Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Wiper problems??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 30, 2011 | 10:52 PM
  #1  
baverwolf's Avatar
baverwolf
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Wiper problems??

Hello. I have an 86 F150 that I'm having some wiper issues with. Earlier this summer, my original 2 speed wiper switch finally died. I have an 87 sitting around for parts and it had the intermittent wiper switch in it. I swapped the intermittent switch and brainbox to my 86. It worked fine for most of the summer until a couple of weeks ago. It started not working on the low speed position and then wouldn't work in the intermittent position. It now only works on the high speed. I was guessing that maybe the switch was getting old and tired so I disassembled the switch to clean and look at the contacts. The contacts all looked pretty good to me. I cleaned and relubed the switch with some dielectric grease and put it back together. I installed it and it still only works on high. Sooo... what do you guys think??? Should I replace the switch?? Is it the brainbox??? If there is a chance of it being the brainbox, I will just switch back to a 2 speed switch as I have another good one on hand. But.... the intermittent sure is nice... What do you guys think? Is it the switch or brainbox???

Ben
 
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2011 | 11:45 PM
  #2  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
There is a chance it's the governor (black box) and there's also a chance it's the motor, so disconnect the interval stuff and put your original switch in place and see what happens.

There are at least 11 pages of wiper system diagnosis in the Ford shop manual, I'm not gonna type all of that, should be able to look at it more closely over the weekend and post some more if needed.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 12:06 AM
  #3  
baverwolf's Avatar
baverwolf
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I put on a original 2 speed switch and everything works like it should.

Ben
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 04:46 AM
  #4  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

The solder joints inside the governor tend to crack and you will be left with high speed only.
This can usually be repaired.
Seems to stem from the fact that every time you release the parking brake that the box is mounted to it receives a jolt.
I left the bracket off mine, wrapped it in foam rubber and ziptied it up behind the fuse panel.
Haven't had any trouble since then.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 09:07 AM
  #5  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
Seems to stem from the fact that every time you release the parking brake that the box is mounted to it receives a jolt.
I left the bracket off mine, wrapped it in foam rubber and ziptied it up behind the fuse panel.
Haven't had any trouble since then.
So THAT's why I sometimes see the things wrapped in foam!

I remember 81-F-150-Explorer telling us this, I just looked it up and verified but I nevertheless can't imagine anybody in real life is gonna do it....

The Owner's Manual lists a procedure for releasing the parking brake, it has one depressing the pedal with their left foot while pulling the release handle, then lift your foot from the parking brake pedal, the implication being the pedal is gently released.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 09:23 AM
  #6  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

There is a label on the outside of the E9TZ-17C476-A governor assembly (AKA Motorcraft SW-2259) that says "Do Not Drop"
This has the engineering # F0TF-17C476-AA

I didn't re-attach it because
A) it is such a PITA to get to that screw.
B) There is a TSB suggesting not to.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 12:19 PM
  #7  
85lebaront2's Avatar
85lebaront2
Old School Hot Rodder
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Club FTE Silver Member

You guys are spot on, the governor basically interupts the low speed circuit with a relay. First failure is no intermittant, then no low. Probably just replacing the governor will fix it. As far as I know, the same one works from 80-91, after 91 the whole system changed.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 02:24 PM
  #8  
baverwolf's Avatar
baverwolf
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
The solder joints inside the governor tend to crack and you will be left with high speed only.
This can usually be repaired.
Seems to stem from the fact that every time you release the parking brake that the box is mounted to it receives a jolt.
I left the bracket off mine, wrapped it in foam rubber and ziptied it up behind the fuse panel.
Haven't had any trouble since then.

Well, I'm guessing that there is a good chance the solder joints have cracked. The pickup never sees pavement and for the last 3 months or so, our county road has been absolutely horrible. We have washboards that are a good three and even four inches deep in many places. They just shake the hell outa everything. I'm guessing all this beating has taken its toll. I'll maybe see if I can take the thing apart and solder it. If I get it fixed I'll do the wrap it in foam thing.

Thanks!
Ben
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 02:41 PM
  #9  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Bill,
The thing is Damn expensive!
Replacement will (obviously) fix it.
But ten minutes with a soldering gun will fix it (in most cases) for free.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 04:49 PM
  #10  
85lebaront2's Avatar
85lebaront2
Old School Hot Rodder
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Club FTE Silver Member

Jim, I usually leave the choice of trying to resolder up to the individual. A lot of really good mechanics are scared to death of working on electrical stuff, me, I do it all the time.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 09:40 AM
  #11  
baverwolf's Avatar
baverwolf
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
So.. I've decided to try and solder and fix this thing. I've got a ? for someone that has fixed one of these. How do you get the case open? Mine looks like the lid is glued on. I was thinking of carefully prying it apart? What have you all done??
Ben
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 10:05 AM
  #12  
85lebaront2's Avatar
85lebaront2
Old School Hot Rodder
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Club FTE Silver Member

Ben, look for the seam where it's glued (hint it runs across the wire openings) and carefully pry the cas apart. Hopefully you will be able to see where it has come unsoldered. If in doubt just heat each connection carefully so you don't damage the board. Maybe someone else has some pictures, I have never had to repair any of mine. Once you finish, I would suggest you plug it back in and try it. The relay should close and stay closed in low, close briefly and open for intermittant.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 11:00 AM
  #13  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Doing things with the wife today.
I'll try and open up my spare and take some pics later...
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 04:08 PM
  #14  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6226849329/http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6226849329/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/24183730@N03/, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6227370196/http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6227370196/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/24183730@N03/, on Flickr

On the rear of the governor is a metal strut secured by two 7/32" headed screws.
These also hold the box together.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6226865021/http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6226865021/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/24183730@N03/, on Flickr

Removing those screws allows the box to open and you will see the back side of the board with the broken joints.
Filp it over and you can see the heatsink where the damaged solder is attached.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6226877821/http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/6226877821/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/24183730@N03/, on Flickr
 

Last edited by ArdWrknTrk; Oct 9, 2011 at 01:56 PM. Reason: add pictures
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 09:29 PM
  #15  
baverwolf's Avatar
baverwolf
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Okay guys, I got my box opened up. Looked things over and found that an aluminum heat sink like thing has come loose. Its still somewhat attached to the board but the solder joints are broke. I'll try soldering the thing and let you know the results.

Thanks!
Ben
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jecsd1
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Dec 6, 2014 07:28 AM
clemjr
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 27, 2012 06:45 PM
n4gnr
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Dec 21, 2011 10:58 PM
Sycostang67
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jan 17, 2010 04:53 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:48 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE