4 WIPERS/WASHERSVA

is closed with the wiper system turned Off, the inter-
mittent wipe logic circuitry operates the wiper motor
in the same manner as it does to provide the inter-
mittent wipe mode operation. After the state of the
washer switch changes to open, the intermittent wipe
logic circuitry monitors the wiper motor through the
wiper on-off relay output circuit, which allows it to
monitor the number of wiper blade sweeps. After the
appropriate number of wiper sweeps the intermittent
wipe logic circuitry operates the wiper motor to
return the wipers to their park position, then de-en-
ergizes the wiper relay.
AUTOMATIC WIPE SYSTEM
When the ignition switch is in the On position, bat-
tery current from a fuse in the fuse block underneath
the steering column is provided through a fused igni-
tion switch output (run-start) circuit to the rain sen-
sor control module under the instrument panel, to
the rain sensor within the base of the inside rear
view mirror on the windshield, and to the multi-func-
tion switch. The internal circuitry of the multi-func-
tion switch provides direct hard wired battery
current outputs to the rain sensor control module to
indicate the selected wiper operating mode. The con-
trol module logic monitors the inputs from the multi-
function switch as well as from the rain sensor and
the wiper motor park switch in order to provide the
outputs necessary to operate the wiper motor and the
washer pump motor as requested.
When the automatic wipe position is selected with
the multi-function switch control stalk, the rain sen-
sor control module logic circuitry responds by provid-
ing an acknowledgment sweep of the wipers. The
rain sensor calculates the correct wiper speed and
wiper sweep intervals required to remove the mois-
ture detected on the windshield glass and provides
this input to the rain sensor control module. The con-
trol module then energizes and de-energizes the
wiper motor automatically. The automatic wipe logic
will also provide a wipe-after-wash feature to clear
washer fluid that is directed onto the windshield
when the washer system is utilized.
When the Off position of the multi-function switch
wiper control stalk is selected, one of two events is
possible. The event that will occur depends upon the
position of the wiper blades on the windshield at the
moment that the Off position is selected. If the wiper
blades are in the down position on the windshield
when the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to
ground, and the rain sensor control module logic cir-
cuit de-energizes the wiper motor. If the wiper blades
are not in the down position at the moment the Off
position is selected, the park switch is an open cir-
cuit. The control module logic circuit directs battery
current to the low speed brush of the wiper motor,
which causes the wiper motor to continue runninguntil the wiper blades are in the down position on
the windshield and the park switch is again closed to
ground.
When the Wash position of the control knob on the
right control stalk of the multi-function switch is
selected with the wiper system turned Off, the rain
sensor control module logic circuitry operates the
wiper motor in the same manner as it does to provide
the automatic wipe mode operation. After the state of
the washer switch changes to open the control mod-
ule monitors the wiper motor through the wiper park
switch sense circuit, which allows it to monitor the
number of wiper blade sweeps. After the appropriate
number of wiper sweeps the control module operates
the wiper motor to return the wipers to their park
position, then de-energizes the wiper motor.
OPERATING MODES
The components of the wiper and washer system
are designed to provide the following operating
modes:
²Automatic Wipe Mode- On vehicles so
equipped, the internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch, the rain sensor control module and the rain
sensor work in concert to provide wiper system oper-
ation automatically whenever moisture is detected on
the windshield glass.
²Continuous Wipe Mode- The two-speed wiper
motor, the internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch, and the wiper system logic circuits work in
concert to provide two continuous wipe cycles, low
speed or high speed.
²Intermittent Wipe Mode- On vehicles so
equipped, the internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch, the intermittent wipe circuitry of the wiper,
turn signals and engine start control module in the
fuse block, and the wiper relay work in concert to
provide an intermittent wipe mode with a single,
fixed delay interval.
²Pulse Wipe Mode- The internal circuitry of
the multi-function switch and the wiper system logic
circuits work in concert to provide a pulse wipe mode
that will allow the wiper motor to be operated for a
single, complete wipe cycle.
