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Old Jan 11, 2020 | 12:53 AM
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2003 F150

Having issues with my windshield wipers not working and radio on but no volume after replacing ignition switch. Tested everything before putting all back together and both working properly.
Was originally having an issue that when starting the truck it was making a bad grinding noise while in park and in neutral but when put into reverse and drive the noise stopped. (Sounded like the starter solenoid was engaging but not retracting back)
Called Auto Zone and was told that he was pretty sure it was the ignition switch, so I bought one. Installed it. Tested all worked fine, put in all gears fine, no problems, tested all lights, wipers, radio, all worked fine. Went to the store and on the way home, went to try wipers, not working again and radio on and no volume again.
I am about dumbfounded and would very appreciate any suggestions.
I have surgery on Monday and it's calling for bad weather and I need my wipers to work.
Again thank you for any help you can give.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2020 | 09:06 AM
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I know it's not what you want to hear but AutoZone + electrical part = highly dubious
 
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Old Jan 11, 2020 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by WWR
I know it's not what you want to hear but AutoZone + electrical part = highly dubious
Ty sir. I appreciate it. I went to O'Reillys. They have better quality of parts. Hopefully 3rd time is a charm. Would you have another thought of what it maybe also?
 
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Old Jan 12, 2020 | 09:13 AM
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Some trucks have had leaks around the windshield above the steering wheel. Water gets son the GEM and some corrosion between the wires causes odd things to happen with the wipers / lights/ horn...... have not heard of that causeing a noise like STARTER DRAG... If you do have starter dragging, which kicks out when your in gear ( neutral start switch off), then that would appear to narrow it down to the ignition switch or the wire that it uses to engage the neut start / starter solenoid circuit.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2020 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by steve(ill)
Some trucks have had leaks around the windshield above the steering wheel. Water gets son the GEM and some corrosion between the wires causes odd things to happen with the wipers / lights/ horn...... have not heard of that causeing a noise like STARTER DRAG... If you do have starter dragging, which kicks out when your in gear ( neutral start switch off), then that would appear to narrow it down to the ignition switch or the wire that it uses to engage the neut start / starter solenoid circuit.
Ty sir. I went ahead and put the new ignition switch in. There is no grinding. All gears work fine now. Just having same problem as with the switch I returned back to Auto Zone. The wipers and radio work great as long as you are in park and in neutral. Once shifted into reverse and drive the wipers and radio volume does not work. (Radio is on but no sound when in reverse and drive) I bought a Chiltons manual and believe it or not NO DIAGRAM for the fuses 😟, Once recovered from my surgery tomorrow, I will try again. Thank y'all for all the help. Much appreciated. I will look up info on the GEM.
What is the GEM?
 
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