The regular, intensive and headlight pumps on a '90 525 Candian spec
(built '89) do not pump. When the wash function is selected at the
column (pull for regular, press to column for intensive) the wipers start
and run until the ignition is turned off !

I had been told on previous visits to the dealer that the intensive pump
needed replacement but I elected to wait to change it myself at a convenient
time. The regular pump worked until a cold spell recently
when the symptoms described above began.

My first step was to check the fuses. Those in the front power dist
box (between driver and left front wheel all look fine - especially 3, 4,
5, 17, 22 & 25. No other electrical maladies are present, but I checked
the fusible link anyway.

Next I looked for the Washer Pump relay. The Fig.2.illustration on 610-1
of my Bentley 5-Series Manual shows a box that is different than on
my car. In the location they show #5 & #6 relays, I have a single relay
that has the same P/N# as a relay in the #7 position. I tried switching
these two without effect. (If someone can advise about the layout of
my box, I'll appreciate it.)

After replacing the intensive pump (easiest to get at), there was no change.
So I applied voltage to the terminals of the pump I took out and found that it
still functions.

Yes, I have a DVM and I know that in lieu of a silver bullet from one of you
intrepid fellow group members, my next step is to either find an
assistant and start probing or hand the car over to the dealer

Comments welcome

Ken R.

In article <kXfVb.4999$964.2450@edtnps84>,
Ken R. <nospam (AT) telusplanet (DOT) net> wrote:
Can you get at the back of the fusebox to check the wiring colours? I'd
say it will go direct from the relay to the pump so should be the same
colour. BTW, don't forget to check the ground - it's the thing many leave
out.

Also, a DVM can show a voltage while the circuit is effectively dead - it
has a very high input resistance, so if the relay contacts are simply
dirty as is common, if you disconnect the load to measure the voltage it
can read normal. So always measure with the load in place.

Also, not all relays are the same, even although they look like it. Always
check the number. The intensive wash on mine has a timing circuit. Not
sure if it's built into the relay, though.

--
*If I throw a stick, will you leave?

Dave Plowman dave.sound (AT) argonet (DOT) co.uk London SW 12
RIP Acorn

In article <4c7d733c2adave.sound (AT) argonet (DOT) co.uk>, Dave Plowman <dave.sound (AT) argonet (DOT) co.uk> wrote:
Hello, Dave

Thanks for the reply - you prompted me to turn to the EWD circuits at
the back of Bentley, something I should have thought to do on my own.

Unfortunately, twas for nought. For after a lot of tail chasing I discovered
the issue was due to a failed fuse in the #24 position of the FPDB - one
I had checked visually two if not three times while it was in position . It
still looks almost good here in my hand now but I'm no rookie and I offer
no excuses.

The issue of washer & intensive pumps not working and needing to turn
ignition off to stop wipers after engaging the washers is documented in
'Attachment to S.I. 61 01 91 (3213)' in TIS as follows

-- *********************** --

Symptom
"#2 After operating the wash/wipe system, windshield washer does not
work. Only possible to switch off wipers by turning the ignition off.

Cause
Fuse 24 faulty

Correction
Replace faulty fuse with 10A fuse. Check antifreeze in windshield
washer reservior. Corrected in production as of Sept 1990.

-- *********************** --

As this failure occured during our annual dip below -30ºC, I surmise
that the W/W fluid (which is sold as being rated for -40º) might have turned
to slush or worse after a particularly cold night with an added wind chill.
The fuse may have let go when overloaded by the pumps trying to lift
the slush.

Also, for an 89/90 Canadian-Spec 525 the washer pump relay occupies
the first position in the second row of relays in the Front Power
Distribution Box. Fig 1. on 610-1 of the Bentley 5-Series manual shows
the layout correctly but erroneously (for this car) cites the #5 position as
'Vacant'.

For cars with the Head / Fog Light washer system, the relay for this is
in the #1 position of the Aux Relay Panel further forward on the driver's
front fender.

Regards,
Ken R.