²Washer Mode- When the washer system is
activated with the multi-function switch while the
wiper system is operating, washer fluid will be dis-
pensed onto the windshield glass through the washer
nozzles for as long as the washer pump/motor is
energized.
²Wipe-After-Wash Mode- The wiper system
logic circuitry provides a wipe-after-wash feature. If
the wipers are turned Off, this feature will operate
the washer pump/motor and the wipers for as long as
the washer system is activated, then provide several
additional wipe cycles after the washer system is
deactivated before parking the wiper blades near the
base of the windshield.
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 5

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
WIPERS DO NOT PARK
AFTER OPERATING1. Faulty park switch output circuit. 1. Test and repair the open or shorted cir-
cuit between the wiper park switch and
the rain sensor control module as re-
quired.
2. Faulty wiper relay output circuit. 2. Test and repair the open or shorted cir-
cuit between the rain sensor control mod-
ule and the wiper relay as required.
3. Faulty wiper relay. 3. Test and replace the wiper relay as re-
quired.
4. Faulty park switch. 4. Test and replace the wiper motor as
required.
5. Faulty intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuit.5. Replace the steering column fuse block
as required.
WASHERS INOPERATIVE 1. Faulty washer pump ground cir-
cuit.1. Test and repair the open ground circuit
as required.
2. Faulty washer pump request cir-
cuit.2. Test and repair the open washer pump
request circuit between the multi-function
switch and the rain sensor control module
as required.
3. Faulty muli-function switch. 3. Test and replace the multi-function
switch as required.
4. Faulty washer pump control cir-
cuit.4. Test and repair the open washer pump
control circuit between the rain sensor
control module and the washer pump as
required.
5. Faulty washer pump motor. 5. Test and replace the washer pump as
required.
CLEANING - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the ele-
ments for a long time tend to lose their wiping effec-
tiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is
suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film.
The wiper blades, arms, and windshield glass should
only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and
windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-
abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blades continue to
leave streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on the
glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and
the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly must be
replaced.
CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegees of the
wiper blades from any petroleum-based cleaners,
solvents, or contaminants. These products can rap-
idly deteriorate the rubber squeegees.
WASHER SYSTEM
If the washer system is contaminated with foreign
material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the
washer pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean foreign
material from the inside of the washer pump/motor
inlet nipple and the washer reservoir using clean
washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive
cleaner. Flush foreign material from the washer sys-
tem plumbing by first disconnecting the washer
hoses from the washer nozzles, then running the
washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or
water through the system. Plugged or restricted
washer nozzles should be carefully back-flushed
using compressed air. If the washer nozzle obstruc-
tion cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.
CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based clean-
ers, solvents, or contaminants into the washer sys-
tem. These products can rapidly deteriorate the
rubber seals and hoses of the washer system, as
well as the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades.
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 9

CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the
washer system plumbing. Compressed air pres-
sures are too great for the washer system plumbing
components and will result in further system dam-
age. Never use sharp instruments to clear a
plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle ori-
fice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.
INSPECTION - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be
inspected periodically, not just when wiper perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Inspect the wiper arms for any indications of
damage, or contamination. If the wiper arms are con-
taminated with any foreign material, clean them as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - CLEANING). If a wiper arm is damaged
or corrosion is evident, replace the wiper arm with a
new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm that
is damaged or corroded.
(2) Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass.
Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper
arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lat-
eral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident
in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident lateral
play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(3) Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is
confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension.
Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either
place a small postal scale between the blade end of
the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the
blade end of the arm away from the glass using a
small fish scale. Compare the scale readings between
the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if
it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evi-
denced by a lower scale reading.
(4) Inspect the wiper blades and squeegees for any
indications of damage, contamination, or rubber dete-
rioration (Fig. 3). If the wiper blades or squeegees
are contaminated with any foreign material, clean
them and the glass as required. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). After
cleaning the wiper blade and the glass, if the wiper
blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing,
streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the
wiper blade. Also, if a wiper blade is damaged or the
squeegee rubber is damaged or deteriorated, replace
the wiper blade with a new unit. Do not attempt to
repair a wiper blade that is damaged.
