Gives New Meaning to "Intermittent Wipers!"

[Dan66]

I've had my '96 XLT for a little over a week now, and had the chance to drive it in the rain for a couple days. With the wipers on normal speed, everything was fine. But as the rain lessened, I switched the wipers to an intermittent speed. And about every 5th or 6th swipe, they would stop halfway through their cycle (resting vertically on the windshield). If I turned them off and back on (or waited until the next intermittent cycle) they would work normally again...

Anyone else ever had this problem? Is there something obvious I should check? All suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

 

[spta97]

I have found that motors that are on their way out tend to have behavior like this (although it could be a switch). On my g/f's Blazer I switched the wiper motor ($80 - AutoZone). She said that they used to hesitate before they went on, would not go on all the time, would hesitate when turning off but all seems to be fine now after the new (actually rebuilt) motor was installed.

 

[briwayjones]

I had a similar problem. Sounds like you might need a new multi-function switch which is the whole turn signal stalk.

 

[gijoecam]

I had a similar problem. Sounds like you might need a new multi-function switch which is the whole turn signal stalk.

I doubt it's the multifunction switch. Even if the switch failed with the wipers halfway up or down, it shouldn't prevent the wipers from returning to the park position.

I suspect that the problem is either the wiper run relay, the hi-lo relay, or the motor. If it was mine, I'd try swapping the hi-lo relay first, then the wiper run relay. Since it seems to work on high, it leads me to believe that the low side isn't making good contact, but I can't say for sure.

-Joe

 

[Bills98Explorer]

I doubt it's the multifunction switch. Even if the switch failed with the wipers halfway up or down, it shouldn't prevent the wipers from returning to the park position.

I suspect that the problem is either the wiper run relay, the hi-lo relay, or the motor. If it was mine, I'd try swapping the hi-lo relay first, then the wiper run relay. Since it seems to work on high, it leads me to believe that the low side isn't making good contact, but I can't say for sure.

-Joe

With my issues with my wipers I say I gotta agree.Its more than likely 1 of the above stated relays.If your unsure of which 1 to replace take out your owners manual and take a look at it.Its the PSB on the drivers side fender,is where these relays will be.

 

[teamonetl]

same with my '97 xlt. removed and knocked the relay and they worked fine for awhile, must need to be replaced.

 

[onetrickx]

Wipers.....no go....horn.....no blow!!!!!

My 97 XL is doing the same thing as mentioned above. When set in intermittent mode, my wipers stop mid-swipe! As if that wasnt bad enough, now my horn does not work either.
Ive got my shop manual out, and am taking note of the relays for the wipers as well as the relay to the horn. Im going to pull the relays and check for signs of corrosion, and will also check them with my volt meter for current readings, through the relays. I find it odd that my wipers and now the horn have gone south on me at once! I will post my findings once I dig into this project.

 

[Turdle]

sometimes the relay sockets need tightening. Also some contact cleaner in relay sockets, isn't a bad idea

 

[onetrickx]

Got wipers?.............

O.K. im back with good news! I checked the relays which are located under the hood within the electrical distribution box which on my 97 Explorer LX, is mounted on the drivers side inner fender. I first took out the original relays and cleaned the spade connectors off with a dremel tool and wire wheel. I reinstalled the relays and everything worked, hi/lo wipers, intermittent wiper delay, as well as my horn which quit at about the same time my wipers started to fail. BUT.......after a few test runs, my wipers began to fail while in intermittent delay mode again. So, I took a run to a quality local parts store and purchased 3 new relays, I believe one relay is "hi/lo", second is "run" relay, and third was "horn". I replaced the three relays and everything is working like new! I did not want to mess with just replacing one relay because with my luck, it would only be a matter of time before the original relays would leave me wiperless and hornless again! Do yourself a favor, if your Explorer or Ranger is showing similar symptoms, dont waist your time cleaning and crossing your fingers with the old relays, just replace em, trust me.....youll be glad you did! My relays were $8.00 ea. X 3. Well worth the price for peace of mind.
O.K.............Hit me with some rain, im ready!

 

[Turdle]

Yup, those pesky things can cause all kinds of trouble

 

[cbach1997]

In my case it was the multifunction switch