Intermitent failure of windshield wipers/interior lights etc.

[yeterp]

My 96 Explorer has problems with various electrical functions. Windshield wipers stop working, interior lights won't come on, windows won't open. The vehicle is on a small island and is only used one or two days a month and the interior is often damp. I have sealed the skylight, which seemed to be leaking, and now cover the vehicle with a tarp but still have this problem. I am thinking the problem could be with the ignition switch. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Yeterp.

 

[J_C]

I doubt it's the ignition switch if other things (like the HVAC blower) still work. Did all the functions listed, definitely stop working simultaneously or is it possible you have multiple problems?

I would tackle each problem individually. Wipers, check the interior fuse panel fuse, wiper run relay, multi-function switch (steering column lever for wipers/turn-signals/washer/headlight high-low. You can measure for voltage along the circuit to see where it stops.

Interior lights are similar, check fuses, battery saver relay, dimmer module on dash, measure voltages.

Windows, the fuses, battery saver relay, accessory delay relay, measure voltage at various points including at the driver's door Window Master Switch panel as it is common to have a wire going to/from it, in the door hinge wire loom, fray apart and cause loss of function to the switch panel.

I've attached a window master switch diagram, hopefully it applies to your '96. If all else seems to check out okay, you could have a GEM module failure, I'd try unplugging it and plugging it back in, in case the moisture has caused connector corrosion. The same is true for any connector for these failed functions including wipers and lights. There is a link to wiring diagrams in my sig below. It's in post #21 in the linked topic if the link does not go directly to the download link or they're here:

MEGA

 

[yeterp]

Thanks for your very thoughtful reply. The Wipers and interior lights both stopped working at the same time. Since then the wipers have worked occasionally and the interior lights once or twice very briefly. There have times when the engine is running and the wipers won't work but when I turn the ignition off they do work. Thanks for the diagram.

Yeterp