This was very helpful, and delightful to watch. Even with your prompting, it took me a while to see the issue with the solder joints that connect this to the contacts. thank you Lawrence!
Engineers always jump to the most complicated cause first. It wasn't the capacitor. It probably wasn't the solder joints. While you were fiddling with it, you actuated the contacts on the right side relay, breaking off the small amount of carbon buildup that was preventing the conductivity of the contacts. It's that right side relay. Carbon on the contacts first, and then, okay, maybe a bad solder joint. (BTW, same relay for the 2002 New Beetle. Also the way they assembled the relay, it's really hard to get a tiny emery in there to clean the contacts.)
You're wrong in this case. I agree that cracked solder on connector pins is not always the problem with automotive relays. It wasn't on my Jetta's fuel pump relay ruclips.net/video/8Ptkh3ioV4c/видео.html (in that case it was carbonized contacts) but cracked solder certainly was the problem on my wiper relay, and here ruclips.net/video/sFf2Vx_TeL8/видео.html on my shifter module, and on every one of my VW door locks, and on countless other electronic repairs. As for the capacitor, that was cheap, preventative maintenance. Otherwise we risk, "You know that wiper relay you fixed for me some time ago? Well it's doing the same thing..." Who wants to hear that? Please consider watching ruclips.net/video/XhlNewlhH3U/видео.html "Radio Repair Secrets - Sony TA-AV411 has distorted sound from one channel." Much better pictures of cracked solder joints in that video. Cracked solder is a very common problem. Once you know what to look for, you'll find it everywhere. Use the method shown in this video to resolder and your percentage of successful electronic repairs will go way up. Good luck! Thanks for commenting.
Great video, as a retired radar tech was going to go the cap replacement route but found a replacement 377 relay on amazon for 24 cad so will be lazy and replace the whole unit. No wonder we throw away everything these days, doesn't pay to fix most things, they wanted 14 cad for a few caps.
Your call but I would certainly hold on to the OEM part. All you need to do to fix it is resolder the connector. Cap replacement is optional. Chinese aftermarket parts seldom last more than a year or two in my experience. Fix the original and keep it in the glove box for when the Chinese module fails. You'll be glad you did!
Hey thanks for the reply, if that is the case I will do a re-solder on them and see, if it works will send the relay back, thanks. I mean the car is 21 years old, still working great and well maintained but not sure how much longer it will keep being low maintenance as it is a TDI with 300,000 kms on it.@@LawrencePina
ok so put the amazon relay in and it is defective, can't shut the wipers off at all, originally wipers wouldn't shut off after being turned on, new relay caused them to run as soon as ignition on. Checked the old relay and found solder welds good on connector but one of the normally closed contacts of one relay was dark. Sanded it and now all good. So possibly the contact was dirty or just needed to re-seat the relay in the socket, cheers@@LawrencePina
Lawrence, at 1:32 you showed that it was simple to slide the unit out of the box... did you use a tool of some kind? I can't seem to separate the box from the board. UPDATE: I got the box off. Never mind 😁 Thanks for the informative video!!
Junior high school, general-ed shop class in 1960. Rocket science today. Such a shame... Thank you for commenting. Complements really help the channel.
Hello, I managed to solve the problem. I had to change the sheet that makes contact with the relay. I got the new sheet from another very similar relay. I did this because cleaning it didn't work for me. Likewise, take the opportunity to change the capacitor for a similar one but of 105°C.
Mine wouldn't stop after some gales when I was using the wipers. I looked up what it might be and came across three solutions with this being one of them. As I don't do electronics I bought another relay off eBay Luckily this was the solution I thought it may have been the zero point as I could hear the old relay click but alas it was the relay so thank you
Hello , my golf mk4 has the same problem but it wont turn on all the time by it self , just time to time and it wont stop . Sometimes i need to turn off my car and turn it back on so they can be stooped . Do you have any idea what can be the problem ?
You either have cracked solder joints on the wiper relay connector (inside the module) exactly as shown here, or you have dirty relay contacts (on the relays inside the module), or possibly both. Read through the comments! If you don't want to take apart and fix your existing relay module, then replacing it should solve your problem. Key word is should, because when it comes to Chinese auto parts, there's no guarantee they're actually going to work, and/or last very long. Best to read through the comments and fix the OEM relay you've already got. Good luck. Thanks for asking!
I have similiar problem with my mk4 golf. but the problem is not with the relay. Also the wipers do sometimes stop, but in the middle of the windscreen.
