Front Wiper Issue

[James Decker]

I have a 1996 Explorer. My front wipers have decided to stop working. When I use the sprayer, it sprays and the wipers engage with no issue. If I try to use the wipers by themselves, nothing happens. I've checked relays and fuses, no problems. I figure if the motor was bad, they wouldn't move with the sprayer. Everything else on the multi-function switch works fine. I'm clueless. Any ideas? Any help would be great. Thanks!

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Have you tried the highest speeds? I had a relay issue where that the only speeds I had were the fastest two, everything else was dead as a nail. Your owners guide should have a relay diagram for underneath the hood, or a simple Google search will turn one up, I found mine by switching the two wiper speed relays around.

If that's not your issue, I'd bet your MFS (Multi-Function Switch) in the column is worn out, a common issue on 2nd gens. It's a pretty simple replacement, some report luck cleaning them, I just change them.

 

[James Decker]

Have you tried the highest speeds? I had a relay issue where that the only speeds I had were the fastest two, everything else was dead as a nail. Your owners guide should have a relay diagram for underneath the hood, or a simple Google search will turn one up, I found mine by switching the two wiper speed relays around.

If that's not your issue, I'd bet your MFS (Multi-Function Switch) in the column is worn out, a common issue on 2nd gens. It's a pretty simple replacement, some report luck cleaning them, I just change them.

Unfortunately, none of the different speeds do anything. The only thing I could think of it being was, as you said, the MFS. I'll see about getting a new one, hopefully it corrects the issue. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Paul Fithian]

I replaced both wiper relays, 45 A/45 B, on my 2001 Job 1 Sport Trac due to no Hi Speed wiper movement. Completely fixed the problem, wipers run stronger now at all selected speeds.