Windshield Wiper Conundrum
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Kville, ohio
Windshield Wiper Conundrum
Yes i used a big fansy word to describe my problem. The wipers in my 88 are haveing some issues. every so ofter when i turn the wipers on nothing will happen, then if i turn the switch to high, they will twich and then go to working. its getting more frequent now. so my question to yall would be is it the switch, the motor, or something else to check?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
You would think if you had good battery voltage it would be the motor. It might be dying seeing as how it has to catch, so it may take a little more electricity to get past that catching point. If that makes sense. Thinking of the top of my head here.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Kville, ohio
ok a little more info, im thinkin its the motor but i havent really had time to check anything because of work. my volt gauge showe about 15 volts and it fires right up so i wouldent think thats a problem, i tried smacking the dash and that didnt do anything, i unplugged it in the lot at work today and the connections look clean, I did notice that when it acts up, i see the volt meter twitch a little also, im thinkin i may have a short in the motor
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
Sounds like the motor there. I was thinking the resistance in the motor increased somehow to cause the need for more voltage to run it. I suck at electricity, almost failed my highschool electronics class, the teacher stuck us on a computer to learn everything, he never taught one bit. I only passed because all of us in the class would help each other out on tests and stuff, and i mean EVERYONE helped.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 950
Likes: 2
From: West Bend
I've had the same issue with my wiper motor in the past. Turned out to be the brushes inside the motor were corroded and sticking. Took it apart and cleaned it up and worked good again. Worth a check.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Kville, ohio
hmm that is worth a check, i was thinking a dead spot in the windeings or a short. they were working fine today. priced one out at my Napa, 60 bucks
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
When I bought my 1987 F250 back a few years ago my truck had the same trouble. High speed and nothing else. After changing the wiper motor and no change. I found out there is a controler behind the dash about 2" square that connects to the wiper switch. There isn't anything listed in the auto parts stores about the controler and the ford dealership listed it but didn't have a picture or location. I ended up looking behind the dash of a junked Ford pu and found the controler. Changed the controler and no more problem. This would be a truck with intermittant wipers.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
Check the little ground wire on the switch body itself. I had the same problem and bought a new motor for it. When that didn't help I stopped at the upull and grabbed a differnt switch. When I was swapping it out in the parking lot I found that the short black wire on the switchbody to the steel frame in the dash was broke. I fixed it and all was good.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Dearborn Heights, MI
Hi, I just bought an 84 250, and Im having the same issue...just High speed, My 88 Bronco the motor itself was bad...but anyway, will any delay box out of any 80's-91 Fseries work? Thanks
84' F250XL 2wd Supercab, 6.9 IDI, T-19, 3.54s
88-Bronco XLT .040 351w, GT40s, C6, 4.10s 55k original miles
84' F250XL 2wd Supercab, 6.9 IDI, T-19, 3.54s
88-Bronco XLT .040 351w, GT40s, C6, 4.10s 55k original miles
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: El Dorado Co., CA.
It's the wiper delay module located under the dash. It's a little black box. You can replace it with one from a junker, or re-solder the circuit board. I chose to resolder. Here is what's happening: We are all used to releasing our parking brake by just pulling the handle and the pedal slams upwards. Well, the wiper delay module is just under the dash where the parking brake pedal slams into. Over time, the solder joints on the circuit board loosen up and you end up with problems; like high speed only. remove the box, open it up, resolder all the joints. And after you fix it, train yourself to release the parking brake with your foot on it so it doesn't slam into the bottom of the dash. I have not had any wiper issues for several years. good luck.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
wow. wish i would have known that earlier.... after replacing the motor, switch, and all electrical connectors im still having that some problem. Sounds like an easy enough fix... Along the lines of parking brakes, I heard that if you have to push it all the way to the floor to engage that its out of adjustment. The only thing I can find on here is that they need to be adjusted. How does one go about doing this? Thanks guys! I cant believe how much im learning about these trucks from this site!