Ghost in my '03 - any suggestions?

[snider]

Original owner, this is my regular ride, bought in '02 now have 94K on her.
Lately the wipers just start cycling, intermittently, then stop, then may start again or not the rest of the day. Twisting and turning the left signal/wiper stem has no effect. I carry a set of pliers with me and know exactly where fuse #17 is, even at 80 mph.
Also, the automatic headlights also have started to do a dance when turning on at dusk, it just stutters on-off-on-off-on-off like I am crazy and trying to signal someone. This gets a bit of attention on the highway, so I then flick it straight over to manual 'on' and keep flying.
Any ideas before I go back to the dealer for another 'way outta warranty' repair?

[magindat]

There's a controller for the wipers and headlights that goes out. I forget the name of it, but there's a million threads about it. Hate to say it, but do a search on 'wipers'. You'll run across it.

[Hotrauder]

Rob, Ghost03; has one in his all the time. He may have an answer??:dunno: :rofl: Dennis

[Marauderjack]

LCM.....Light Control Module......Mine has been replaced once for no turn signals!!:argue:

You may get lucky with a good dealer as it is a SAFETY issue!!;) Ford also has some sort of assistance for out of warranty repairs....I forgot what it is called??:confused: Maybe someone will pop in with some help here.:cool:

If you have to buy one I think it is about $500 or so??

Good Luck!!

Marauderjack:burnout:

[alarmguy]

I had FWS once (freaky wiper syndrome ). The dealership replaced the multifunction switch first ( the turn signal lever that also controls hi/lo beam and wiper functions ). That didn't fix it so they then replaced the wiper motor. That did the trick. Covered with a $50 deductable under my extended warranty.

[alarmguy]

What's with the underscore?

[Bluerauder]

Original owner, this is my regular ride, bought in '02 now have 94K on her.
Lately the wipers just start cycling, intermittently, then stop, then may start again or not the rest of the day.
Here's a thread on the topic. >>>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=27299&highlight=wacky+wipers

There have been lots of incidents of this wiper problem.

Mine have acted up twice. Solution was to replace the wiper motor. Both replaced under warranty. Last time the technician drilled a 1/8 inch hole in the plastic cup below the motor to drain water out. Seems the water is collecting and shorting out the wiper motor and some functions. So far, the fix is working. :D

The search function is a terrible thing to waste. :rofl:

[ckadiddle]

I had FWS once (freaky wiper syndrome ). The dealership replaced the multifunction switch first ( the turn signal lever that also controls hi/lo beam and wiper functions ). That didn't fix it so they then replaced the wiper motor. That did the trick. Covered with a $50 deductable under my extended warranty.
Freaky Wiper Syndrome on my 03 was reapired by install of new wiper motor and install of updated wiring harness for wiper motor assy. (IIRC)

The underlining is due to lack of closing link tag on the "challenge snyder in the arcade" link above.

[snider]

I gotta really thank you guys for some great input. I am still in 'investigation mode' but will get back to ya.
Happy Holidays too !!

[mrjones]

I had this on my car a while back, and I believe that they also replaced a wiper motor wiring harness.

[MMaxVA]

had this problem, in my case, dealer replaced the wiper motor, not the LCM.

[snider]

Resolving the 'freaky wiper syndrome' I will replace the motor and wiring harness. Any recommendations on sourcing this, website? local Auto store? hopefully not the DEALER !!
Too late for Santa's list.

[celtictexan]

I saw about this same thing on a Chysler Cirrus once. Turned out to be a loose ground. There were multiple wires and if one system couldn't ground the right way it would run backward into the wiper sys. for ground, making the wipers go on and off intermit.