Wipers Won't Stop
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
I hate to say this, but on most newer vehicles the wipers are not controlled by a relay. They are controlled by a Generic Electronic Module (GEM) or a Body Control Module (BCM). On our trucks the BCM is located above the transmission hump behind the radio. That is why I was hoping it was something simple like someone tapping into the wrong wire. Having BCM's and GEM's makes it harder to trouble shoot problems.
Guest
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: north west new jersey
man tell me about it. vw has 76 control units counting the ecm. thats why i was thinking wiper relay.. we had a 97 explorer with a bad winsheild install and water got into the box you talk of . wow did we go crazy. thanks for the help.
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
I don't know for sure if this will help because the info had to do with an Excursion, but apparently the "multi function switch" may also be the culprit. This is the switch that controls the turn signals and wiper on off on the steering column. I so wish I had the proper shop manual for this. Electrical trobleshooting has got to be the biggest PITA.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Lynden, WA.
I've been watching those clouds to the north of me here in Lynden, Seeing the rain just across the border in BC. I had enough time to mow about a half acre of lawn this afternoon. Still dry south of the border... For now.
As for GEM's and BCM's, Thanx for the correct terminology. I didn't have a schematic in front of me at the time, but I figured there should be some sort of control circuit for the wipers, just like there is for most of the accessories on our rigs.
Get a schematic, Isolate the circuit. Start from the middle looking for the correct signals, and work your way out to the bad signal. Be patient. Study how it works. You'll figure it out.
As for GEM's and BCM's, Thanx for the correct terminology. I didn't have a schematic in front of me at the time, but I figured there should be some sort of control circuit for the wipers, just like there is for most of the accessories on our rigs.
Get a schematic, Isolate the circuit. Start from the middle looking for the correct signals, and work your way out to the bad signal. Be patient. Study how it works. You'll figure it out.
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
I'll be honest, the symptoms you described sound like what Bigf350 said, the switch. It may not be the spring, but it is almost certainly that multi-function switch at the end of the turn signal lever. If it were the BCM or GEM their would be a lot more problems than just the wipers. The odds of the GEM or BCM failing and only affecting the wipers is very remote. I'm not positive, but I believe a new multi function switch costs around $50-$100 at a dealer. Far less than what a new GEM or BCM would cost. Of course, as always, the first thing I would do is check to make sure that the problem isn't just a loose connection at the switch.
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Okay, I'm going to start with the switch. I just took off the steering column cover, and I'm not quite sure where I disconnect the airbag (yes, I'm paranoid). Do I do this under the dash (yellow wires leading to the harness) or the little black clip in the steering wheel (which I didn't want to put too much pressure on when I tried to pull it out).
Will removing the switch be self evident or is there anything that I need to watch out for? Also, just to confirm, the switch is at the end of the arm that leads into the steering column. Can I find a picture anywhere?
I appreciate the friendly advice and trouble shooting. The truck has over 36K miles on it, so I would have to pay for the repair. Thanks again.
Will removing the switch be self evident or is there anything that I need to watch out for? Also, just to confirm, the switch is at the end of the arm that leads into the steering column. Can I find a picture anywhere?
I appreciate the friendly advice and trouble shooting. The truck has over 36K miles on it, so I would have to pay for the repair. Thanks again.
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From: Melbourne, Aus
The little black clip at the back of the steering wheel.
When you have the over removed, try turning the wipers on and off, if you notice nothing happening with the clock spring, well then its tim for a new one, or whatever is causing it.
It should be reasonabley obvious that something is causing it if you watch the operation of it carefully.
When you have the over removed, try turning the wipers on and off, if you notice nothing happening with the clock spring, well then its tim for a new one, or whatever is causing it.
It should be reasonabley obvious that something is causing it if you watch the operation of it carefully.
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
Originally Posted by Power Stroke 7107
Will removing the switch be self evident or is there anything that I need to watch out for? Also, just to confirm, the switch is at the end of the arm that leads into the steering column. Can I find a picture anywhere?
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I appreciate all of your advice. I was ready to replace the switch, and the wipers began to operate properly. I suspect that I will eventually need to do this work, but I'm going to hold off until it is necessary. I became pretty good at pulling out the wiper fuse "by feel" as I was driving. Thanks again.
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if i were u i would take it to ford and have them repair it, even if your truck isnt under warranty. that fact that u might have to mess with the air bag is really bad news....many many people die each year by touch 2 wrong wires together and the bag goes off.
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Okay, the problem started to occur again, and I replaced the switch. While this was a very easy job (takes longer to fill the fuel tank with diesel), it did not fix the problem. Any other advice for a next step other than taking it to the dealer? My resistence to taking it to the dealer is that I have been very dissatisfied with previous service, and I am off of the warrantee. I'd rather take the time to learn more about my truck and fix it myself.
When I disconnect both harnesses leading to the switch, the wipers continue to run. They stop only when I pull the fuse or disconnect the connector directly behind the fuse. Where are the relays? What else supplies power to the wipers? The windshield washer feature? Is the there a relay from the windshield washer pump to the wipers that could be malfunctioning? Where is the pump? I appreciate any other thoughts or instructions.
When I disconnect both harnesses leading to the switch, the wipers continue to run. They stop only when I pull the fuse or disconnect the connector directly behind the fuse. Where are the relays? What else supplies power to the wipers? The windshield washer feature? Is the there a relay from the windshield washer pump to the wipers that could be malfunctioning? Where is the pump? I appreciate any other thoughts or instructions.
