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Wiper Ststem & Washer System Ford Econoline I

Wiper/washer Systems 3 illustrations ~2443 words

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Note. This article includes Cutaway and RV Cutaway.

Windshield wipers are operated by a permanent-magnet motor. When wiper control switch is in interval (INT) position, wipers make single sweeps, separated by adjustable-length pauses. All wiper functions are controlled by a Wiper Control Module (WCM). WCM is located behind center of instrument panel.

WIPER ARM & BLADE ASSEMBLY

Cycle and park wipers. Center of driver's side wiper blade should be 2.1-3.0" (53-77 mm) above top edge of cowl. Center of passenger's side wiper blade should be 2.6-3.6" (67-91 mm) above top edge of cowl. Adjust distance by removing wiper blade and repositioning on pivot arm.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Before performing any tests on wiper/washer system, check the following items to eliminate common problems

  1. Central junction box fuse No. 9 (30-amp).
  2. Damaged/stripped wiper motor shaft.
  3. Damaged/stripped wiper pivot arm shaft.
  4. Damaged washer pump.
  5. Loose or corroded connections.
  6. Damaged wiring harness.
  7. Binding windshield wiper pivot arm.
  8. Inoperative multifunction switch.
  9. Wiper motor.

If problem is not found, identify wiper/washer symptom and perform appropriate symptom test. See

table. For individual component testing, see

WIPER MOTOR

Wiper motor component test is not available.

WIPER/WASHER SWITCH

Wiper/washer switch is incorporated into multifunction switch on steering column. Wiper/washer portion of multifunction switch cannot be serviced separately. Replace entire multifunction switch if resistance is not as specified. See WIPER/WASHER SWITCH RESISTANCE TEST table. (Scheme 1)

Switch PositionSwitch Terminals No.(1) k/ohms
OFF589 & 99347.6
LOW589 & 9934.08
HIGH589 & 9930
INT589 & 99311.33
WASH
OFF993 & 590103.3
ON993 & 5900
INT Delay (2)
MIN993 & 5903.3
MAX993 & 590103.3
(1) Values are approximate. (2) Rotate (INT) interval knob from minimum to maximum. Resistance should gradually increase from 3.3 k/ohms (MIN) to 103.3 k/ohms (MAX).
(1)Values are approximate.
(2)Rotate (INT) interval knob from minimum to maximum. Resistance should gradually increase from 3.3 k/ohms (MIN) to 103.3 k/ohms (MAX).

WIPER/WASHER SWITCH RESISTANCE TEST

Scheme 1

Scheme 1
Scheme 1

SYSTEM TESTS

WARNINGDeactivate air bag system before performing any service operation involving steering column components. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Do not apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
SymptomPerform Test
Washer Pump InoperativeA
Wipers InoperativeB
Low Speed Does Not Operate ProperlyC
High Speed Does Not Operate ProperlyD
Intermittent Speed Does Not Operate ProperlyE
Wipers Will Not Park ProperlyF
Wipers Continue To Run When Switch Is OffG

SYMPTOM INDEX

TEST A: WASHER PUMP INOPERATIVE

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Turn ignition on. Press washer button. If washer pump operates properly, go to next step. If washer pump does not operate properly, go to step 3.
  2. Inspect washer system hoses, nozzles and pump for blockage or obstructions. Repair as necessary. If hoses, nozzles, etc. are okay, replace washer pump motor assembly.
  3. Turn ignition off. Disconnect washer pump electrical harness connector. Connector is located in right front of engine compartment near grille. Turn ignition on. Depress and hold washer switch. Measure voltage between Black/White wire at washer pump harness connector and ground. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to next step. If voltage is 10 volts or less, go to step 5.
  4. Turn ignition off. Measure resistance of Black wire between washer pump harness connector and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace washer pump. See «WASHER PUMP & RESERVOIR»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Black wire.
  5. Turn ignition off. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. To access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure resistance of Black/White wire between washer pump harness connector and ground. If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair Black/White wire short to ground.
  6. Turn ignition off. Measure resistance of Black/White wire between washer pump harness connector and WCM harness connector terminal No. 4. (Scheme 2) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Black/White wire.
  7. Disconnect multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector. Test wiper/washer switch. See «WIPER/WASHER SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system__wiperwasher-switch) under COMPONENT TESTS. If wiper/washer switch is faulty, replace multifunction switch. If wiper/washer switch is okay, replace WCM. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2
Scheme 2

