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Wipers Not Working

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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 11:00 AM
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Wipers Not Working

Fuse and relay good. But no squirt of washer fluid when pushing button on turn signal stalk and no wiper action when rotating the switch for that. Guessing it might be that MF switch on the stalk. I have the workshop manual and will have to dive into it this weekend. But just in case I need to check it, where exactly is the wiper control module? The manual says to remove engine cover to access it, but I'm not exactly sure where it is in there (?).

Any other suggestions on this wiper no-go problem?
 
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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 05:32 PM
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I must ask, but what year van do you have? Wiper Control Module is most likely internal to the wiper motor itself if you van is newer, if not I believe it is a control unit similar in operation to a flasher, except this one gets different levels of modulation in accordance to the wiper control on the turn signal stalk.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2016 | 06:26 PM
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1999 E350 Super Duty.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2016 | 04:57 AM
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Didn't have wiper-on-a-stick on my 88. Switch was on the panel with the delay module behind it. jim



88 E150 wiper switch and delay module.
 

Last edited by jimandnena; Apr 9, 2016 at 04:58 AM. Reason: repositioned the image
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Old Apr 9, 2016 | 07:52 AM
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Just found a location diagram. It's just to the right of bottom of steering column behind the knee panel at lower edge of dash. Supposedly. Now, must wait for rain to quit to delve into this outside.

Now since both washer and wipers don't work (turn sigs do work), it probably makes sense to start testing the multifunction switch on that stalk. Let me know if that doesn't make sense.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2016 | 08:05 AM
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Definitely check the MF switch first-----because its in nearly constant use its most likely the culprit here. I believe the wiper control module is for the delay interval, not necessarily affecting the W/S squiter function.

There is a thread in the Tech Folder where our illustrious member PSTruwing posted a how-to replacement tutorial: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11680007

Its insanely easy if you're even halfway competent with tools.
 
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 07:11 PM
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I pulled and tested the Multi-Function Switch according to this table in the Workshop Manual:




I recorded the results in pencil on the left.
All values were in spec except for that indicating Wiper Intermittent. I conclude the switch isn't bad because of this one value, right? The washer button circuit was all ok so that should at least work. I think. Hazard and turn signal lights work fine this control. So, assuming this is all OK, Pinpoint Test says next to replace the Wiper Control Module. Anyone have an online resource for OEM parts?
 
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 08:25 PM
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http://m.ebay.com/itm/231786220824?_mwBanner=1
 
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 08:31 PM
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Thank You, John! No getting of easy on that component.
 
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 08:33 PM
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Yeah lol, Ford Parts website says $231. I'm not shocked that it is super expensive...if Ford says it is even still available.
 
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 07:42 PM
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At that price and if they are not working now, I believe I would be tempted to take it apart and see what is inside. You might be able to see a bad solder joint!
 
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by annaleigh
At that price and if they are not working now, I believe I would be tempted to take it apart and see what is inside. You might be able to see a bad solder joint!
Initially, when I tested the Mult-function switch, all the values were off. So I took it apart and cleaned all the contacts. (I was amazed at how much grease they had in there). I rechecked it and you see the results penciled in on the left side of the table in the photo above. All within spec except the one that is circled. So, assuming the switch is good, I moved on to the next PinPoint Test which is the Wiper Control Module. Zero power to the designated test pins. This indicates a fault in circuit 65 DG. That just feeds power from the fuse(9) to the module. So now, I think I need to isolate that DG (is that dark gray?) wire from the central junction box to the Wiper Module. But then how reliable was the effect of cleaning those contacts? Is it still perhaps the MF Switch? Lack of experience + lack of confidence = frustration! Why don't the solutions to these dang electrical problems jump out and slap us in the face!
 
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Old Apr 12, 2016 | 06:18 AM
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DG typically is dark green.

Not to beat a dead house but the MF typically is the culprit in these situations; I've rarely seen any other component be at fault here at least as reported here on FTE.

If you have the electrical schematic of the MF switch and its interconnected circuits consult it if only for your own peace of mind---it should show or prove one errant circuit interruption internally can cause your symptoms and pin point test readings.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2016 | 09:01 AM
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Thanks for the clarification, JWA. I need help on this-

There seems to be conflicting info on the expected values for the 590 and 993 circuits between these two photos of the washer.

Here it says, circuit closed should be less than 5 Ohms.


Here it says, with wiper switch off, closed circuit should give 103.3K Ohm

Am I not seeing this right?
 
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Old Apr 12, 2016 | 09:04 AM
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Schematic


 
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