My 2000 S-type 4.0 has been having intermittent wiper problems.
Most of the time the blades dont move when I turn on the wipers.
The wipers ALWAYS work when I use the windshield wash setting.
On the rare occasion when the wipers do work, I have to be careful not to change the wiper speed too quickly. If I change the wiper speed too quickly
they stop working. They start working after I dont use the wipers for
several days.
Sometimes the wiper starts operating by itself even when there is no
rain. I believe I have a rain sensing system.

I believe the motor is ok, because the windshield wash setting makes
the wipers move.

I searched the s-type forum but could not find a similar problem.

 

I'd suspect the switch, you could try to take it out and simulate the various positions.

 

I also would suspect the switch. Your car is now 10+ years old. I think a new switch would not be unusual. Your car should have rain sensitive wipers and that might also come into play but the switch has mechanical contacts and the rain sensor is all electronic, so no moving parts to wear.

I think why you don't see many posts about this is people just change the switch. Kind of like what do I do with a tire that leaks air slowly?? Well you just get it fixed!
.
.
.

 

norri & tbird6 thanks for the pointers.

i'm having trouble locating the part, anyone know what the exact part name or part number is ? Also, any suggestions on reasonable online parts shops?

thanks

 

I don't know the part number, but you could call some of the forum vendors and see if they can help and maybe give you a deal.

 

Hi, the part numbers you are after

Wiper Switch with Rain Sensor, 2000-2002 JLM 020951
Wiper Switch without Rain Sensor, 2000-2002 JLM 020950

I would check and confirm these part numbers with your local Jaguar dealership first. The parts are very expensive and you may need to source from ebay, car dismantlers etc.

When i had a problem with my 1999 S-Type wiper system I traced it to corrosion in the spindles. (the part that the wiper arm bolts to). I had to dismantle the lot, clear out the corrosion and grease up. Been perfect since.
This was a known problem with earlier cars especially if the the wipers were not used that frequently. Jaguar were aware and provided cheaper parts to rectify it.

Hope this is of some use. Carfix

 

Replacing the wiper switch seemed to do it ... it has been working so far, touch wood.

Got a nice price on a working switch ... thanks for the tip.

 

My S Type 3.0 V6 SE Auto 2006 has a windscreen wiper stalk fault. When operated for a left turn the headlights are switched on and are 'cancelled' when switch re-centred. A new switch from Jaguar is £200 with labour an additional £100. Two questions. 1) Anyone had experience of breakers yard replacement or pattern parts (non-Jaguar). 2) Is it necessary to re programme the ECU.

 

Go for a wrecker (scrap) part. Just swap with care and that's all - but with key OUT of ignition and preferably battery disconnected.