If the wipers are stopping in the middle of the windshield, then you need a new wiper linkage. The pivot closest to the driver's fender will be frozen. Aftermarket should be fine. When you replace it, be sure to caulk around the hood release cable, as it tends to leak. Hope this helps. Thanks for commenting.
There are two wiper problems with similar symptoms on VW MK4 cars, and I've personally experienced both on my red, 2000 Jetta. Assuming your symptoms are: Problem 1. The wipers turned on and work normally. Low speed, high speed, intermittent action are all fine. They just won't turn off. Then, by "new relay" did you mean new OEM or aftermarket part? Or, did you mean new/different/other used part? Since all MK4s have the same problem, just removing and reinserting an old relay could easily break the connector joints (assuming they weren't broken already). In that case, you should be able to resolder and fix both relay modules. Otherwise, it could be the wiper switch on the steering column, but given the number of people who've changed that switch and have the same complaint as you (no difference), I doubt it. Then, there's: Problem 2: The wipers turned on and moved very slowly, eventually jamming in the middle of the windshield. Low and High speeds do not work anymore. Intermittent speeds do not work anymore and the motor struggles (can not turn off) because the wiper arms have not returned to rest position. That's caused by a stuck linkage, located under the windshield cowl, on the driver's side of the car. I didn't make a video on that repair because others already had. If that's your symptoms, pull the wiper fuse so that you don't burn out the motor. Get a new linkage (about $30 on Amazon) and you should be all set. One other tip (assuming you have a frozen linkage), before you reinstall the windshield cowl, clean and caulk around the hood release cable. The grommet cracks and eventually leaks water all over the driver's foot well. If the carpet is wet now, that's where it's coming from. Good luck! Thanks for commenting. Please like and subscribe as it really helps the channel.
Another guy who commented found corroded contacts on one of the relays (inside the module) and fixed his wipers won't shut off problem by cleaning them. Please repost to let others know if that's also what you find. This is how we help each other...
Not sure what activation lever you're referring to but I've experienced two different windshield wiper problems on my VW MK4s and I'm wondering if you actually have the other one. Here are the symptoms: Problem 1. The wiper arms jump, move very slowly and get stuck somewhere on the windshield. When you turn the switch off, the wiper motor continues to struggle (does NOT turn off) and the wiper arms do NOT return to rest. Logically, the wiper motor may burn out if you continue to use the car without removing the wiper motor fuse. These symptoms are caused by a seized fender-side bearing on the wiper linkage assembly located under the windshield cowl. Aftermarket linkage for the same 2000 Jetta shown in this video, cost about $35 delivered. While you're in there, check the grommet around the hood release cable. These tend to crack and cause water to leak into the driver's foot well. Seal as necessary. Also, clean out whatever leaves and mud you find in there and make sure the drains on either side of the windshield are NOT plugged! Problem 2. The wipers function perfectly. They are NOT stuck! High speed works. Low speed works. Intermittent speeds work. Windshield washers work. The only problem is, they keep on working even when the switch is OFF. These symptoms are caused by a malfunctioning wiper relay module. Now, it occurs to me, that you might also be experiencing both problems simultaneously, as both happened to my cars within months (or weeks?) of each other. Repairs are not that hard, especially if you've replaced an MK4 wiper linkage before. Good luck! Thanks for commenting. Please repost to let others know which of the two problems you're experiencing. If it's Problem 1, there's an important installation procedure you need to follow...
@@LawrencePina Hello, I have problem 2, the windshield wipers work perfectly. When you turn the ignition on, the windshield wipers start working the only problem is that they continue working even when the switch is off. After a while they stop, but when I activate the switch again they fail again. And again, after a while they stop again.
As far as I know, the 377 relay module controls all front and rear wiper functions on all 2000 - 2005 VW MK4 Golf and Jetta models. Your car most likely has the same problem mine did. Only way to tell for sure is to unscrew the trim panel, pop out the wiper relay and check for cracked solder on the connector pins. Good luck! Thanks for commenting.
This was very helpful, and delightful to watch. Even with your prompting, it took me a while to see the issue with the solder joints that connect this to the contacts. thank you Lawrence!
Great video, super educational. I will definitely run through these diagnostics as my car has the same issue . Thanks a bunch!
Engineers always jump to the most complicated cause first. It wasn't the capacitor. It probably wasn't the solder joints. While you were fiddling with it, you actuated the contacts on the right side relay, breaking off the small amount of carbon buildup that was preventing the conductivity of the contacts. It's that right side relay. Carbon on the contacts first, and then, okay, maybe a bad solder joint. (BTW, same relay for the 2002 New Beetle. Also the way they assembled the relay, it's really hard to get a tiny emery in there to clean the contacts.)