WASHER SYSTEM
The washer system components should be
inspected periodically, not just when washer perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Check for ice or other foreign material in the
washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush
the washer system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIP-
ERS/WASHERS - CLEANING).
(2) Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leak-
ing, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and
damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace dam-
aged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking
washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting
the hose at the leak and splicing it back together
using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections
of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by
splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connec-
tor fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a
wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be
routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also,
sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must
be avoided.
Fig. 3 Wiper Blade Inspection
1 - WORN OR UNEVEN EDGES
2 - ROAD FILM OR FOREIGN MATERIAL DEPOSITS
3 - HARD, BRITTLE, OR CRACKED
4 - DEFORMED OR FATIGUED
5 - SPLIT
6 - DAMAGED SUPPORT COMPONENTS
8R - 10 WIPERS/WASHERSVA

WIPER ARM
DESCRIPTION
The wiper arms are the rigid members located
between the wiper pivots that protrude from the cowl
top panel near the base of the windshield and the
wiper blades on the windshield glass (Fig. 23). These
wiper arms feature an over-center hinge that allows
easy access to the windshield glass for cleaning. The
wiper arm has a die cast metal pivot end with a
large tapered mounting hole at one end. A removable
molded black plastic pivot cover fits loosely over and
pivots on the wiper arm hinge pin, then snaps over
the pivot end to conceal the wiper arm retaining nut.
The wide end of a tapered, stamped steel channel
hinges on and is secured with a hinge pin to the
pivot end of the wiper arm. One end of a long, rigid,
stamped steel strap, with a small hole near its pivot
end, is riveted and crimped within the narrow end of
the stamped steel channel. The tip of the wiper blade
end of this strap is bent back under itself to form a
small hook. Concealed within the stamped steel
channel, one end of a long spring is engaged with awire hook on the underside of the die cast pivot end,
while the other end of the spring is hooked through
the small hole in the steel strap. The entire wiper
arm has a satin black finish applied to all of its vis-
ible surfaces.
Near the hook of the wiper arm steel strap is a
locating hole for the washer nozzle that is mounted
on the wiper arm. A U-shaped molded plastic guard
snaps onto the underside of the strap to conceal and
protect the washer nozzle hose. There are also two
small molded plastic washer nozzle hose routing
brackets clipped onto the underside of the wiper arm
pivot end.
The wiper arms for this model are unequal in
length, with the longer arm being installed on the
left (driver) side of the windshield. A wiper arm can-
not be adjusted or repaired. If damaged or faulty, the
entire wiper arm unit must be replaced. The washer
nozzle, nozzle hose, routing brackets, and pivot end
Fig. 23 Wiper Arm
1 - HOOK 7 - CHANNEL
2 - STRAP 8 - COVER
3 - WASHER HOSE 9 - PIVOT END
4 - BRACKET (2) 10 - GUARD
5 - HINGE PIN 11 - WASHER NOZZLE
6 - TENSION SPRING
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 23

cover are available for individual service replace-
ment.
OPERATION
The wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the
wiper blades. The wiper arm must be properly
indexed to the wiper pivot in order to maintain the
proper wiper blade travel on the glass. The tapered
mounting hole in the wiper arm pivot end interlocks
with the serrations on the outer circumference of the
wiper pivot shaft, allowing positive engagement and
finite adjustment of this connection. The mounting
nut locks the wiper arm to the threaded end of the
wiper pivot shaft. The spring-loaded wiper arm hinge
controls the down-force applied through the tip of the
wiper arm to the wiper blade on the glass. The hook
formation on the tip of the wiper arm provides a cra-
dle for securing and latching the wiper blade pivot
block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the washer nozzle hose from the
elbow fitting on the cowl top panel near the pivot end
of the wiper arm (Fig. 24).
CAUTION: The use of a screwdriver or other prying
tool to remove a wiper arm may distort it. This dis-
tortion could allow the arm to come off of the wiper
pivot during wiper operation, regardless of how
carefully it is reinstalled.
