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Hello,
I've searched around as much as I can on the various threads, but haven't found a very clear answer or diagnosis. So let me lay out my issue and appreciate any more knowledgeable assistance...
I took our '92 F-350 out of storage a few weeks ago, replaced fuel pump, dropped the batteries in, cranked it over and it started right up. Now that spring rains have arrived, I have noticed a few new issues with the wiper/washer functions.
The washer switch, or so I thought, stopped working last year so I just rigged up a manual switch as a quick fix. This year the intermittent and the high speed wipers have also stopped working. The only thing now working on that multi function switch is the low wipers (thankfully).
I swapped out the MFS from a friends truck to test if that was the issue. NO, exactly the same issues of no washer, intermittent and high wipers on both MFS (extremely low probability of both MFS having the exact same issue, so I'm thinking not a MFS issue).
I've read about the wiper control module, so pulled that out to take a look (F2UB-14A624-FA). No obvious issues with soldering or connectors that I can see.
Given I am NOT all that in tune with automotive electrical, are there any easy tests I can run to verify the WCM might be the issue. Not a cheap part, so don't want to just throw parts at it.
Many thanks
According to the 1992 FSM, yes, there are two quick tests.
BTW, the FSM is not perfect, and this is a good example. Top picture appears to be info that was mistakenly left in from the previous model year.
That I could find, there is no discrete test for the governor- they do have very specific instructions for testing the MFS and the motor, so I guess the process is to eliminate problems with those two components, then the wiring, then assume the governor is defective.
Manuals aside, my experience is that the washer pumps and the wiper motors fail often on our trucks- so it's not implausible that you just have a bad washer motor and a bad wiper motor. I would test those two things first.
Something I've done to Ford wiper motor assemblies over the years when they start acting strange:
Open up the "disc" shaped part & clean the crap off the "fingers" that ride the contact disc & bias/tweak/bend them a slight amount to increase tension.
Zero cost unless you break one. You might find the control module for cheap in JY.
I've soaked dead washer pumps in evaporust with some success if they didn't test open with a DVOM.
Thanks for the responses.
David, I did open up the motor and tested continuity on the plug and fingers, all was good. Gave the fingers a good cleaning and slight bend as suggested. I noticed on was a little loose on it's crimp, so tapped that down to be a little tighter, still good continuity before and after adjustment.
Solanum, thank you for the tech page. Easy to follow, other than I didn't have a a Black/Green wire at the switch. Didn't really matter as the Blue/Orange tested fine.
Given these tests/investigations, I am still leaning towards a Wiper Governor/Control Module being the issue. As much as I hate to, as I've looked around 1. at the scarcity of them, and 2. the prices!
Any good suggestions on parts like this? I've called every auto wrecker and U-pick for 100km Toronto east with no results (yes, I'm in Canada, we go by kilometers!). Prefer new at a reasonable price. LOL I know, an oxymoron!
Appreciate any suggestions?
Picture is of he actual module without the big black box around it. Wiper Control Module inner circuit board
Toolman, thanks. I did see these on ebay. Felt they would be a last resort.
My wife found someone on Facebook in Ontario with one, tested and working, and on it's way to us now. Let's hope this is the fix and I can cross one more item off the fixit list.
Update.
Received the new control module. It was a little dirty for my liking, so I took it apart and give it a good dusting. Back together, plugged it in, and all was right in the world! Worked perfectly. We now have our washer spray, intermittent and high wipers back.
One more fix off the list.
I don't have the fancy intermittant wiper switch, but I was having an issue with my wipers working intermittantly. The wipers worked, then locked up, so I whacked the dash, and the wipers continued working until they didn't, whack or not. Not wanting to remove the wiper motor I replaced the wiper switch, and the wipers worked great until they didn't. I finally changed the wiper motor, and viola, no wiper issue. The washers started dribbling however. I took the hose off of the spray head on the cowl, and had good flow, so I pulled the spray head out of the cowl breaking one of the clips. Eventually I ran fishing line through the two small spray holes, and the problem is solved minus the broken clip which I've secured with a zip tie, my favorite of all fasteners.
