Newbie here needs advice on issues

[PAconstable]

Hello, guys. New to this forum, but not to backyard mechanics.

I recently bought a '99 Explorer (X code engine, 5r55e tranny) to use for work. It needed work, but have had it quite roadworthy for several months now. I only own Ford trucks. but usually own Jeeps for daily drivers. The Explorer was better suited to my job demands, so now it's mine and I do like it. 280,x.. on the clock. Runs great.

I am having a couple issues with it that I could use some feedback with and would appreciate. I have been doing some research as I usually do with a vehicle that is new to me technically. I'm up against a wall here, though, it seems.

1) Rear wiper inoperative. Motor has been replaced, relays replaced and do click when switch is on in time with position of delay switch. No fuse issues, power shows at fuse both sides. Jumpered all three switches in liftgate with no effect. No obvious wiring damage. Wiper has worked intermittently a few times but now is stopped altogether.

2) Consistent transmission code for torque solenoid either being stuck off or not powered. Have replaced all 6 solenoids with used but certified good and warranted ones from a transmission parts supplier. Red stripe solenoids. No effect and now having slip in first gear which just started after a long road trip. All gears work all along including overdrive. Fluid and filter have been changed with Lucas additive also used.

I understand that the GEM module could possibly be responsible for the wiper issue. Could it be responsible for the transmission issue also as I know it covers a lot of electronic ground in this vehicle? Everything else seems to work just fine.

Is there a way to test the GEM module without having to go to a dealer and pay their labor rates? Also, if I decide to just throw a new used GEM module at it (I know I need the part number as there are several models and I know where it is located), will it be plug & play or does it need programmed?

I'm sure some of this has been asked & answered, but I'd be grateful for the answers here and now so I can get on with what I have to do to get the Explorer right again.

 

[koda2000]

rear wiper:
they usually don't work very well even when they do function (bad design and weak sheet metal on the inner lift-gate structure).

you may have a problem with your lift-gate window switch. if the window is open (or the body computer thinks it's open) the wiper will not work.

you say you "jumped" the motor and it still wouldn't work. that doesn't make sense. where were you trying to get power from? the battery? did you also make sure the motor had a good ground?

another problem people run into is that the wiper arm doesn't go down to the full PARK position when the rear wiper is turned off. this can happen if the arm is installed in the wrong position on the shaft.

 

[PAconstable]

I'll check the arm position, koda, but I do believe it is ok. The disable switch on the glass is one of the first things I considered after I talked to one of the service guys at the Ford dealer I bought my F-250 at. He provided me a diagram of the rear switches. When I said "jumped", I meant I jumped the liftgate and glass switches, removed the plugs from all three switches and bridged the contacts to close the connections. The one thing I haven't done yet is to use an external power source to run the wiper motor to make sure it's not a defective remanufacture. I kinda doubt it is, but after managing an auto parts store post retirement for a while, it is possible.

And as to the transmission slipping, I just came from the garage. The dipstick was not reading accurately after I refilled it and it was low. I should have given more time for the dipstick tube to completely clear, especially with putting in the Lucas stuff. That stuff is real viscous. Apparently, this 5r55e transmission is much more sensitive to fluid deficiencies than others I've dealt with in the past. No slipping now, but I'm not sure if the code for the solenoid will come back or not. Didn't test drive it enough miles for it to come on. I have to go at least three miles or so for it to come on.