(2) Unsnap the end of the pivot cover from the
wiper blade pivot end, then pull the cover away from
the wiper arm hinge pin to remove the cover from
the wiper blade.(3) Remove the nut that secures the wiper arm to
the wiper pivot shaft.
(4) If necessary, use a suitable battery terminal
puller to disengage the wiper arm from the wiper
pivot shaft (Fig. 25).
(5) Remove the wiper arm pivot end from the
wiper pivot shaft.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Be certain that the wiper motor is in the park
position before attempting to install the wiper arms.
Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
move the right (wiper) control stalk of the multi-
function switch to its Off position. If the wiper piv-
ots move, wait until they stop moving, then turn the
ignition switch back to the Off position. The wiper
motor is now in its park position.
NOTE: The wiper arms and wiper blades for this
model are both unequal in length, with the longer
arm and blade being installed on the left (driver)
side of the windshield.
(1) The wiper arms must be indexed to the wiper
pivot shafts with the wiper motor in the park posi-
tion to be properly installed. Position the wiper arm
pivot ends onto the wiper pivots so that the lower
edge of the wiper arm tip is aligned with the black
wiper alignment line located near the lower edge of
the windshield glass (Fig. 24).
(2) Once the wiper blade is aligned, lift the wiper
arm away from the windshield slightly to relieve the
spring tension on the pivot end and push the pivot
hole in the pivot end of the arm down firmly and
evenly over the wiper pivot shaft. Gently lower the
wiper arm until the wiper blade rests on the glass.
Fig. 24 Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - PIVOT COVER
2 - NUT
3 - PIVOT SHAFT
4 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE
5 - ELBOW FITTING
6 - WIPER ARM
Fig. 25 Wiper Arm Puller - Typical
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WIPER PIVOT SHAFT
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
8R - 24 WIPERS/WASHERSVA

WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each wiper blade is secured by an integral latching
pivot block to the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm, and rests on the glass near the base of
the windshield when the wipers are not in operation
(Fig. 26). The wiper blade consists of the following
components:
²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also
included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic
pivot block that secures the superstructure to the
wiper arm. All of the metal components of the wiper
blade have a satin black finish applied.
²Element- The wiper element or squeegee is the
resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that con-
tacts the glass.
²Flexor- The flexor is a rigid metal component
running along the length of the wiper element on
each side, where it is gripped by the claws of the
superstructure.
All Sprinter models have unequal length wiper
blades with non-replaceable rubber elements (squee-
gees). The left (driver) side wiper blade is 60.0 centi-
meters (23.5 inches), and the right (passenger) side
wiper blade is 55.0 centimeter (21.5 inches). These
wiper blades also include an anti-lift feature. The
wiper blades cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty,
worn, or damaged the entire wiper blade unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper blades are moved back and forth across
the glass by the wiper arms when the wipers are
being operated. The wiper blade superstructure isthe flexible frame that grips the wiper blade element
and evenly distributes the force of the spring-loaded
wiper arm along the length of the element. The com-
bination of the wiper arm force and the flexibility of
the superstructure makes the element conform to
and maintain proper contact with the glass, even as
the blade is moved over the varied curvature that
may be encountered across the glass surface. The
wiper element flexor provides the claws of the blade
superstructure with a rigid, yet flexible component
on the element which can be gripped. The rubber ele-
ment is designed to be stiff enough to maintain an
even cleaning edge as it is drawn across the glass,
but resilient enough to conform to the glass surface
and flip from one cleaning edge to the other each
time the wiper blade changes directions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The wiper arms and wiper blades for this
model are both unequal in length, with the longer
arm and blade being installed on the left (driver)
side of the windshield.
(1) Turn the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to the On posi-
tion. Cycle the wiper blades to a convenient working
location on the windshield by turning the ignition
switch to the On and Off positions.
(2) Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade and
element off of the glass, until the wiper arm hinge is
in its over-center position.
