Solved 2002 Explorer front windshield wipers frequently run without being turned on?

[GhostTiger]

Edit: Thanks for the help here. I ended up simply replacing the multi function switch and that resolved the problem.

It's as though the rotating wiper knob on the turn signal arm has just been worn down over the years. I can get the wipers to stop if I just slightly push the knob towards the first position. Or if I gently push the whole arm forward or backward. But within a few minutes, or if I hit the turn signal, the wipers are going again within a few minutes. Any ideas or guidance? Not really sure where to start with this one. Like do I need to replace the whole signal arm or what?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yes, the whole arm needs replaced. It’s called a multi function switch.

 

[BKennedy]

Windshield Wiper Turn Signal Lever Switch for Ford Explorer Mercury 62900706 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Windshield Wiper Turn Signal Lever Switch for Ford Explorer Mercury 62900706 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Just an example. They are cheap and available as aftermarket parts. I replaced the multi-switch in my 2002 Workhorse chassis RV with one off eBay. One labeled for a Workhorse was $245.00. I know that most of the Workhorse parts are GM, so I got the part number off the switch and found out it was the same switch that GM used in dozens of car models for several years. Aftermarket was about $25.00 and has lasted three years now with no issues.

 

[GhostTiger]

Windshield Wiper Turn Signal Lever Switch for Ford Explorer Mercury 62900706 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Windshield Wiper Turn Signal Lever Switch for Ford Explorer Mercury 62900706 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Just an example. They are cheap and available as aftermarket parts. I replaced the multi-switch in my 2002 Workhorse chassis RV with one off eBay. One labeled for a Workhorse was $245.00. I know that most of the Workhorse parts are GM, so I got the part number off the switch and found out it was the same switch that GM used in dozens of car models for several years. Aftermarket was about $25.00 and has lasted three years now with no issues.

Damn, that's awesome thanks so much! $18 is a great price to me So the one you linked will work for my 2002? Seems there's some discrepancy of part numbers out there based on some searches I did.

 

[BKennedy]

Like I said, it's an example. Please do your own search and chose what you want.

 

[Stynx]

Swapping that part is pretty easy.

 

[J_C]

Something else worth trying is take the end cap off and spray some WD-40 in the cavity. I don't remember the mechanicals in great detail but there is a spring and ball or slab piece that hits detents in the plastic and if hardened grease has jammed it up, WD-40 should loosen the grease.

However when you take the end cap off, especially if you move the arm any, the spring may fly out so be ready to capture it. I lost that spring when it flew out (didn't even know what had happened at the time) and figured I'd have to buy a new MFS, then one day I found it on the floor and put it back in.

 

[GhostTiger]

Like I said, it's an example. Please do your own search and chose what you want.

Thank you for your help. I ordered one off eBay and replaced it last night. Simple YouTube replacement. Appreciate your help!

 

[BKennedy]

Thank you for your help. I ordered one off eBay and replaced it last night. Simple YouTube replacement. Appreciate your help!

Glad it worked out and was a easy fix.