Rear Wiper Switch

[skoville]

Hi All.
I'm heading to the bone yard to see if I can get a rear wiper switch. So far I've found out that I'll probably ruin 2 or three 1st. How does one remove this panel Hopefully intact. Just a little prying?
My wiper doesn't work, I rigged the washer to work but the hatch is buckled and not sure if anything will help if it won't work with a deformed hatch. The window is fine. Start at the switch or just carry a rag and stop once in a while? The knob does nothing, no noise, no water. Fuse is good, Yes, I've jiggled it. Where should start? I've already kicked it, didn't help.

 

[koda2000]

There are 2 screws under the panel, above the HVAC controls. Remove the screws and then there are 4? push-in retainers, two at the top corners for sure, of the panel. Pry them out with a screw driver and the whole panel (radio included) will pull out. Then unplug everything to get the panel out.

Note: If you have the Ford radio removal tools you can remove the radio first. This will make the job a little easier.

Do you know for sure that the switch is bad? Typically the problem with a rear wiper that doesn't work is a bad rear window latch switch (the wiper will not work if it thinks the window is open) or bad wiper motor.

 

[skoville]

I wish I had know that at the bone yard. Yanked so hard at the bezel I fell out of the truck. LOL
Not sure what it is, thought I would stat at the switch. Reading posts here I've repeatably slammed the glass shut (GINGERLY!) to no avail. Is there a way to by-pass the rear window latch switch. (if I find it) or jump the motor?
I also got a ceiling console (It was removed by former owner) and picked up a 99 console. If I can get the moon roof working I'll be a pig ina puddle. That may also be the motor. Any tips, hints, or money, well appreciated.

 

[koda2000]

If you remove the interior trim panel from the lift-gate you can get at the glass latch switch. IDK if it wants to be an open circuit or closed to allow the rear wiper motor to work. So you should be able to bypass it one way or other. The wiper motor has four or five electrical contacts so jumping it would be a crap shoot. Do you have a VOM (or at least a test light) to test for power at the motors (wiper and sunroof)? That's always the best place to start. If you don't, start backtracking.

BTW: The rear wipers on these trucks are pretty useless w/out modification.

 

[skoville]

If you remove the interior trim panel from the lift-gate you can get at the glass latch switch. IDK if it wants to be an open circuit or closed to allow the rear wiper motor to work. So you should be able to bypass it one way or other. The wiper motor has four or five electrical contacts so jumping it would be a crap shoot. Do you have a VOM (or at least a test light) to test for power at the motors (wiper and sunroof)? That's always the best place to start. If you don't, start backtracking.

BTW: The rear wipers on these trucks are pretty useless w/out modification.

Good advice, thanks. Have test and VOM. As soon as I get the driver door working, I'll tackle the electrical.

 

[skoville]

Good advice, thanks. Have test and VOM. As soon as I get the driver door working, I'll tackle the electrical.

well the moon roof window seems to be OK. Took it out and ran from the battery, swapped leads and it runs both ways. I might run into a problem with the 99 console-mines a 97. Just have to work on which wire goes where. Doubt if the plugs are the same. Cutting and splicing in order.

 

[skoville]

well the moon roof window seems to be OK. Took it out and ran from the battery, swapped leads and it runs both ways. I might run into a problem with the 99 console-mines a 97. Just have to work on which wire goes where. Doubt if the plugs are the same. Cutting and splicing in order.

How about that. All set to reassemble the motor and console and checked the motor once again. Works one way but sparks like hell the other way. Found one on EBay for $40. Gives me time to check the rear wiper.

 

[koda2000]

If you ran the motor in both directions from the battery and it worked, I wouldn't be thinking bad motor. I'd be thinking incorrect wiring somehow. Motor needs a ground on one wire and 12V power on the other to work, reverse power and ground to operate in the opposite direction. Pretty simple.

 

[skoville]

If you ran the motor in both directions from the battery and it worked, I wouldn't be thinking bad motor. I'd be thinking incorrect wiring somehow. Motor needs a ground on one wire and 12V power on the other to work, reverse power and ground to operate in the opposite direction. Pretty simple.

I agree to a point. When 1st tested ran both ways. 2nd test, same exact set up, solenoid would click but no revolutions either way. Tapping a few times and turning gear produced one direction but sparks in the other. As you know there are only 3 wires. Middle is b+ and grounding one of the others makes it turn. Pretty simple. (I think you said that)

The rear wiper, on the other hand, still would not work bypassing the "window open" switch. Reading posts here, made it sound like it's hardly worth the effort to get it working. Have to check to see if there's a separate relay for the rear motor.
Thanks for the input.

 

[traveler]

I may have a wiper motor switch I'd be willing to send ya for free, just cover shipping. But as you have noticed the biggest issue with the 2nd gen rear wipers isn't getting them to function, its getting them to even touch the glass.

 

[koda2000]

I believe I also have a spare rear wiper switch, but the first thing I's determine is whether power is getting to the motor. Remember the power is not constant as the wiper function is intermittent.

The rear wiper in stock, unmodified form, will only touch the rear window on maybe 50% of the glass. There is a good reason for this to happen and there are tricks you can implement to get nearly 100% coverage. Get it to work first and then we can discuss then various tricks.

Often the wiper motor seizes up with shaft corrosion, mainly due to lack of regular use. The typical reman units the auto parts store sell tend to not work for very long for some reason.

Check your owner's manual for relay location(s). There are at least 4 different locations that Ford hides Explorer relays.

1) Main power distribution box by the master cylinder
2) Auxiliary power distribution box under air filter box
3) Just over the accelerator pedal
4) Behind the right side cargo area trim panel

BTW - Do you have key-less entry (small key pad on driver's door)? If so do you have the factory 5 digit code needed? If not I can tell you where to find it.

 

[skoville]

I may have a wiper motor switch I'd be willing to send ya for free

Thanks, traveler! Mighty nice of you. One fell into my tool box when I was at the bone yard so I "think" I'm all set. Seeing that I may have to replace the hatch I may just stop here and wait for better weather to swap out the whole thing.

 

[skoville]

This has to be the 1st used car I've gotten without a owner's manual.

1) Main power distribution box by the master cylinder
2) Auxiliary power distribution box under air filter box
3) Just over the accelerator pedal
4) Behind the right side cargo area trim panel

#1 is where mine is. I should be able to get a readout on line to see about the relay. We all know it will not be there, but I'll check.
#2 Have not looked there.
#3 Same as 2
#4 Know that one well. Fuel pump went out where JC lost his sandals and I hoped it was the fuel shut off.

(small key pad on driver's door)?

No, just a key that works, sometimes. The loose handle, spring thing. I have a ritual I go through by lifting handle, turn key, hold handle down, turn hey,while jiggling and stomping. It's quite a sight and works every time.
I could take a picture of the relay box if it would help. Haven't checked the fuses in there.



sonofabitch! If there are 2 identical relays I'll try to swap them.

 

[koda2000]

You need to find (or download) a '97 owner's manual. There's a lot of good info in there. Your vehicle might even support key-less remotes.

 

[skoville]

Always wanted one of those.
I'm on it. Thanks gang.