(3) To remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm,
depress the pivot block latch release tab under the
tip of the arm and slide the blade away from the tip
Fig. 26 Wiper Blade
1 - PIVOT BLOCK 4 - FLEXOR
2 - SUPERSTRUCTURE 5 - ELEMENT
3 - CLAWS 6 - PIVOT PIN
8R - 26 WIPERS/WASHERSVA

towards the pivot end of the arm far enough to dis-
engage the pivot block from the hook formation on
the end of the arm (Fig. 27).
(4) Extract the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm from the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(5) Gently lower the wiper arm tip onto the glass.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The wiper arms and wiper blades for this
model are both unequal in length, with the longer
arm and blade being installed on the left (driver)
side of the windshield.
(1) Lift the wiper arm off of the windshield glass,
until the wiper arm hinge is in its over-center posi-
tion.
(2) Position the wiper blade near the hook forma-
tion on the tip of the arm.
(3) Insert the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm through the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit far enough to engage the pivot block with
the hook (Fig. 27).
(4) Slide the wiper blade pivot block/latch up into
the hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm until
the latch release tab snaps into its locked position.
Latch engagement will be accompanied by an audible
click.
(5) Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
Fig. 27 Wiper Blade Remove/Install
1 - HOOK
2 - WIPER BLADE
3 - WIPER ARM
4 - RELEASE TAB
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 27

WIPER LINKAGE
DESCRIPTION
The wiper linkage and pivots are concealed within
the engine compartment below the cowl top panel
(Fig. 28). The ends of the wiper pivot shafts that pro-
trude through dedicated openings in the cowl top
panel to drive the wiper arms and blades are the
only visible components of the wiper linkage module.
The wiper linkage module consists of the following
major components:
²Linkage- The two wiper drive links are each
constructed of stamped steel. The left (driver) side
drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing in one
end, and a plastic sleeve-type bushing in the other
end. The socket bushing is snap-fit over the ball stud
on the left pivot crank arm, while the sleeve bushing
is fit over the longer ball stud on the wiper motor
crank arm. The right (passenger) side drive link has
a plastic socket-type bushing on each end. One end of
this drive link is snap-fit over the exposed end of the
longer ball stud on the wiper motor crank arm and
captures the sleeve bushing end of the left drive link
beneath it, while the other end is snap-fit over the
ball stud on the right pivot crank arm.
²Module Bracket- The linkage module bracket
consists of a long tubular steel main member that is
crimped to a molded plastic pivot bracket at each end
where the wiper pivots are secured. A stamped steel
mounting plate for the wiper motor is secured with
welds near the center of the main member and is
then secured with screws to the underside of the cowl
top panel.
²Motor Crank Arm- The wiper motor crank
arm is a stamped steel unit with a round hole on the
driven end that is secured to the wiper motor outputshaft with a nut, and a long ball stud secured to the
drive end.
²Pivot- The two molded plastic wiper pivot
brackets are secured to the ends of the linkage mod-
ule bracket tubular member. The crank arms that
extend from the bottom of the pivot shafts each have
a ball stud on their end. The upper end of each pivot
shaft where the wiper arms will be fastened each is
tapered and externally serrated with a threaded stud
at the top where the wiper arms are secured by a
nut. Each pivot shaft operates within a housing
formed in the pivot bracket featuring a large external
flange near its center and external threads near the
top. The pivot housings are secured to the outer sur-
face of the cowl top panel by a large washer and a
nut threaded onto the outside of the housing where it
protrudes through the cowl top.
The wiper linkage module cannot be adjusted or
repaired. If any component of the linkage module is
faulty or damaged, the entire wiper linkage module
unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper linkage operation is controlled by the
output of the wiper motor through the wiper motor
crank arm. The wiper motor crank arm, the two
wiper drive links, and the two wiper pivots mechan-
ically convert the rotary output of the wiper motor to
the back and forth wiping motion of the wiper arms
and blades on the glass.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 28 Wiper Linkage Module
1 - PIVOT SHAFT (2) 4 - PIVOT CRANK ARM (2)
2 - PIVOT SHAFT HOUSING (2) 5 - DRIVE LINK (2)
3 - MODULE BRACKET 6 - MOTOR CRANK ARM
8R - 28 WIPERS/WASHERSVA