Possessed wipers HELP!

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Dec 8, 2003 | 08:21 AM

dakota_viking

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From: Oklahoma

Possessed wipers HELP!

Got in the Expy this morning to head to work and when I turned on the wipers to clear the dew on the windshield, nothing happened!?! I then tried the back wiper and nothing happened there either.

The washer worked both front and back so I just dismissed it as a bad fuse that I would change tonight.

The problem came in when I was about 4 miles down the road and THE WIPERS JUST CAME ON BY THEMSELVES! (By this time the switch was in the OFF position!)

I've experienced slow response in turning them on before (10-20 seconds after being turned on) but never anything like this!

Has anyone else ever had something like this happen to them before? Please tell me I'm not the only one. If so, what's wrong?

Thanks for any help that can be provided.

Dec 8, 2003 | 09:57 AM

emtabmm

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From: South Central In.

Classic shorted multifunction switch and possible connector, see if it behaves differently with different tilt wheel settings....

Dec 8, 2003 | 01:23 PM

PaulC

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Yep. Been there, done that.

Dec 8, 2003 | 01:30 PM

dakota_viking

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From: Oklahoma

So, PaulC,

Was it the multifunction switch with yours?

I've replaced these things on other Ford products so I know it's not that difficult, just wanting to confirm that's what the problem was for you.

Thanks to all!

Dec 8, 2003 | 04:09 PM

PaulC

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Yes. I would be driving along, and the wipers would start on their own. I think Ford terms this issue "phantom wipe". Told the dealer, the switch was replaced two years ago, the problem never returned.

Dec 9, 2003 | 12:07 PM

dakota_viking

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From: Oklahoma

Well, I tried the new switch....nadda. The next thing I tried was something I didn't think about before buying the switch...I turned on the wiper control, grabbed the wiper arm and pulled...PRESTO! the wipers started working just fine!

Looks like I have a dead spot on the motor windings.

I guess if I have any more problems, I'll let everybody know what else has to be fixed.

Thanks for your advice guys. I know it turned out to be a different problem, but at least there are guys like you that are willing to help with words of suggestion.

Now, to see if I can take the switch back to Ford!?!