Wipers/Electrical
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Joined: Nov 2004
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Wipers/Electrical
I have a '98 F-150 4.6 4x4 and the wipers have stopped working. I do not have a manual so I pulled and checked every fuse and they were all good. Miraculously the wipers worked again until that evening. After about 20 minutes of driving in the rain they just stopped and have chosen to remain that way. I pulled the Multi-Function Switch and checked all of the contacts and re-installed it. The three wires coming from the wiper/delay switch seemed loose so I cleaned them. Still no luck. Does anyone have any ideas??? Should I buy a new MFS, get a manual, or check all of the fuses under the hood? Or, is this an electrical problem I need to have a Pro look at?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
Hi and welcome to FTE 
This may seem like a really strange idea but see if they work when you put the transfer case in 4x4. If there is any moisture in the 4x4 lockout switch in the transfer case it can cause the GEM (Generic Electronic Module) to not work right. The wipers are controlled by the GEM. If that makes any difference the cure is to change the oil in the transfer case and replace the lockout switch.
The next step if that doesn't find anything is to check for power at the White/Black wire at the wiper motor. It should have power with the ignition switch on. If not then you have a fuse or wiring problem.
If you apply 12V to the White wire on the motor the wipers should run in low speed.
If they don't then you probably need a new motor.
The GEM can also be tested by your dealer with their scan tool. With that they are able to watch and see the signal from the wiper switch etc.
This may seem like a really strange idea but see if they work when you put the transfer case in 4x4. If there is any moisture in the 4x4 lockout switch in the transfer case it can cause the GEM (Generic Electronic Module) to not work right. The wipers are controlled by the GEM. If that makes any difference the cure is to change the oil in the transfer case and replace the lockout switch.
The next step if that doesn't find anything is to check for power at the White/Black wire at the wiper motor. It should have power with the ignition switch on. If not then you have a fuse or wiring problem.
If you apply 12V to the White wire on the motor the wipers should run in low speed.
If they don't then you probably need a new motor.
The GEM can also be tested by your dealer with their scan tool. With that they are able to watch and see the signal from the wiper switch etc.
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Hamberger
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 30, 2006 09:31 AM