You're wrong in this case. I agree that cracked solder on connector pins is not always the problem with automotive relays. It wasn't on my Jetta's fuel pump relay ruclips.net/video/8Ptkh3ioV4c/видео.html (in that case it was carbonized contacts) but cracked solder certainly was the problem on my wiper relay, and here ruclips.net/video/sFf2Vx_TeL8/видео.html on my shifter module, and on every one of my VW door locks, and on countless other electronic repairs. As for the capacitor, that was cheap, preventative maintenance. Otherwise we risk, "You know that wiper relay you fixed for me some time ago? Well it's doing the same thing..." Who wants to hear that? Please consider watching ruclips.net/video/XhlNewlhH3U/видео.html "Radio Repair Secrets - Sony TA-AV411 has distorted sound from one channel." Much better pictures of cracked solder joints in that video. Cracked solder is a very common problem. Once you know what to look for, you'll find it everywhere. Use the method shown in this video to resolder and your percentage of successful electronic repairs will go way up. Good luck! Thanks for commenting.
Great video, as a retired radar tech was going to go the cap replacement route but found a replacement 377 relay on amazon for 24 cad so will be lazy and replace the whole unit. No wonder we throw away everything these days, doesn't pay to fix most things, they wanted 14 cad for a few caps.
Your call but I would certainly hold on to the OEM part. All you need to do to fix it is resolder the connector. Cap replacement is optional. Chinese aftermarket parts seldom last more than a year or two in my experience. Fix the original and keep it in the glove box for when the Chinese module fails. You'll be glad you did!
Hey thanks for the reply, if that is the case I will do a re-solder on them and see, if it works will send the relay back, thanks. I mean the car is 21 years old, still working great and well maintained but not sure how much longer it will keep being low maintenance as it is a TDI with 300,000 kms on it.@@LawrencePina
ok so put the amazon relay in and it is defective, can't shut the wipers off at all, originally wipers wouldn't shut off after being turned on, new relay caused them to run as soon as ignition on. Checked the old relay and found solder welds good on connector but one of the normally closed contacts of one relay was dark. Sanded it and now all good. So possibly the contact was dirty or just needed to re-seat the relay in the socket, cheers@@LawrencePina
Lawrence, at 1:32 you showed that it was simple to slide the unit out of the box... did you use a tool of some kind? I can't seem to separate the box from the board. UPDATE: I got the box off. Never mind 😁 Thanks for the informative video!!
This is a bit of a rocket science for me 😊. Well done, good congratulations on your expertise
Junior high school, general-ed shop class in 1960. Rocket science today. Such a shame... Thank you for commenting. Complements really help the channel.
@@LawrencePina I am a technically inclined due to 5 year high school in Poland in the 1990s but my electricity knowledge is very basic unfortunately,🥴
Hello, I managed to solve the problem.
I had to change the sheet that makes contact with the relay.
I got the new sheet from another very similar relay.
I did this because cleaning it didn't work for me.
Likewise, take the opportunity to change the capacitor for a similar one but of 105°C.
Thanks for sharing!
Mine wouldn't stop after some gales when I was using the wipers. I looked up what it might be and came across three solutions with this being one of them.
As I don't do electronics I bought another relay off eBay
Luckily this was the solution
I thought it may have been the zero point as I could hear the old relay click but alas it was the relay so thank you
Hello , my golf mk4 has the same problem but it wont turn on all the time by it self , just time to time and it wont stop . Sometimes i need to turn off my car and turn it back on so they can be stooped . Do you have any idea what can be the problem ?
You either have cracked solder joints on the wiper relay connector (inside the module) exactly as shown here, or you have dirty relay contacts (on the relays inside the module), or possibly both. Read through the comments! If you don't want to take apart and fix your existing relay module, then replacing it should solve your problem. Key word is should, because when it comes to Chinese auto parts, there's no guarantee they're actually going to work, and/or last very long. Best to read through the comments and fix the OEM relay you've already got. Good luck. Thanks for asking!
@@LawrencePina Thanks a lot for the reply i will keep you updated when i fix it
I have similiar problem with my mk4 golf. but the problem is not with the relay. Also the wipers do sometimes stop, but in the middle of the windscreen.
If the wipers are stopping in the middle of the windshield, then you need a new wiper linkage. The pivot closest to the driver's fender will be frozen. Aftermarket should be fine. When you replace it, be sure to caulk around the hood release cable, as it tends to leak. Hope this helps. Thanks for commenting.
