Windshield Wiper Malfunction

[vtwoodsman]

My 2003 MM wipers started acting weird today during a rain run to Bristol, VT for a car show. I activated the intermittant wiper function and surprisingly
the wiper washer function turned on simultaneously. Then when I turned off the wiper function the wiper blades did not return to their "home" position. Sometimes the "3-wipes and pause" function started during the intermittant wipe function. Eventually the wipers went to their "home" position and the wiper functions acted normally. Anybody have a similiar experience ? :help:

[DOOM]

Wacky wipers! Common problem!

I'm having this very same problem on my 05 crown Vic right now! :mad2:

[fastblackmerc]

Search is your friend.

[DOOM]

I replaced my wiper motor (was burned out) didn't fix the problem.

Multi function switch was fine.

My problem was a burned out wire!

Replaced wire and wipers worked for one day! And now not working again!

[Mr. Man]

Clean out the crap that has accumulated under the cowl. Let it thoroughly dry for like a week and you might be able to forgo replacing the WW motor.

[Bigdogjim]

Mine had a pinched wire leading into the firewall on the driver's side:mad:

Don't feel too bad L&M and Ford dealers fixed mine 4 times before the problem was solved:)

Last time they freaked out they took out the radio, A/C, & headlights:)

[SC Cheesehead]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=47864

[vtwoodsman]

Excellent responses folks....I figured this outfit would have some answers!
Thanks a bunch !!!!

[SC Cheesehead]

Excellent responses folks....I figured this outfit would have some answers!
Thanks a bunch !!!!

You're more than welcome.

FWIW, doing the cowl cleanout on an annual basis is a good preventive maintenance idea.

[vtwoodsman]

Ok, so I stripped down the wiper system, found a little dirt build up in the water chute, but I was surprised to see a small amount of water that was caught behind the wiper control module assembly. So I did the recommended WD40 purge to remove the trapped moisture. I dabbed the circuit board face with a paper towel and inspected the surface under a magnifying glass. I can see circuit board delamination at one end, maybe a half inch, but the surface mounted resistor and capacitor solder points look ok. Just a bit oxidized in the delaminated area. I've set up a "drying" station for the module assembly using an incandecent 60 watt lamp with a flex neck, placing it close (about an inch away) to the module circuit board face that I have standing on its side, perpendicular to a flat table surface. I'll let that cook for 12 hours, which should dry the module completely. After that I'll use a silicon sealant to coat the circuit board. We'll see how it goes later tomorrow.

[vtwoodsman]

I just checked my Mercury/Lincoln dealer for the price of a NEW Wiper control box: $73.00

PN: 212F-17D539-AD

I just gave the parts guy this number from the old control box.

[SC Cheesehead]

I just checked my Mercury/Lincoln dealer for the price of a NEW Wiper control box: $73.00

PN: 212F-17D539-AD

I just gave the parts guy this number from the old control box.

That's a good price. IIRC, I paid around $100 for mine with core credit.