So, I was coming home from work in my 94 850 wagon w/212k miles. I sprayed the windshield and the washer and wipers would not shut off. I had to pull over and removed the fuse (fuse 34)to get home without burning out the washer pump. When I got home, I removed the switch / stalk from the steering column, disconnected the two connector, and turned the ignition back on (fuse now back in) the washer / wipers came back on. I opened the fuse compartment and removed all of the relays - the washers still won't shut off.

Does anyone have any ideas what to try next?

Thanks
Geoff

I had to purchase the wiring diagram from volvo. Once I got it, it was clear to see that there are relays built into the headlamp washer motors. Studying the diagram, if the NC and the NO contacts of the relay short out, the washer will be on continuously. I disconnected the driver's side headlamp wiper, and the problem is gone. The connectors for the headlamp wipers are hidden under the bumper, just in front of the radiator - if you look near the horns at the bumper cover, you can see the clips that hold the connectors in place.

hello
your recommendation to disconnect the wiper motors fixed my issue also many i am skeptical of most recomandations on the interweb. none of the fixes online worked till i read yours and it made perfect sense
thanks

as ghaynes suggested, I looked at the wiring harness, hard to see much, I wiggled the wires around while the sprayer/wipers were running and couldn't find any area that made them stop. I thought I was being clever removing the connector from the sprayer pump, but I am still stuck with the wipers running.

Here is the interesting part:
I notice that the headlight wiper, only on the passenger side, is wiping. The driver side is not. Is this a clue?

yes its a clue. drivers side probably hasnt worked in awhile.
The headlight wipers are triggered by pressing wash or hold wash.
You probably need to replace the relay if you cant find any bad wiring.
Sometimes by pulling out the relay and by tapping it with a screwdriver or something may help. always worth a try

Hi Geoff

I recall that happening to my 94850 turbo, and I think it came down to a dead short in another circuit running on the same fuse (or any fuse ). Check the wiring harness for front lights. (Runs along rail under headlights) Mine had chaffed and cracked in many places due to salt and power was going all over the place without blowing fuses.I opted to repair bad wiring instead of replacing the entire harness.


Regards, Geoff

Try the relay panel under the dash, drivers side. The wiper relay is marked 203.

Removed relay 203, wipers indeed do stop, but the headlight wiper stays on and the windshield continues to spray... Is there another relay which controls the washer pump?

Most times, when I key the ignition on, the washer is off, but if I toggle pull in the window wash lever, then it will come on and stay on. Seems like a stuck relay somewhere....

Thanks again
Geoff

A point of clarification - when I say the wiper and washer is on, I mean that it is spraying the windshield.

Thanks again