C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.
petey11
(Donor 2025)
Posts: 26
Joined: 05 Jan 2025, 20:08
x 1

C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by petey11 »

Hi
I know this has been done to death here but my wipers on my C5 2011 plate threw a wobbly. They were working one minute and then next time I switched on the ignition they weren't. The car sat for 2 weeks while I contemplated my next move, wipers still not working on numerous attempts. I bit the bullet and bought a second hand master (drivers side), fitted it and all was working again. One evening moved the cars about, wiper working, Came back 5 minutes later, not working. Went out for 3 hours in other car and when I got back tried the wipers and they were working. This scenario has been on going for several weeks, car sits and wipers work, turn off ignition and then they don't, so bit the bullet again and obtained Diagbox.
I run a full global and apart from a couple of codes not concerning the wipers it came back with the FF1A code on wipers, LIN communication fault, not characterised, local location.
Diagbox also could not communicate with the ECU on a second global test, I shut it all down, ran global again, recognised ECU and subsequently didn't on a second test again.
I tried an actuator from the BSI menu and test came back no fault, all be it , the wipers did not work. Ran an actuator test from the wiper ECU menu and it comes back with action not possible. I have 12v at the wiper connections and also some lower signal voltages at the wiper connections.

I have read that Diagbox should be able to determine which unit is faulty but because Diagbox cannot communicate with the wiper ECU I am at a loss whether I have bought another faulty drivers side, is it the passengers side or possibly something else.

I am now contemplating buying a new drivers unit ££££ unless I can come up with any other ideas. I can return the second hand unit for a refund within the next 6 weeks, less a handling fee.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Regards :) :)
User avatar
mickthemaverick
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 20814
Joined: 11 May 2019, 17:56
x 8015

Re: C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

Have you been through all the wiring connectors at the wipers and around the BSI and Fuses? You need to be certain that there are no dodgy connections which may be giving you these intermittant problems. Having checked and cleaned all them as necessary, clear all the fault codes from Diagbox and then carry out a BSI reset according to the procedure in the link below and then reconnect Diagbox and run a full scan to see what errors you have if any. You have to start somewhere !! :)

viewtopic.php?p=601679#p601679
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
petey11
(Donor 2025)
Posts: 26
Joined: 05 Jan 2025, 20:08
x 1

Re: C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by petey11 »

Hi Mick
I initially checked the internals of each wiper, drivers side was a lot of corrosion salt in the circuit, passengers just a little bit of moisture ingress, looked pretty good, contact cleaned both wiring connectors then refitted and nothing. Bought the second hand drivers wiper and when fitted worked straight away. I've checked fuse and connection, clean, the BCM looks pretty good, no signs of water ingress. I've done the usual wiggle connectors, tap motor unit etc to check for loose connections. I'm just at a loss. I'm wondering if a component in the wipers is overheating or possibly the relay is playing up. I'm going to leave it until i have some time, connect up the Diag and then try again hopefully when the wipers are on one of their run stages before shutting down and turning on again.
petey11
(Donor 2025)
Posts: 26
Joined: 05 Jan 2025, 20:08
x 1

Re: C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by petey11 »

Just to say I've done several BSI resets.
User avatar
mickthemaverick
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 20814
Joined: 11 May 2019, 17:56
x 8015

Re: C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

OK, well let us know how you get on, good luck :)
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
petey11
(Donor 2025)
Posts: 26
Joined: 05 Jan 2025, 20:08
x 1

Re: C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by petey11 »

Bit of an update

Cleared all fault codes along with a delayed start up code and a BSI unexpected initialisation code with Diagbox, done a n ew Global scan and no fault codes present, wipers work with ignition turned on, off and then again, doors opened closed, locked, unlocked, ignition on start, wipers work. I can actuate wipers from BSI menu and wiper ECU menu. While still get my head around Diagbox I found the fault journal and found 2 intermittent codes from about 70 miles ago. Codes were F02F, BSI coms LIN with wiper and F9B3 coms LIN code relating to BCM along with a bunch of BSI F9A0 generic/unknown codes (possibly related to me constantly trying to operate the wipers?)
I am now starting to think it may be an intermittent fault with the BCM, possibly the wiper relay within it.
I'm going let the car sit overnight and try wipers tomorrow, probably do it everyday for a week but I am tempted to change the BCM any way after seeing the codes.

I read somewhere that the original BCM part has been superseded to 9807028580 from the original 9675877980. Does anyone know if this is correct? It is a c5 1.6hdi on a 20011 plate, 9HL engine.

Thanks for any info in advance.
petey11
(Donor 2025)
Posts: 26
Joined: 05 Jan 2025, 20:08
x 1

Re: C5 Wiper code fault (please bear with me)

Unread post by petey11 »

Update, switched out the fuse control unit and same fault, wipers work after car has been sitting not running (latest time was 5 days) , start car, wipers work, switch off and on again work, switch off on again and don't work. Still FF1A code appears so think I'll have to try replacing passenger motor, seen one that looks in very good condition so going to give that a go.