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Multi-funtion Switch

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Old Sep 6, 2018 | 11:28 AM
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Multi-funtion Switch

I have newly acquired 2001 F150 Lariat and the wipers wouldn't pulse or turn off unless the vehicle was shut off then restarted. Once back on it was necessary to turn the switch on and off until they were in park position. Replaced the multi-function switch but mistakenly ordered one for a Lightning and not the Lariat. The only thing difference I noticed is that the switch arm curves down and not up. The wipers will now manually shut off but pulse don't work and they won't park, even if on low or high. The question is; is there a wire/control difference between the Lightning and Lariat switch?

Thank you,
 
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Old Sep 6, 2018 | 03:50 PM
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Normally, once you turn the switch off with the wiper motor operated off rest, it has it's own closed switch to keep it running to the rest point then it's switch circuit goes open at the rest point.
During operation, this switch is connected across to keep the motor powered until you shut down the wiper stock control.
All the wipe time and speed functions are controlled from the GEM module, otherwise.
It appears the wiper motor may need to be replaced for self shut down at rest. Or test the motor shut down since it may be a fault from the stock switch keeping the wiper motor powered full time.
Then see if there are any other control issues.
Good luck.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2018 | 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluegrass 7
Normally, once you turn the switch off with the wiper motor operated off rest, it has it's own closed switch to keep it running to the rest point then it's switch circuit goes open at the rest point.
During operation, this switch is connected across to keep the motor powered until you shut down the wiper stock control.
All the wipe time and speed functions are controlled from the GEM module, otherwise.
It appears the wiper motor may need to be replaced for self shut down at rest. Or test the motor shut down since it may be a fault from the stock switch keeping the wiper motor powered full time.
Then see if there are any other control issues.
Good luck.
Awesome feedback! you seem to be in the "know". I did extensive research and found out that this generation of truck had a leaky windshield, which ended with moisture in the GEM and fuse box. Took it to Ford and they spent a coupe of hours checking the electrical components and said it had codes of B1431 wiper brake/run relay circuit fault & B1450 select sw. circuit fail - Needs GEM and fuse box. Found refurbished fuse box from Ford (only 1 of 2 in inventory in US) and picked it up ($325), didn't plug it in yet since I sent the GEM off to have it rebuilt. Rebuild company said it works fine and is sending it back at no charge (thank goodness). I hesitate plugging in the new fuse box incase it voids returnability, and hate to have spent $325 on something that may not fix it. So that is where I am. Are you hypothesizing that it may actually be the motor?
Thank you for the input.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2018 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by 1081
Replaced the multi-function switch but mistakenly ordered one for a Lightning and not the Lariat.
There could be more to the switch being wrong than just the arm. I've seen people use the wrong switch before with bad results even thought it fit and looked the same.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2018 | 03:31 PM
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Thank you.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2018 | 09:46 PM
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Okay, here is the update: Sent the GEM off for testing after Ford confirmed a fault. The module tested out fine. Found rebuilt fuse box, but it didn't fix the problem. Replaced the new multi-function switch with another new switch, when doing this the wires were falling out of the 9 pin connector, which I replaced ($40). Problem still existed. Finally found an old recall for the wiper motor circuit board because it melts (something). Replaced the wiper motor (the only thing left to try) with a $60 rebuilt unit, problem fixed.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 1081
Finally found an old recall for the wiper motor circuit board because it melts (something). Replaced the wiper motor (the only thing left to try) with a $60 rebuilt unit, problem fixed.
Well that sucks that you didn't come across that earlier, it would've saved you a lot of time and money.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2018 | 03:44 PM
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So true! And you know once you plug in an electrical part...you own it! Total out of pocket around $400 (including the $50 to Ford for diagnosis), but saved a bundle doing the work myself. Just moving on.
 
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