Notorious Wiper Question

['96explorereddiebauer]

My 96 did the same thing. It's the switch, at least for me it is. I took the switch apart and cleaned the contacts and voila...it's working like new again. But...it's happening again last week. I guess I'll have to do the same thing all over again.

 

[dgammon]

Wiper switch

Some months ago there was a thread pertaining to the "Washer" problem. Somebody posted detailed instructions on how to disassemble the stalk and clean the contacts inside This cured his washer problem where replacing the washer pump had not cured the problem. I would think since it's all the same switch, this would work for wipers as well as washers.

 

[COMMOCOZY]

That has to be around some place. I just looked at it a few weeks ago, and brought it back to the top.

 

[Cdexplorer]

My 96 wipers seem to go whatever speed they wish...never with any consistency. My washer is also very tough to get to spray - I have to push the knob in many times before anything happens.

 

[itzbinnice]

Had the washer problem with my 95X. Found a link on this site that fixed my problem which I have pasted below. My problem was the washer rarely worked and the intermittant cycles were unpredicatable. From reading other messages it appears the duration is speed controled which I think is stupid.
I never experienced the wipers going on by themselves.
Other than the washer working perfectly now I don't know if the wiper control has improved since it hasn't rained yet for me to test. Please note with the below repair, the cap (Robert the Author) said to use an exacto knife on it whch was good advice. The cap he refers to is at the very end of the stalk. Use the tip of the exacto knife and go under the knurled portion of the stalk, and on the outer portion of the cap. Getting the cap of without damaging the plastic was the hardest part for me. Diassembling and cleaning was very easy as was assembly. It appears that Ford loads the stalk with grease, and in time hardens, thus forming a insulator for the contacts. So even if you replace the stalk at 175.00 in time the problem will manifest itself again.
I was so happy to get my washer working at will, I disconnected the waher hoses and blew them out.
No more pissing in the wind, got some nice pressure now. Hope this cleaning of the contacts helps you guys.

PASTED REPAIR MESSAGE

“I popped the end of the wiper stalk off with an exacto knife. Did it from behind incase I gouged the plastic. Once the cap is off, there is one phillips screw in the center. Remove it and carefully pull the switch off. There is a spring in there so be careful. Also there is a small spring that goes through the stalk that provides the indentions when selecting the different positions. It has a small metal cap on both ends. The grease will usually hold it in, but if it starts to fall out be sure that you don't loose it. Once you have the end of the switch off, you'll see several copper contacts and copper fingers. Carefully clean them with alcohol. I also gently lifted up on the copper fingers to provide more contact. Put it back together. The Ford charge to replace the entire stalk is $175 and they won't just try and fix the switch. I've had to clean all of my Ford's after a while. I had my Warranty company pay Ford to fix my Explorer's for the $175 charge.”

 

[Blue Steel]

for the different speeds when i switch my wipers on, they go at their own pleasure. speeding up the wipers slows them down sometimes. no problems with the winshield washer fluid though. i had my gem module replaced when my power windows failed, and this DID NOT help with the different speeds of the intermittant cycles. they're still how they've always been. my windows work now though

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Blue Steel, it's your switch. Same thing happened to mine almost 6 months ago. I took the switch apart and cleaned the contacts and it worked like a charm afterwards.

 

[mistertoofast]

My wonderful 1998 XLT has come down with the same illness in the past few days. I just bought the part needed from (dead link) it is only like $30.00 + shipping. It really isn't all that bad to replace it. I'm providing you the OE part number here so you can order one and save yourself about 50% and the cost of the labor. The part # is YL5Z13K359BAA. Again that part is for a 1998 XLT 4x4, but i assume it is the same part on nearly all late-model fords.

-Mistertoofast