PDA

View Full Version : Wacky Wipers - Not Successful



jonroe
10-08-2011, 06:48 PM
I got hit by the dreaded wacky wipers problem a week or so ago. The wipers just started on their own and could not be controlled properly or stopped with the multi-function switch. There was no involvement of the lights so I presume it is the wet wiper control module and not the LCM.

I followed the procedure in the sticky thread to get at the wiper motor and controller. I had only little trouble with the procedure - getting the wipers off. The keeper for the wipers is a little tricky but I discovered (on the second one) that the keeper is spring loaded and you can pull it out sideways and hold it in the out position by slipping a small nail in the opening. Then you can easily pull the wiper off the splined shaft. Don't lose the key wedge when you do this. I lost the first one but found it in the plastic tray when I got the black plastic top cover off.

Anyway, I got everything apart and noticed that the control module looked pretty good - not water damaged. There was some water laying in the gears area where you pull the controller out of. I cleaned and dried everything with compressed air and the hot sun. I also used WD-40. Of course I had to clean out the drain chute which was totally clogged with compost debris.

When all looked good I also sprayed the wire connector (on the wire group and on the wiper controller) with electronics cleaner. The connectors were beautifully clean and dry.

I plugged in the connector and tried the motor - nothing - not a thing - totally dead. I don't get it. I tried several times later on in the afternoon hoping more things might dry - nothing. I'm stuck.

My next move is taking it to the dealer I guess. I left the job not completed because it seems pointless to put it all back together so the dealer can take it all apart again. So I left the top black plastic cover and the wipers off. I do have the motor - plastic box assembly re-installed with the 6 silver bolts and 2 nuts. That part is easy to take off again.

Any ideas?

Jon

Spectragod
10-08-2011, 07:03 PM
Verify voltage in and out of the control module, with a DVOM. A REAL good place to start.

jonroe
10-08-2011, 07:26 PM
What connectors? There are 4 large tangs and a bunch of small ones. I don't have any wiring diagrams.

ctrlraven
10-08-2011, 08:29 PM
When mine went I ended up buying a new wiper motor, which the wiper did work but not fully. I put the stock wiper control module on the new motor and hasn't given me a problem or issue since then (several years back).

bigmerc'03
10-08-2011, 08:31 PM
i had the same problem either goto ford get a new one like i did for 170 with core charge or goto rockauto.com and get one rebuild for i think 120 with core charge.....face it you need another one

SC Cheesehead
10-09-2011, 05:31 AM
I ended up replacing the motor and control module on my car, no problems since then.

jonroe
10-09-2011, 03:32 PM
It looks like I'll be replacing the motor and control module. Do they come separate from Ford - they have separate numbers?

SC Cheesehead
10-10-2011, 05:23 AM
It looks like I'll be replacing the motor and control module. Do they come separate from Ford - they have separate numbers?

IIRC, they come as a single unit.

jonroe
10-12-2011, 12:09 PM
I did have the dealer fix it. Turns out the motor and control module were OK but the multi-function switch on the steering wheel was bad. They replaced that and now all seems to be working normally again. Thanks for the suggestions and information. Too bad I am just OUT OF my ESP warranty:bigcry: