Wipers and Windows without power

[Haroldw]

Strangest thing has happened to my 97 XLT. The Wipers, windows and interior dome lights have all quit working. I've checked and double checked every fuse in the car and all are fine. I'm guessing I've got a short somewhere. Does anyone know where it could be and effect all three of these areas?

 

[rydinhigh]

check your relay

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by rydinhigh
check your relay

What relay?

Robb

 

[rydinhigh]

check in the back of the explorer manual (the one you get with the truck). under relays it should tell you where it is.

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by rydinhigh
check in the back of the explorer manual (the one you get with the truck). under relays it should tell you where it is.

Dude, you missed my point completely. There is no such thing as a relay that would control windows, wipers, and int. lights. That makes no sense.

Harold, sounds to me like you may have lost a ground.

Robb

 

[rydinhigh]

Dude, you missed my point completely. There is no such thing as a relay that would control windows, wipers, and int. lights. That makes no sense.

well im sorry I thought that the relay controlled all three, last time I try to help someone.

 

[Haroldw]

Thanks for the tips. I have checked the relays as well and they are fine. I saw an earlier tip that someone had a similar problem with the windows not working and the door locks did. Didn't say anything about the wipers not working like mine don't. Turned out to be a broken wire behind the radio in the dash. I'm suspecting that may be my problem.

Can you give me some more details about losing a ground? How do I check that? I'm open to try anything at this point. Ready to take it in for service.

 

[Alec]

On my truck those are all on the same fuse. So it sounds like you didn't check your fuses carefully enough or one of the wires to the fuse might be damaged.

 

[Haroldw]

The interesting thing is that the power door locks are on that fuse as well, but they work. I think it has something to do with the ignition. All the items that don't work are dependent on the ignition being on. The one that does work doesn't.

 

[TPLYNCH]

If you don't find any problems w/the wires, it could be the GEM, which controls most everything electric in the EX.

 

[Haroldw]

Just got my car fixed, turns out it was the GEM (Generic Electric Module) A cool $160 part! Another $100 to get it installed at my local Ford dealer. Part is hard to find in parts stores, even dealer had to order it. I actually had gotten some better wiring diagrams and was about 95% sure it was the problem, just because it was the common element in each effected areas wiring diagram, but didn't want to invest in the part without being sure. If your having problems with electical items in your XLT that all require the ignition being on, chances are it's the GEM.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Originally posted by TPLYNCH
If you don't find any problems w/the wires, it could be the GEM, which controls most everything electric in the EX.

Hey, do I win a prize????

 

[Haroldw]

I'm afraid all the prize money went to my local Ford Dealer!