It's called the windshield wiper "interval governor" in the FSM, but even Ford couldn't agree on the name because it is labeled "wiper control module" inside of the unit. Either way, it can be responsible if your wipers don't work or work sometimes, but not other times. On my car, the wipers would not work unless the switch was left on for 10 minutes or so, and then they would magically start.
This guide explains how to remove the wiper governor, what to look for inside of it, and how to repair it.
1. The governor module is located under the dash, more or less above the gas pedal. It is mounted on a plastic bracket along with with other relay modules. Remove the two screws from the bracket (one removed already in the photo). Then lower the bracket and twist it so you can access the governor module.
2. Free the module from the bracket by pushing in the tabs inside the red circles and sliding the module off the tangs. Then disconnect the wiring connector.
3. Pry the two latches on one side of the module off of their retainer tabs. The cover can then be hinged upward and removed.
4. Remove the circuit board from the case. Pry out the two plastic tabs (one on each side) that retain it just enough so the board can be lifted past the tab. You can do this by prying from outside of the case with a thin blade screwdriver. Take care not to damage the circuit board.
5. Inspect the back of the circuit board with a magnifying glass and a bright light. On this one, a cracked solder joint is fairly easy to see. The crack may be hairline.
6. Re-solder the broken joint; a 15 to 30 watt soldering iron will do a good job.
7. Snap the board back into the case. Attach the cover, taking note that the end of the cover with the large tab goes over the connector. Re-install the module in the car and test operation.
This repair will save you about $70 for a new wiper governor module, or a trip to the junkyard to get one that might be cracked too!
Of course, the multifunction switch and wiper motor must also be evaluated when isolating a problem with the wiper system. Other forum posts cover how to clean a malfunctioning multi-function switch and replace the wiper motor.
This guide explains how to remove the wiper governor, what to look for inside of it, and how to repair it.
1. The governor module is located under the dash, more or less above the gas pedal. It is mounted on a plastic bracket along with with other relay modules. Remove the two screws from the bracket (one removed already in the photo). Then lower the bracket and twist it so you can access the governor module.
2. Free the module from the bracket by pushing in the tabs inside the red circles and sliding the module off the tangs. Then disconnect the wiring connector.
3. Pry the two latches on one side of the module off of their retainer tabs. The cover can then be hinged upward and removed.
4. Remove the circuit board from the case. Pry out the two plastic tabs (one on each side) that retain it just enough so the board can be lifted past the tab. You can do this by prying from outside of the case with a thin blade screwdriver. Take care not to damage the circuit board.
5. Inspect the back of the circuit board with a magnifying glass and a bright light. On this one, a cracked solder joint is fairly easy to see. The crack may be hairline.
6. Re-solder the broken joint; a 15 to 30 watt soldering iron will do a good job.
7. Snap the board back into the case. Attach the cover, taking note that the end of the cover with the large tab goes over the connector. Re-install the module in the car and test operation.
This repair will save you about $70 for a new wiper governor module, or a trip to the junkyard to get one that might be cracked too!
Of course, the multifunction switch and wiper motor must also be evaluated when isolating a problem with the wiper system. Other forum posts cover how to clean a malfunctioning multi-function switch and replace the wiper motor.
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So you should be able to see everything now.
