Wiper switch/control test procedure?
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
Wiper switch/control test procedure?
1988 F-150
Background: bought the truck non-running earlier this year after it had sat for 15 years. The wipers only ran when the switch was in the high-speed position. Yesterday they stopped working altogether.
I had suspected a bad wiper control module, because the symptoms seemed consistent. Pulled the module this afternoon and found one broken connection. Resoldered it and reinstalled. I have wipers again, but still only with the switch on high-speed.
So I may have missed something in the control module, but now I’m really wondering about the condition of the switch itself and would like to test it. If anyone could guide me through testing the wiper switch, I’d be very much appreciative.
Thanks.
Background: bought the truck non-running earlier this year after it had sat for 15 years. The wipers only ran when the switch was in the high-speed position. Yesterday they stopped working altogether.
I had suspected a bad wiper control module, because the symptoms seemed consistent. Pulled the module this afternoon and found one broken connection. Resoldered it and reinstalled. I have wipers again, but still only with the switch on high-speed.
So I may have missed something in the control module, but now I’m really wondering about the condition of the switch itself and would like to test it. If anyone could guide me through testing the wiper switch, I’d be very much appreciative.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
Thanks much! That’s exactly what I needed.
Any chance you might have a similar diagnostic guide for the control module itself? Just in case the switch checks out, I have to go back to square 1 with it.
Any chance you might have a similar diagnostic guide for the control module itself? Just in case the switch checks out, I have to go back to square 1 with it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,776
Likes: 862
From: Foothills of NC
The control modules are probe to bad solder joints, primarily from the e-brake slamming against the stop on the dash when releasing the brake.
I had to re-solder mine three times until I finally wrapped the control unit in foam and laid it on top of the wires instead of mounting it. No problem for over 20 years now.
Go over all the solder joints with a fine point soldering iron. That may fix your problem.
I had to re-solder mine three times until I finally wrapped the control unit in foam and laid it on top of the wires instead of mounting it. No problem for over 20 years now.
Go over all the solder joints with a fine point soldering iron. That may fix your problem.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
I’m back….
wiper switch and relay box were both bad, which makes sense in hindsight. The truck sat for 15 years and things tend to corrode when not in use. I replaced both the wiper switch and relay box with new parts and the wipers functioned correctly, at least for a while.
Now my wipers once again will only work with the switch turned to high speed- except they don’t run like they normally would on high speed. There is a very short delay, as if they were set to delay.
I’m at a loss at this point.
ideas?
wiper switch and relay box were both bad, which makes sense in hindsight. The truck sat for 15 years and things tend to corrode when not in use. I replaced both the wiper switch and relay box with new parts and the wipers functioned correctly, at least for a while.
Now my wipers once again will only work with the switch turned to high speed- except they don’t run like they normally would on high speed. There is a very short delay, as if they were set to delay.
I’m at a loss at this point.
ideas?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
I am just updating for the sake of future reference. I always come across threads where someone has dealt with a problem similar to one I might be dealing with, but often times the thread just fades away with no resolution.
Rla2005 hit the nail on the head. My new control module was the problem. The wire terminal ends on the plug going into the wiper switch were not installed correctly in manufacturing and some of them had worked loose. Two of the wires were completely disconnected.
Dennis Carpenter (where I bought the new module) was no help. I ended up repairing it myself, which wasn’t a big deal. But I made a mental note in my list of companies that do not stand behind the products they sell.
Anyway, I have wipers again. Not that I need them in this drought, but they’ll be ready when the rain comes.
Rla2005 hit the nail on the head. My new control module was the problem. The wire terminal ends on the plug going into the wiper switch were not installed correctly in manufacturing and some of them had worked loose. Two of the wires were completely disconnected.
Dennis Carpenter (where I bought the new module) was no help. I ended up repairing it myself, which wasn’t a big deal. But I made a mental note in my list of companies that do not stand behind the products they sell.
Anyway, I have wipers again. Not that I need them in this drought, but they’ll be ready when the rain comes.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KiwiFord
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Apr 8, 2011 05:44 PM
LoneStarTrucker
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Jun 30, 2008 08:41 PM
cpettymore7777
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Aug 6, 2004 03:20 AM