SteveT247 Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 My wiper park switch packed up a few weeks ago on my 1999 Td5 Defender. My local main dealer and independent both say that they are only showing replacement switches for post 2002 vehicles (part # 520160). I took a chance and bought a non genuine one as I wasn't sure it would work and it was cheaper (less of a loss if it didn't work). With the replacement switch in place, the wipers won't turn off and start as soon as the dash lights come on, irrespective of what position the wiper stalk is in. I've tried another one of these replacement switches just to rule out the first one being faulty but the same result. Putting the old switch back in place everything is fine (except for the parking). I did wonder if pre 02 Td5's had an earlier (Tdi) park switch but a search on here and on Google seems to show that they are the same part # for both Tdi & post 02 Defenders. My question is, are there any differences between pre and post 02 switches and if not, any ideas why they're not working as they should? Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Did the switch come in a blue and white box with the words `Britpart" on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 all the parts links Iuse on here only show 520160 for all models including 2007 model year onwards defenders http://www.lrseries.com/shop/product/listing/1045/520160-WIPER-PARK-SWITCH.html?search=520160&page=1 remove & open the wiper motor gear case, the plastic ramp the park switch pin works on maybe badly worn or become detached, so cannot do it's job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Did you by any chance remove the gearwheel to fit the switch - if so perhaps you've omitted or put back in the wrong place some of the washers which determine the height the gear runs at, and it may not therefore be tripping the switch. From what I recall it should be a wavy washer under the wheel , and a flat washer behind the circlip. I did the same thing and was rather puzzled as apparently only the switch had changed. Of course it could also be a duff new switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveT247 Posted February 3, 2013 Author Share Posted February 3, 2013 jbs- Yeah it is a Britpart. I usually avoid these like the plague but as the main dealer stated the genuine bit was only for post "02" vehicles, I didn't want to waste £20+ to find it didn't work/fit, hence buying the £5 Britpart item. I did think maybe the new switch was duff so I tried a 2nd one with the same result. It's Britpart so 2 duff switches is a possibility (probability) I guess lol. Western- Thanks for that. I was considering cracking it open to look but as it's the only one that works (at least I still have wipers that turn on/off) I was a bit loath to do it. I may just bite the bullet and try a genuine one. Cackshifter- The switch just slides on to the side of the motor with a clip so nothing was removed from the motor itself and it works fine when the old switch is put back on (apart from actually parking in the correct position that is). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 last time I replaced the park switch a few years ago I bought a genuine Lucas one from the local agent. it's still working properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveT247 Posted February 3, 2013 Author Share Posted February 3, 2013 I'll order one tomorrow and report back. Thanks again guys for the help/advice. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Sounds just like what a Duffpart switch would be like. If you are struggling to get a known good one, try http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/category/wiper-systems-and-parts/ . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveT247 Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Sounds just like what a Duffpart switch would be like. If you are struggling to get a known good one, try http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/category/wiper-systems-and-parts/ . Thanks mate, I've saved that site to my favourites. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 'Wiper Park Switch (520160)' Is what I have in my spreadsheet for my 90. Genuine one was ~£21 . Works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveT247 Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Well I went to a local Mini specialist this morning and picked up a switch (same switch) and it works a treat. I've also stripped down the Britpart one and replaced the broken part in the original and that also works too, so now I have a spare. I couldn't see any difference at first between the original and the Britpart one until I read a post on another forum and then noticed the plunger is a slightly different dimension and obviously not cutting the power when the wipers are off. Thanks again for all the help/advice, it was driving me nuts. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 glad you found a cure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveT247 Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Me too western, thanks again. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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