The wiper switches on these cars fail due to being lubricated with grease which oxidises the contacts of the switch. In my experience, the problem is far more likely to be the switch than the motor.

Zero cost option - remove switch and dismantle (it comes apart if you remove the screws and release the latches), clean out all of the old grease, then remove tarnish from the contacts. Reassemble with a coating of petroleum jelly (not mineral grease) on all of the sliding contact surfaces.

Dearer option - renew switch, but as Valeo specified the wrong lubricant it will happen again. On the other hand, a new switch will probably oulast a 106 now.

The switch is relatively easy to take out once the steering column shrouds are off - there is just enough space to get it out.

659.

just for info... for anyone passing...
the two screws holding the plastic fascia around the steering column are torx screws no T10.

the plastic case of the stalk istelf , opens by gently pushing the 5 plastic wedges in ... 2 either side , and a bigger one on the font.
i103.photobucket.com/albums/m147/liammcl_2006/Wipe...g

My wipers were freezing where ever they were on the screen if the washer water was ativated (ie the stalk pulled back when wiping)

In my case, the contact had a chunk missing..
i103.photobucket.com/albums/m147/liammcl_2006/Wipe...g

so I gently sanded it down and swapped the contacts around (my thinking is that the back wiper won't get as much use)
i103.photobucket.com/albums/m147/liammcl_2006/Wipe...g

I cleaned the other part too, where the pics above make contact with.

Just this second put it back in , and all is working fine.... so far ;)

Cheers
Liam

Edited by liammcl on 30/11/2015 at 04:24