Strange problem with wipers & headlights

[Mr Bridger]

I’ve got a strange electrical problem with my wife’s Mk1.

When ignition on and switch on headlights the wipers have started coming on, when you switch the lights off the wipers return to the parked position. They don’t do this if you just switch on the side lights.

Any ideas where I should look?
Thanks

[blackyb]

Sorry mate but auto elecyrics are taboo with me unless its as simple as a blown bulb.

Does this happen every time or is it affected by the weather at the time??

[Mr Bridger]

An update; I’ve just been out in the garage and had the steering column shroud off to give all the connections a good waggle and it made no difference.
I did operate the headligh switch a few times and after using the flash function the wipers stopped. So no idea of the cause but it’s stopped doing it - for now.

[Mazda Mender]

What year is she?(the mazster not the wife ;0) )..what if any aftermarket bits are added?
M-m

[Zed.]

sounds like an earth issue (back-feeding through another system)

find the earthing points & give them a clean?

Rich.

[blackyb]

An update; I’ve just been out in the garage and had the steering column shroud off to give all the connections a good waggle and it made no difference.
I did operate the headligh switch a few times and after using the flash function the wipers stopped. So no idea of the cause but it’s stopped doing it - for now.

Result, but I would still do a bit of digging in the electrics and as suggested, more likely a dodgy earth somewhere.

[Mr Bridger]

What year is she?(the mazster not the wife ;0) )..what if any aftermarket bits are added?
M-m

1997 Mk1 1.8, absolutely bog standard even down to the dealer fitted tape player. The only other 'extra' is the switch & wiring for the hard top HRW, again dealer fitted.

[Mazda Mender]

Sounds like the stalk is showing signs of age buddy..
M-m

[Mr Bridger]

That's what I feared
Will also check the earths as well as Zed suggested (try the free stuff first, that's my motto)

[mattpc]

stalks are not expensive second hand and it's not a hard job to fit either. Take the steering wheel off, few screws for plastic etc...