VAUXHALL VIVA WIPER PARK POSITION
QI have a 1969 Vauxhall Viva HB and I have a problem with the parking position of the wipers. They operate correctly and the sweep across the screen is correct, but when they are turned off, they park slightly higher than the base of the screen. When turning them on again, they will drop down before then sweeping up and working as they should. Do you think this is a problem with the park switch in the motor, and will I need to replace it? Adam Parry
AI would first check the linkage to ensure it is neither tight nor worn, and if this is OK and well lubricated, then the parking switch should be looked at.
There should be an adjustment that can be made to alter the park position of the wipers. You will need to ensure that the wipers are moving freely across the screen, and ensuring that the screen is wet when the adjustment is made will help to ensure that the correct position is obtained. The only hitch is that while the switch contact on the wheel box at the end of the motor can be adjusted, to get to this you will need to remove the air ducting unit under the bonnet, and disconnect the heater control cable and the air cleaner.
The hexagon headed pin of the switch contact can then be moved using a 5/16in AF spanner. Turning the pin clockwise should result in the wipers parking higher up the screen, whilst turning it anticlockwise will result in the wipers parking lower down the glass. Testing after each slight adjustment should allow you to find the optimum position.