What was it
I have the same issue. New delay didn’t fix the problem. I’ll check the solder joints and re solder. If that doesn’t work then ????
There are two wiper problems with similar symptoms on VW MK4 cars, and I've personally experienced both on my red, 2000 Jetta. Assuming your symptoms are:
Problem 1. The wipers turned on and work normally. Low speed, high speed, intermittent action are all fine. They just won't turn off. Then, by "new relay" did you mean new OEM or aftermarket part? Or, did you mean new/different/other used part? Since all MK4s have the same problem, just removing and reinserting an old relay could easily break the connector joints (assuming they weren't broken already). In that case, you should be able to resolder and fix both relay modules. Otherwise, it could be the wiper switch on the steering column, but given the number of people who've changed that switch and have the same complaint as you (no difference), I doubt it. Then, there's:
Problem 2: The wipers turned on and moved very slowly, eventually jamming in the middle of the windshield. Low and High speeds do not work anymore. Intermittent speeds do not work anymore and the motor struggles (can not turn off) because the wiper arms have not returned to rest position. That's caused by a stuck linkage, located under the windshield cowl, on the driver's side of the car. I didn't make a video on that repair because others already had. If that's your symptoms, pull the wiper fuse so that you don't burn out the motor. Get a new linkage (about $30 on Amazon) and you should be all set. One other tip (assuming you have a frozen linkage), before you reinstall the windshield cowl, clean and caulk around the hood release cable. The grommet cracks and eventually leaks water all over the driver's foot well. If the carpet is wet now, that's where it's coming from. Good luck! Thanks for commenting. Please like and subscribe as it really helps the channel.
Thanks Lawrence. I have problem 2. Wipers don’t change speeds, won’t shut off and are jamming a bit. I’m guessing it’s the switch on the column?
@@ericcohen5967 No. It's the bearing on the fender side of the wiper linkage.
@@LawrencePina how would a beating cause the wipers from not stopping?
Bearing.
Hello, I did everything in the video but the error is still present😢
Another guy who commented found corroded contacts on one of the relays (inside the module) and fixed his wipers won't shut off problem by cleaning them. Please repost to let others know if that's also what you find. This is how we help each other...
@@LawrencePinaThanks for the response
I cleaned the relay contacts and it hasn't worked either.
Could it be the lever that activates the relay?
Not sure what activation lever you're referring to but I've experienced two different windshield wiper problems on my VW MK4s and I'm wondering if you actually have the other one. Here are the symptoms: Problem 1. The wiper arms jump, move very slowly and get stuck somewhere on the windshield. When you turn the switch off, the wiper motor continues to struggle (does NOT turn off) and the wiper arms do NOT return to rest. Logically, the wiper motor may burn out if you continue to use the car without removing the wiper motor fuse. These symptoms are caused by a seized fender-side bearing on the wiper linkage assembly located under the windshield cowl. Aftermarket linkage for the same 2000 Jetta shown in this video, cost about $35 delivered. While you're in there, check the grommet around the hood release cable. These tend to crack and cause water to leak into the driver's foot well. Seal as necessary. Also, clean out whatever leaves and mud you find in there and make sure the drains on either side of the windshield are NOT plugged! Problem 2. The wipers function perfectly. They are NOT stuck! High speed works. Low speed works. Intermittent speeds work. Windshield washers work. The only problem is, they keep on working even when the switch is OFF. These symptoms are caused by a malfunctioning wiper relay module. Now, it occurs to me, that you might also be experiencing both problems simultaneously, as both happened to my cars within months (or weeks?) of each other. Repairs are not that hard, especially if you've replaced an MK4 wiper linkage before. Good luck! Thanks for commenting. Please repost to let others know which of the two problems you're experiencing. If it's Problem 1, there's an important installation procedure you need to follow...
@@LawrencePina Hello, I have problem 2, the windshield wipers work perfectly.
When you turn the ignition on, the windshield wipers start working the only problem is that they continue working even when the switch is off.
After a while they stop, but when I activate the switch again they fail again. And again, after a while they stop again.
@@LawrencePina I have bought an original used relay module, I will wait for it to arrive and test if it solves the problem
I rear wiper on my golf won’t turn off
As far as I know, the 377 relay module controls all front and rear wiper functions on all 2000 - 2005 VW MK4 Golf and Jetta models. Your car most likely has the same problem mine did. Only way to tell for sure is to unscrew the trim panel, pop out the wiper relay and check for cracked solder on the connector pins. Good luck! Thanks for commenting.
Hello, did you manage to prepare it this way? I also have the same fault in my Golf 4 year 2002
Thank you