A6 (C7) front wiper motor (2013 Avant)

[robhol]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice please. Front wipers started to fail intermittently and a day later packed in altogether. Checked fuse, stalk etc and all ok (can hear the motor trying to work) so got a replacement motor from eBay. When it's been fitted, it worked again temporarily and then started to play up, although it does work ok-ish after an initial wobble.

My hope is that I've just been unlucky on the 'new' motor and another used part should hopefully work without issue. I stupidly bought based on price without looking at the age of production, so ended up with one made in 2012 instead of some which were made 2016... Any thoughts on whether it could be as simple as me being unlucky with that part?

Also, could there be any other issue? I've seen comments about wiring but it is working after the initial hiccup so I've not necessarily thought that this is the issue.

I've tried to find a new OEM part but the only motors I can find online are left hand drive so if anyone knows where I can source one I'd be grateful... 4G2955119

Finally, I paid a garage to swap out the motor as it seemed quite fiddly so it's essentially money down the drain. But if it's a case of me trying and testing with different used motors 🫣, I'd be more inclined to get stuck in myself. That said, can anyone point me in the direction of any online instructions. YouTube only has C6 guidance. I did start to take the arms off and the trim/seals around the windscreen made me twitchy but if it's not too much of a pain then please let me know.

Thanks in advance 😀

Ron

 

[cliffcoggin]

Ron.

Have you checked the wiper linkage is undamaged? The problem may not be the motor at all.

[robhol]

Hi Cliff, yes the linkage was fine, moving nice and smoothly! And I have got 2 now 😅

[Steve Q]

It's odd that the second motor would have the same characteristics. I'd recommend having the electrics checked. 

[robhol]

On 1/17/2025 at 8:14 PM, Steve Q said:

It's odd that the second motor would have the same characteristics. I'd recommend having the electrics checked. 

Hi Steve, I can hear the motor twitch when I use the wiper on the stalk so I'd ruled out any electrical issues outside of the motor hitting its shelf life. It was also working, albeit on and off for a short window of time, after it had got fitted which gives me some reassurance that there's not a wider issue. But that said, if you or anyone thinks otherwise, please let me know. Cheers

[robhol]

On 1/17/2025 at 8:14 PM, Steve Q said:

It's odd that the second motor would have the same characteristics. I'd recommend having the electrics checked. 

You were right Steve, it was the electrics in the end. The wiring loom underneath the ECU had been worked on previously but unfortunately not to a great standard. As such the current was leaking and not sufficient to drive the motor under strain. Fortunately I managed to find an outstanding auto electrician 👍

Thanks for your help 

Edited January 27 by robhol
Typo

[Steve Q]

Glad you got sorted in the end 🙂