Wiper Troubles

[BlackOnBlackATX]

well im not sure if this should be in the electronics section, but i noticed the other day in the rain/snow that my wipers would stop once in a while when they reached the top of the window. in the two fastest settings theyre fine, but it does this during any of the delayed settings, but not all the time. im pretty sure the switch is ok. should i test the motor or does it possibly need a governor replacement? (which is basically what happened when a coworker with a taurus had the same problem). thanks guys!

<small>[ February 25, 2003, 03:17 PM: Message edited by: BlackOnBlackATX ]</small>

 

[sdpatt]

The next time the wipers stop at teh top, wiggle the stalk switch. If the wipers restart, the switch is the problem.

 

[rangerj]

Blk on Blk,

If you should notice you are having problems with one or more items that are controlled at the steering wheel, such as the cruise control, bright lights, winshield wipers, turn signals, horn, and/or airbag, then suspect the "clockspring".

It serves as a connection for all the aforementioned items. It is a "ribbon" of multiple wires that are wound and unwound as you turn the steering wheel one way then the other.

It is located behind the airbag. If you decide that it is your problem refer to the service manual, and take the prcautionary WARNINGS about the airbag seriously.
rangerj

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

ick , clockspring, i dont think i would mess with the airbags. i hope thats not my problem. i do have trouble with the cruise (i suspect my vss right now, or a busted computer), my "flash to pass" function does not work on my signal stalk(suspecting a bad relay) also my high beam indicator on my dash doesnt work so i think its related. the high beams do work though when i engage them normally. ill try wiggling the switch, but to be sure, when it happened i would notch the speed down then back up to get it "jumped", but youre talking about jiggling it back and forth like the connection is loose right?

 

[rangerj]

BLK on BLK,

The air bag is not something to take lightly. If your not comfortable, or not that confident in your mechanical skills, then don't mess with the airbag.

When an airbag goes off it is an EXPLOSION. The force generated can be deadly, and the gas that fills the bag is super hot. If you get lucky, and are not in the way when you accidently set off the bag, then all you will have to worry about is where to get $1500 to pay for a new bag!

If you determine that your switches are OK, re, the items you are having intermitent problems with, then it is almost certain that your clockspring is defective.

Save this job for a pro IMHO. rangerj

 

[SHOZ123]

Wipers aren't involved in the clock spring. it is the grease that Ford put in the Multifunction switch has hardened. ~$40 for a new one and a half hour to change will solve the problem

 

[rangerj]

SHOZ123,

You are right the wipers are a separate module, and not connected through the clockspring. Should be a few screws and a plug! rangerj

 

[01SVTSnakebite]

Wipers aren't involved in the clock spring. it is the grease that Ford put in the Multifunction switch has hardened. ~$40 for a new one and a half hour to change will solve the problem

does this require removing the steering wheel to replace??(I'm assuming so)

 

[SHOZ123]

No but you have to remove the shroud that surrounds it. Technically you should also remove the ignition key tumbler but you don't have to.

There are two screws that hold the switch in place and two electrical connectors.

I have a good as new used MFS from my '93 if you are in need.

 

[JRA2000TL]

The multifunction stalk/switch is notorious for tearing up on these cars. As for the airbag, if you ever needed to remove it, don't you just disconnect the battery and carefully remove the screws and pull it out? I didn't know there was much more to it than that. If it did happen to blow, you could always get another one at Ebay or a salvage yard for like 50 bucks; no need to spend hundreds.

 

[oldyak]

new multifunction switch cured my wiper problems............