Every once in a while as i'm driving, the windsheild wipers come on randomly, but only wipe the windsheild once. Most of the time it's hot out when this happens. One time last week it even happened 4 times as i was going somewhere (maybe a 20 minute comute). Has anyone else experienced this or know what i should do about it?

 

I had this happen on a TransAm I've got; it was the wiper delay unit.

 

MIne does it once in a while. One time after i went fourwheeling. And a couple times after i shut them off they would stop halfway down. Just swiped them again and they were fine. Dont know what you can do to fix it though.

 

Diabolic, don't know what year your ride is, but Ford had a recall on this very problem.

It was a no-charge service, Program Number 00B40, it covered certain 1999 & 2000 Ranger, Explorer, Mountaineer, Expedition, Navigator & Villager vehicles.

It explains that internal corrosion will affect the wipers output, such that the most common cause is the wipers will briefly turn "ON" even with the wipers switch in the "OFF" position.

In extreem cases, if ignored for some time, the wipers high speed operation may be affected.

My 99 Ranger was recalled in May 2000 for this.
If your ride falls within this time frame & wasn't serviced, it should still be eligible I would think, so I'd call the dealer & check, might be lucky enough to get a free fix, lets hope so.

If your year model isn't covered by this program, it may give you a clue as to what is causing the problem.

So seems to me you might fix it with a good spray electrical contact cleaner, that's SAFE for PLASTICS.

Your dealer or maybe RadioShack would have a useable product. Maybe even WD-40 would work. pawpaw

 

Not sure if I missed it but the issue is with the multifunction switch.

 

Ken, can you post the recall numbers? Where exactly is the switch? My high speed is already affected. Sometimes it doesnt work any faster than normal. thanx.

 

It's a 99. (as in sig)... Would any Ford dealer be able to service my truck?

 

Sorry for the delay in answering, I tried but couldn't get this thread page to load anymore than the Ford Truck header.

The letter I recieved from Ford stated the fix was to, "At no cost to you, your dealer will replace the front windshield wiper switch with a revised design to correct the concern".

It stated you sould call your dealer for a service appointment & state it's for Owner Notification Program 00B40.

If parts aren't on hand, it may take a week to get them.

It says "if you misplace this letter, the dealer will still do the work, free of charge"

So Daibolic, you misplaced your letter, RIGHT!!!!!

They may run your VIN # to see if you were in the "certain 1999-2000 model year...... vehicles", so if it isn't & they ask you to pay for this, you might want to ask for the cost beforehand.

 

Haha, awesome. I'll give the dealer a call in a bit! Thank you, and i'll let you know what happens.

 

You can view recalls at alldata.com.

ATTACHMENT III
Owner Notification Program 00B40
MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT

AFFECTED VEHICLES:
CERTAIN 1999-2000 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER, RANGER, EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR AND VILLAGER

OVERVIEW
When performing this service procedure, you will:

l Replace the multifunction switch.

l Check the multifunction switch electrical connector pins to make sure they are not loose or pushed out in the connectors.

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT

1. Record the radio stations and disconnect the battery ground cable.

NOTE:
Steps 2 and 3 do not apply to Villager. Go to Step 4.

2. Turn the ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position. Then, push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.

3. Remove the tilt wheel handle by turning the handle counterclockwise (if equipped).

4. Remove the upper to lower steering column shroud retaining screws and remove the shrouds.

5. Remove the two (2) multifunction switch retaining screws and disconnect the electrical connectors. See Figure 1.


FIGURE 1

6. Inspect the multifunction switch electrical connector pins to make sure they are not loose or pushed out in the connectors. See Figure 2.


FIGURE 2

7. Connect the new multifunction switch, making sure the electrical connectors snap into place and are fully seated.

8. Install the new switch. Tighten the screws to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).

9. Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds. Tighten the screws to 1 Nm (9 lb-in).

NOTE:
Steps 10 and 11 do not apply to Villager. Go to Step 12.

10. Install the tilt wheel handle (if equipped).

11. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder.

12. Connect the battery ground cable, reprogram the radio stations and set the clock.