1998 E150 conversion with obscenely low mileage. I'm curious if there's a way to adjust the timing of the washer spraying when actuating the washer function on the multi-function switch? In this case the wipers almost complete a full cycle (or more) before the initial washer spray. The climate in this area has been dryer than expected and, frankly, even as our daily driver the E doesn't get THAT much use (I work a really odd shift and from home so excursions aren't frequent). When it's necessary to use the washers it's frustrating to have the wipers make a full cycle or so scraping dry crud across the glass and THEN the washer sprays. I'm not sure if this is a purely electronic process or if it's some mechanical switch, cam or other instigator that makes an electrical contact triggering the washer.

And, of course, there's the door latch cable repairs for the back and non-functional lock/unlock button (both fob and on the armrest switch).

 

Since you don't use this van frequently most likely the washer solution is evaporating out of the lines between the pump/reservoir and spray jets----the delay you experience is the pump "catching up" with the empty lines. FWIW the pump is actuated by the button on the Multi-Function Switch stalk---its not necessarily a separate function.

HTH

 

I guess I wasn't clear enough. It's "lightly used" meaning that it's averaged less than 4000/year on the odo and it may get used daily or every other or third day, usually short trips. By no means does it sit totally idle for more than two or three days. As far as the lines being empty? Um, no. This is a consistent behavior. If I use the washer, ANY time, it's the same. Mash the MFS to wash and the delay is the same even if I just used it five minutes before or two days ago...or a week before. It's no big deal if there's a mist or light rain and the windshield is already damp. Totally different than any other "modern" wiper/washer system I've experienced, most spray then wipe or spray and wipe at the same time. Either would be better.

 

I'm actually in the truck & auto glass business so completely understand the need for not dragging accumulated dust etc collected on the upper part of the wiper blade---its an abrasive that can and does affect the windshield surface. FWIW every windshield I replace is accompanied by a suggestion new wiper blades be installed to prolong the new glass life. At any rate..........

Not sure what you mean by "modern" but the delay in washer solution spraying when the MFS button is depressed for that function is part of the design of the entire E-Series, perhaps on the most "modern" systems have a pre-mist function built it? Your van like my own are dinosaurs of a sort---I'm wondering if the more modern systems you describe aren't more fully controlled by a CAN-bus network? That would explain how the washer spray begins before the wiper blades start moving.

I've also thought of modifying the washer and wiper function so I could spray without the wipers coming on at the same time but its not been a priority. It would be fairly simple but a separate switch to power only the washer pump would be required. I've not thought long enough where to tap into the washer pump circuit to add perhaps a momentary switch that would act independently of the MFS.

If I went that route I'd either go directly to the washer pump wiring rather than tearing into the underhood wiring harnesses for this purpose. Unfortunately this might require removing the battery and battery tray covering the washer solution reservoir and integrated pump. Having replaced a leaking reservoir in my 2003 I know broken battery tray bolts is a potential issue but certainly nothing that can't be worked around.

Anyway if you go that route let us know your process and progress---others may be interested in following you. Good luck!

 

I guess I'd have to say "modern" refers to almost any vehicle that has the two features tied, somehow, together so their operation is mostly coordinated. Remembering older vehicles I've driven I started with one that had a heavy rubber "bulb" to control the washer (with or without wipers) on the floor (and the washer jets could be turned about 360 degrees) was definitely not modern. It really seems to have started mainly with multi-function stalks and maybe on some higher-end vehicles where they tried to mechanically connect washer/wiper. Even older Chevy and other brands with more than one stalk seemed better coordinated. But, in reality, I do agree that dinosaur (both in size and fitments) is a good description. This one has been all jazzed up with add-ons but some of the basic appliances are *really* basic. It's kinda like hanging purdy curtains on an ancient "iron" you heated on the stove. I'll probably need to get a wiring book on the beast and try to figure out what's what.

 

Ford published a "book of schematics" or EVTM as they're also known---typically find them gently used on ebay, something like this one: 1998 EVTM Those seem to be getting a bit rare so maybe grab this one--its not in the best of shape but certainly very usable as is.

HTH

 

Excellent, grabbed and done. Thank you!

 

Those are invaluable for anyone whose a DIY mechanic, especially the electrical portions. There is a minor learning curve to reading and understanding them but its just a matter or becoming familiar with how Ford describes its circuits.

Should you go forward with adding a separate switch for the washer solution pump only please share with us here.