2012 xlt no wipers

[AlexBanich]

So my 2012 XLT Explorer is having an issue where the windshield wipers will not work at all front and back. I checked the fuses and they seem fine. I swapped the relay under the hood in that fuse panel and no change (Also seemed somebody put a new one in for it since it was different than the others lettering font wise). I'm not sold that its the actual switch in the steering column due to it looks like somebody has already been in to it the column. Is there anything anybody else could think of as a possibility? I figure it wouldn't be the motor or linkage or anything cause it started out as intermittent then just stopped all together. I read about maybe a wiper control module? If that is a possibility where would I find it? I've seen they sell them but I don't know where I'd find it. Thanks for the help

 

[peterk9]

So my 2012 XLT Explorer is having an issue where the windshield wipers will not work at all front and back. I checked the fuses and they seem fine. I swapped the relay under the hood in that fuse panel and no change (Also seemed somebody put a new one in for it since it was different than the others lettering font wise). I'm not sold that its the actual switch in the steering column due to it looks like somebody has already been in to it the column. Is there anything anybody else could think of as a possibility? I figure it wouldn't be the motor or linkage or anything cause it started out as intermittent then just stopped all together. I read about maybe a wiper control module? If that is a possibility where would I find it? I've seen they sell them but I don't know where I'd find it. Thanks for the help

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:
I'm not sure if a faulty control arm would affect both the front and rear wipers. If it does, I'm thinking it is the control arm again, especially since the issue appeared gradually. If it was the motor then the rear wiper should still work.

Peter

 

[AlexBanich]

Is there any kind of electronics attached to that? I ask because if you turn the vehicle off and on it 65% of the time will work.

 

[peterk9]

Is there any kind of electronics attached to that? I ask because if you turn the vehicle off and on it 65% of the time will work.

Other than the regular wiring I'm not sure. You haven't indicated in your profile which 'trim' level you have. Do you have the rain sensing system?
FYI, there is a thread with pictures on the switch removal.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388119

Peter

 

[AlexBanich]

Other than the regular wiring I'm not sure. You haven't indicated in your profile which 'trim' level you have. Do you have the rain sensing system?
FYI, there is a thread with pictures on the switch removal.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388119

Peter

Its the XLT so yes there is the rain sensing system

 

[AlexBanich]

Also when you say faulty control arm are you referring to the actual switch? I believe I've heard it as the wiper control switch.

 

[peterk9]

Also when you say faulty control arm are you referring to the actual switch? I believe I've heard it as the wiper control switch.

Yes, that's it.

Peter

 

[AlexBanich]

The problem with the wipers seems to be related to cold/wet conditions. Was investigating the switch and low an behold the sun came out a little while and it warmed up and they worked. Already ordered a switch which will be here the 30th so I will replace and report back.

 

[182RG]

Its the XLT so yes there is the rain sensing system

No. Only the Limited had rain-sensing wipers. The XLT did not.

https://www.ford.com/services/assets/Brochure?make=Ford&model=Explorer&year=2012&postalCode=34638

 

[AlexBanich]

No. Only the Limited had rain-sensing wipers. The XLT did not.

https://www.ford.com/services/assets/Brochure?make=Ford&model=Explorer&year=2012&postalCode=34638

Are you sure on that? I have it as an option in the menu. Not that necessarily means anything I guess.

 

[182RG]

Are you sure on that? I have it as an option in the menu. Not that necessarily means anything I guess.

Yes. I attached the Ford brochure that clearly states it as available on the Limited. It wasn't part of any option package on the XLT.

 

[AlexBanich]

Well replaced the switch and no change. What else is there?

 

[sheltonfilms]

The stalk is connected directly to the front wiper motor (the front motor has a built in control module). And communicates the stalk position via LIN bus. Now there is a direct connection analog connection from the stalk to the wiper motor for the high setting as a backup. Wipers are considered a safety critical system in the automotive industry btw.

When they don't work does the high setting do anything? If it does you having a LIN bus wiring issue. If it doesn't work then its probably something down stream.

Now here is something of interest. The front wipers integrated module controls the rear wipers as well. If it gets a signal that the stalk is set for rear wipers to be on, this integrated module will ground the rear wiper relay.

Could be a simple power ground issue. Best thing to do is to make sure its NOT working and then do this.

Turn the ignition to ON and check for power on the Violet/White wire on the wiper motor connnector. Should be 12V.

 

[Sixonemale]

The problem with the wipers seems to be related to cold/wet conditions. Was investigating the switch and low an behold the sun came out a little while and it warmed up and they worked. Already ordered a switch which will be here the 30th so I will replace and report back.

I had this exact same issue with '02 Explorer where the wipers worked in dry conditions and only intermittently in moist or damp conditions. In this particular case I ended finding a hole in the wiper relay inside the fuse box, hence the reason moisture prevented the wipers from working. It sounds like you've inspected all relays.

 

[AlexBanich]

I'm thinking it's cracked solder or a loose connection. When heat is on in the car for about 15 minutes or so they work again. I can't find anybody that can/will give me the information ad far as the electrical connections.

So I swapped out the switch for new. I checked the fuse in the inside fuse box. I swapped the relay in the engine compartment with one that was known good.....so what's left? I've read there is a module on the older explorers that would have cracked solder that would cause these kinds of problems but I can't find any hint of one in my explorer..... short of going point by point with a multimeter what are my options?

 

[sheltonfilms]

The module is in the wiper motor assembly as I stated before.

 

[AlexBanich]

The module is in the wiper motor assembly as I stated before.

I'm sorry I missed that. I went to remove the windshield wiper arms and they are TIGHT. I took the nut off and I was putting a good bit of leverage on it and it wouldn't even budge. Suggestions?

 

[AlexBanich]

Shelton I finally saw and read you post. I don't have anything. I have no rear wipers or front wipers at low or high. They are completely dead. After the vehicle has warmed up and runs with heat on the inside for about 10 minutes or so it all comes back. I will check the power to the connector as soon as I figure out how to get to it. Thanks for the info I'm thinking that was exactly what I needed.

 

[AlexBanich]

Well just a brief update I have the windshield wiper arms (bought the tool) off and the motor exposed. Will be testing voltage after coffee and a warm up.

 

[AlexBanich]

So here is the current status. Tore everything down and disconnected the motor and tested the line in. That showed 12v no problem. I then took the motor and disconnected that module from the motor. Could only look at one side, but saw not cracked solder. plugged in it without the motor and tested it at the power in and at the pins that connect to the motor. Found 12v of power there. So I put it all back together and let everything sit. Had a hale storm for about an hour and I waited for about 2hrs. Went out and tried it and everything is working even though it should theoretically be cold just like the environmental conditions that were causing it to act up before. I did bend the female connectors on the motor just for a just because effort. So as it stands now I have no idea if it was just a fluke that everything tested good or if it was the module or what.