INTERMITTENT WIPER KIT INFO
Thank you for your interest in the SwEm intermittent wiper upgrade. Back when our vintage Volvos were new, having two speeds was pretty special, but now, just about all cars have multiple speeds, plus an interval, or intermittent feature. I am a big fan of using Rain-X on the windshield, but years ago I figured that it would sure by nice if I had this feature on my Vintage Swede(s) too! So I designed one specifically for these cars...and having shaken them down in my 122 and 1800 for years, I am making them available here: By adding this small electronic module, you too can upgrade your Swedish oldie to have an intermittent wiping function.
Background When the intermittent wiper function is turned on, wipe interval is adjustable from around one wipe every 4 seconds to around one wipe every 10 seconds. I think you'll love it...no more will those poor wipers beat themselves to death for just a few drops of drizzle or the other option....taking your hand from the steering wheel to occasionally (but constantly!), manually turn them on and off for just one wipe! The controlling circuit uses the "run-until-home-when-switch-is-turned-OFF-and-then-park" function of wiper mechanism, so this must work properly before installing this upgrade. Check it for proper operation (with IGNITION ON - preferably some water on the windshield to prevent a dry, potentially scratching wipe) by briefly clicking wipers ON and OFF. Wipers should complete a single wipe and finally stop at the park position. This momentary ON - OFF is exactly what the control circuit does for you - but electrically!
My wiper motor is burning up!?! Not to distract you with something else to do while you should be paying attention to driving, especially in the rain, but...the next time you've had your wipers on low speed for a while, (and carefully, please!) reach up under the dashboard and feel how hot the motor gets. This is actually "normal" because the slow motor speed is achieved by a very inefficient "electric-bucking" method, where most of the electrical energy going into the motor is actually turned to heat (!), and not motor rotation. The reason I bring this up is to point out another advantage that upgrading to the int. wiper kit will give. Not only will it allow you to run the mechanicals of the wiper system a lot less, but it will also give the motor an "electrical rest" between wipes, significantly cutting down on this superheating (which certainly isn't doing its' aging insulation any good either)!
Details, Details: Checking with owners of the 544, 122, 1800 models has revealed there are some variations of the wiper switch and motor combination which were installed on these models. This means, if you would like to install this upgrade, you must contact me with some details of the recipient vehicle, namely: wiper switch type (number of positions, function of each position), and motor manufacturer - Prestolite (USA) or Electrolux (Sweden)...yeah, the vacuum cleaner people!, number of speeds, wire color codes, so that we can discuss the installation options you prefer, and I can supply specific, and correct information/instructions for that installation. The module is fully compatible with all of these models, but differences are present. It's not terribly complicated, but several details must be gotten right!
Please proceed to your vehicle type, and read on.
544 Installation I do not own
one of these (great) vehicles, so I have not yet had an opportunity for a close, precise
inspection, but (as far as I know, and owners can please confirm this), the
wiper systems are quite similar to the 122 (with which I have quite a bit of
experience), so I will work closely with you on getting a kit into your
vehicle...and getting it right!
I understand 544s had a three position switch (OFF, Pull-Position1, slow wipe; Pull-Position2, fast wipe), and dual speed motor, so my recommended installation will require the installation of a four position wiper switch from an 1800 (OFF, Pull, Pull, or just Turn [without pulling ON at all] to activate the intermittent function). If, however you wish to keep the stock switch, I can supply the kit with a mini-toggle switch on the circuit although I personally dislike under-dash-dongle-controls like that.
I've recently been advised, that some 544s were also equipped with single speed wipers... but any 12Volt 544 can be upgraded with an int. wiper timer!
Please proceed to Important Safety and Special Considerations and read on.
122 Installation The
four position switch (OFF, Pull-Position1, slow wipe; Pull-Position2, fast wipe;
Pull-Position3 to wash, while fast wiping), as was OE on most (but please confirm this on your
vehicle!) 122s, is NOT
compatible with the installation of this upgrade, unless you prefer to leave the
OE switch in place, and activate
the int. wipe function by way of its own mini-toggle switch under the
dashboard. I dislike these under-the-dash-dongles and recommend changing
over to a switch from an 1800 (Pull, Pull, Turn [without pulling] to activate
the intermittent function). By changing over to this switch however, the
windshield washer control is lost (on the switch that is), but I will supply a momentary push-button (...damn
under-dash dongle again!) with the kit which will restore this
function.
Please proceed to Important Safety and Special Considerations and read on.
1800 Installation For 1800
installations, please confirm you have the most commonly installed (but I
understand not
always!) four position wiper switch (OFF, Pull, Pull, Turn, that is:
Pull-Position1, slow wipe; Pull-Position2, fast wipe; Turn [in either OFF, Pos1,
or 2] to wash). For the intermittent wiper upgrade, OFF, and positions1 and 2 of the
switch remain unchanged, but what was the "Turn to wash"
position of the switch will now be used to control the int. wipe
function. A momentary push-button switch under the dashboard (I can't seem
to get away from them!), will be used to activate the windshield washer
function. If you were wondering what happens if you Turn the control (CW)
to activate the intermittent function, and then Pull out the control to Pos1, or
even Pos2...the Slow or Fast wipe takes precedence until you push the control
back to the OFF position, at which time the intermittent function will take over
again, until [by turning the knob (CCW)], you turn it OFF.
Please proceed to Important Safety and Special Considerations and read on.
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Important Safety and Special Considerations Please note that on ALL model installations, the intermittent wiper circuit is protected by the same fuse (F1) which protects the rest of wiper system. It is still CRUCIAL also to remember, (just as before the upgrade to intermittent wipers) that the wipers be turned OFF when parking vehicle, so that upon next start-up (when the wipers have perhaps been LOCKED IN PLACE by winter ice), you do not get an UNEXPECTED WIPE with FROZEN BLADES, which CAN and WILL result in severe damage to the wiper motor and/or mechanism. I CANNOT and WILL NOT accept responsibility for this damage! Best practice is to shut off ALL accessories when parking vehicle, and to ALSO check (before turning IGNITION ON next time), that especially wipers (including intermittent function) are OFF, to prevent a dry wipe or, (even less desirable and heaven forbid) powering the wiper motor while wipers are locked in place.
The kit consists of: A small interval adjustable circuit (which gets mounted under dash), which has a small, thumb-adjustable interval control, all necessary wiring, and detailed instructions including a step by step procedure, and before and after wiring diagrams.
The bottom line: Kit price is: $55 for the upgrade, PLUS $20 for the 1800 switch, but ONLY if you go with that option. This may seem pricey, but is I believe fair, and since a lot of time and effort will be required working out the details for each individual installation, I will only take on only those upgrades which I feel I can get absolutely right (as failure is not an option!).
To contact me with your vehicle information and to discuss installing this upgrade, or if you would like further information. Please e-mail us! Thanks, Ron.
