Xantia variable intermittent wiper stalk

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 27 Nov 2010, 18:03

Hi all, I just got a wiper stalk from an ebay seller, it's meant to have the variable intermittent function but as far as I can see it is exactly the same as the existing stalk in my xantia, which has no variable function.
Could someone please post a pic if they have the stalk with the variable switch so I can compare, before I contact the seller.

Cheers

Ainslie

Post by **CitroJim** » 27 Nov 2010, 18:38

The variable stalk, applicable to the MK1 only, has a rotary knob knob just below the wiper switch knob on the end. In the same relative place as the foglight switch on the other stalk.

By the variable knob is a white painted expanding bar legend to show fast intermittent (broad end of the bar) tapering off to the point where the intermittent wipe is longest.

It is a direct fit and simply just fitting the stalk makes it work.

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 27 Nov 2010, 18:51

Seems the seller didn't know what he was talking about then. Thanks for the quick reply.
If anyone has the appropriate stalk for sale, please let me know!

Ainslie

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 27 Nov 2010, 19:07

Gingerposer wrote:... Could someone please post a pic if they have the stalk with the variable switch so I can compare, before I contact the seller. ...

I have posted ---> MK2 wiper stalk pics here <--- Does it help?

PS: In case you intend to open the stalk, beware that there springs and 'bullets' in it which might pop around

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 27 Nov 2010, 19:15

VertVega, I am posting a couple of pics of the stalk I received, perhaps you can confirm that it does not have the variable intermittent, but is just a stalk with rear wash-wipe (same as the one I have).

I just fancied having the variable timing, the stalk I have in the car works perfectly but the intermittent is not variable, which is a pain sometimes.

Cheers

Ainslie

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 27 Nov 2010, 19:19

That looks like it could be an S2 auto wiper stalk which in a sense is variable.

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 27 Nov 2010, 19:20

I have just noticed that the stalk functions are not seen in them, sorry.
Here's a pic with the functions, from mine.
Intermittent wipe works with the rain sensor (automatic). May be this is what are looking for?

-----------------------
I have seen now your pics. Exactly same as in mine.
---> Intermittent is not variable, but rain sensor guided.

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 27 Nov 2010, 19:26

The problem would be then, that I don't have the rain sensor (as far as I know) on my xantia, so the stalk is of no real use to me

Should have done more homework before buying, ah well.
I thought there would be a knob of some kind to turn to adjust the timing of the intermittent wipe.

Anyone got a use for the stalk?

Tenner including postage.

Post by **RichardW** » 27 Nov 2010, 20:42

service.citroen only lists 2 stalks for MK2s, with and without rain sensor, which suggests that variable delay a la MK1 is not available on Mk2s - you can only have the rain sensor. No idea if the wiring is there for the rain sensor, and you might need a Lexia session to enable the auto sensing. Not as easy as a MK1 then....

Post by **CitroJim** » 27 Nov 2010, 20:51

That's an interesting point Richard. providing the intermittent wipe unit on a non-rain-sensing MK2 is the same as the MK1 unit then the functionality will be there. Basically, the unit uses a custom timer chip, the U642B, and the variable timer function can be gained by use of a pot to vary the interval between 4 and 20 seconds.

The same chip is used on the rear wiper and fundamentally, a pot could be added to vary this too...

Post by **RichardW** » 28 Nov 2010, 20:57

"The same chip is used on the rear wiper and fundamentally, a pot could be added to vary this too..."

Now that's interesting....I've always felt that the interval on the rear wiper on the estate is a bit short. Presumably it would be possible to just wire in a resistor to increase the delay? In normal running about 8s would be about right I guess.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 28 Nov 2010, 21:14

S2 SX cars and above had rain sensors, Forte, LX etc don't have them.

Though i would think it possible to fit a S1 wiper stalk with variable intermittent function to a S2 Xantia.

C5s rear wipers are clever, the faster you travel in the estate the shorter the wiper intermittent delay is, as more spray is picked up. However on the saloon the faster you go the longer the delay is, as less water is landing on the rear window.

Post by **CitroJim** » 29 Nov 2010, 05:59

RichardW wrote: I've always felt that the interval on the rear wiper on the estate is a bit short.

Richard, I could dig out the diagrams and see how feasible this is....

Post by **RichardW** » 29 Nov 2010, 12:15

"Though i would think it possible to fit a S1 wiper stalk with variable intermittent function to a S2 Xantia. "

Maybe, but the Mk2 has the HRW switch on the end of the stalk, so you would need to wire the functionality in somewhere else....

"Richard, I could dig out the diagrams and see how feasible this is...."

Don't sweat over it Jim, I can live with it, now that the wiper runs at light speed after the overhaul! Boot liner is not properly sealed though....

I guess there must an extra wire on the font one that delivers a control voltage from the switch.

Post by **RichardW** » 29 Nov 2010, 14:12

Aha, I found the datasheet for the chip. The intermittent wipe is set by allowing a capacitor charge to leak to earth. By adding a variable resistance into this circuit you can alter the interval (more resistance = longer leak time = longer interval). So it ought to be possible put a pot in somewhere, it just depends on how the relay is wired internally / externally as to whether this requires opening up the relay box and soldering onto the PCB or if it can be done externally on the earth circuit. Need a 'spare' relay to play with. Anyone got one

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Xantia variable intermittent wiper stalk

Xantia variable intermittent wiper stalk

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