Notorious Wiper Question

[NoBoundaries]

Hey everyone,

I hve a question about the infamous wiper problem. I have heard that it is a GEM module that needs to be replaced, but my real interest is if anyone has gotten it replaced and fixed by Ford for no cost? Claiming it is either a safety problem or that the problem has actually been addressed and acknowledged by Ford. My father got his replaced for free only because the truck is under warranty. Post you experiences with the problem, as I am getting it fixed sometime this week. Thanks to everyone ahead of time!

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Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

 

[BGN]

NoBoundaries, help me with this, what is the exact problem you are experiencing? Is it where the wipers turn on/off for no reason like we've heard from other members?

Barry

 

[NoBoundaries]

I have heard of that problem as well. My problem is I go to turn the wipers on and sometimes they don't come on or I turn them on and they act sporadic (go at different rates of speed or intervoles or do not come on for long periods of time). It's starting to annoy me and I know others have had to deal with this problem.

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Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

 

[PunkChild]

My 96 also does this trick and a few others. The wash switch (push in on the wiper stalk) doesn't work hardly at all. Does anyone else's do that?

[This message has been edited by PunkChild (edited 12-19-1999).]

 

[NoBoundaries]

I forgot that problem, my wash button is impossible to get to work. I have to tool around with it and push down as hard as I can in order to get the washer fluid to come out. Thanks for reminding me of that one! I'm actually taking my truck in tomorrow to get it checked out and I almost forgot about that.

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Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

 

[PunkChild]

Fill me in on the dealerships solution to this problem and how much it was to fix. If anyone has a quick fix for this e-mail me with the answer. Thanks.
Skaman0182@yahoo.com

 

[NoBoundaries]

Got word on what the damage is.

The wipers need a GEM Module and some sort of multifunction switch, the cost will be $400 parts and labor. Among all the other facets I need to replace and fix including the wipers, my total repair bill is somewhere around $900! Crap! Dealers really know how to bend you over! If anyone could help with an other solution to the wiper probelem, please e-mail me and post it. Can the repair be done by myself? Help!

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Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

 

[NoBoundaries]

Hey Everyone,

I am interested in hearing from everyone who has had a problem with their wipers just to get a concensus to the enormity of the problem. Those of you who have had to pay for it know that it is not a cheap problem to fix. I am trying to find out if there is anything that can be done. I have a feeling Ford knows it's a problem and there are a lot of dealers, and Ford as well, that are making a good investment at our expense. So if you have had a problem with your wipers just post a reply. Thanks for your time.

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Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

 

[TPLYNCH]

My 99 has the wipers that go on by themselves occasionally. Haven't brought it to the dealer yet.... Waiting for next maintenance.

 

[Tom G]

The variable speed on my 99 sometimes goes the speed I set, sometimes picks it's own speed

 

[Tom G]

The variable speed on my 99 sometimes goes the speed I set, sometimes picks it's own speed

 

[sbrawner]

My intermittent wipers are extremely twitchy, especially when I tap the switch. Also, I cannot get the washer to work unless I put the hi-beams on and push in with all my mihgt, I'm just waiting for that ******* to break off. I had no idea this was such a pervasive problem.

 

[sbrawner]

Ack, got posted twice.

By mihgt, I mean might, meaning lots of strength.
-scott

NOTE: The site is giving a server error page after reply submissions. No fear, your posts are going through, so don't post twice, like I did, just go back, back, reload, to make sure it went through.

[This message has been edited by sbrawner (edited 12-23-1999).]

[This message has been edited by sbrawner (edited 12-23-1999).]

 

[arn]

99 xlt

Had the GEM module replaced and new multi-function stalk replace back in November, no problems since. The new stalk feels more stiffer and feels more secure sofar as fit to the column concerns.

Problems I experinced before the fix:
-wipers turned on by themselves, swiping 1,2,3 times

-washer function malfunction, would work part-time

-intermittent wiper speed(s), had a mind of it's own

-NO high speed wipe

-wipers come on usually when hitting a little bump on the road or when making a left/right turn when using turn signal

-rear wiper never affected by this

 

[Keith Dugas]

Anyone had problems with the REAR wiper? Mine worked only when it wanted to...now it doesn't work at all. Any idea on how much to replace the unit? Thanks.

 

[93Blue2door]

My wipers just stopped working

Sounds like this GEM module thing from behind the radio. The wipers don't work at all but I hear this clicking sound coming from behind the radio.

Also I read about someone mentioning that messing with the radio could mess up your 4X4. How is that? Looks like my brother screwed that up too by putting in an amp and a new radio WITHOUT my permission. I've reset the battery before though and the 4x4 still doesn't work. I've been too lazy to have a look at the transfer case. Maybe I need to reset the battery for longer.

 

[NedFlanders]

I had the multyfunktionswitch replaced for free from ford because the whipers kinda adjusted their speed by themselves.. Haven't had a problem with them after that...nock on wood...

Don't know if it was because of the used car guarranie or some other (recall) reason that it was for free though

 

[COMMOCOZY]

Umm My uncle ( who owns a shop in town ) thouhgt my GEM was bad, and he called ford for pricing and got it for lile 200 and something.


It turned out it was not bad, i can find out where it is and stuff if you want to take a stab at it yourself.

What happened with me is i fried some wires in my drivers door, so it was making everything think it was not working right. Do your windows on drivers side work ok?

 

[Jim F]

Wiper Recall

Check this thread:

http://208.38.138.31/forums/showthread.php?threadid=11311

Maybe it's not only 99 - 2000 models.

 

[Brian8]

My 95' the wipers tend to go at different speeds then what i have selected..What really bothers me is the washer..It hardly ever works and for it to spit out the fluid most of the time i have to switch the signal on either way doesn't matter and this helps out sometimes.