TEST B: WIPERS INOPERATIVE

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Turn ignition off. Check central junction box fuse No. 9 (30-amp). Central junction box is located left and below steering column behind access panel. If fuse is okay, go to next step. If fuse is faulty, replace fuse and retest. If fuse fails again, check circuit for short to ground. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system).
  2. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. WCM is located behind center of instrument panel. For access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between WCM harness connector terminal No. 2 (Dark Green wire) and ground. (Scheme 2) Measure voltage between WCM harness connector terminal No. 11 (Dark Green wire) and ground. If both voltage readings are more than 10 volts, go to next step. If either voltage readings is 10 volts or less, repair Dark Green wire(s) between central junction box and WCM.
  3. Turn ignition off. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminal No. 3 (Black/Light Blue wire) and ground. (Scheme 2) Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminal No. 5 (Black/Light Blue wire) and ground. If each resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If either resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Black/Light Blue wire.
  4. Turn ignition off. Turn wiper switch to high. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminals No. 1 (Orange wire) and No. 7 (Brown/White wire). (Scheme 2) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to step 7. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, go to next step.
  5. Disconnect multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector. Measure resistance of Brown/White wire between multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector and WCM harness connector terminal No. 7. (Scheme 2) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Brown/White wire.
  6. Measure resistance of Orange wire between multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector and WCM harness connector terminal No. 1. (Scheme 2) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace multifunction switch. See «MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Orange wire.
  7. Reconnect WCM harness connector. Disconnect wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. Turn wiper switch to high. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector White wire and Yellow/Red wire terminals. If voltage is 10 volts or less, go to next step. If voltage is more than 10 volts, replace wiper motor. See «WIPER MOTOR»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  8. Turn ignition off. Disconnect WCM connector. Measure resistance of Yellow/Red wire between WCM connector terminal No. 10 and wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Yellow/Red wire. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace WCM. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

TEST C: LOW SPEED DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. Turn ignition on. Set wiper switch to low. Measure voltage between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector Yellow/Red wire and Dark Blue/Orange wire terminals. If voltage is 10 volts or less, go to next step. If voltage is more than 10 volts, replace wiper motor. See «WIPER MOTOR»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  2. Turn ignition off. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. WCM is located behind center of instrument panel. For access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure resistance between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector Dark Blue/Orange wire terminal and ground. If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair Dark Blue/Orange wire short to ground.
  3. Measure resistance of Dark Blue/Orange wire between WCM harness connector terminal No. 8 and wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Dark Blue/Orange wire.
  4. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminals No. 1 (Orange wire) and No. 7 (Brown/White wire). If resistance is 3500-4500 ohms, replace wiper control module. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is not 3500-4500 ohms, replace multifunction switch. See «MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

TEST D: HIGH SPEED DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. Turn ignition on. Set wiper switch to high. Measure voltage between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector Yellow/Red wire and White wire terminals. If voltage is 10 volts or less, go to next step. If voltage is more than 10 volts, replace wiper motor. See «WIPER MOTOR»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  2. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. WCM is located behind center of instrument panel. For access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure resistance between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector White wire terminal and ground. If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair White wire for short to ground.
  3. Measure resistance of White wire between WCM harness connector terminal No. 14 and wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in White wire.
  4. Turn wiper switch to high. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminals No. 1 (Orange wire) and No. 7 (Brown/White wire). (Scheme 2) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace WCM. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, replace multifunction switch. See «MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

TEST E: INTERMITTENT SPEED DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. WCM is located behind center of instrument panel. For access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Turn wiper switch to any interval setting. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminals No. 1 (Orange wire) and No. 7 (Brown/White wire). (Scheme 2) Resistance should be 10.5-12.0 k/ohms. If resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, replace multifunction switch. See «MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  2. While rotating interval portion of wiper switch, measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminals No. 7 (Brown/White wire) and No. 9 (Dark Blue/White wire). (Scheme 2) Resistance should smoothly change from 3.3-103 k/ohms. If resistance is not as specified, go to next step. If resistance is as specified, replace WCM. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  3. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminal No. 9 (Dark Blue/White wire) and ground. (Scheme 2) If resistance is more than 10 k/ohm, go to next step. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair Dark Blue/White wire short to ground. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system).
  4. Disconnect multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector. Measure resistance of Dark Blue/White wire between WCM harness connector terminal No. 9 and multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector. (Scheme 2) If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace multifunction switch. See «MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Dark Blue/White wire.

TEST F: WIPERS WILL NOT PARK PROPERLY

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect wiper motor 5-pin harness connector. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector Dark Green wire terminal and ground. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to next step. If voltage is 10 volts or less, repair Dark Green wire.
  2. Turn ignition off. Measure resistance between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector Black/Pink wire and Dark Blue/Orange wire terminals. Measure resistance between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector Yellow/Red wire terminal and ground. If each resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to step 4 . If either resistance is 5 ohms or more, go to next step.
  3. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. WCM is located behind center of instrument panel. For access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure resistance of Black/Pink wire between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector and WCM harness connector terminal No. 13. Measure resistance of Yellow/Red wire between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector and WCM connector terminal No. 10. Measure resistance of Dark Blue/Orange wire between wiper motor 5-pin harness connector and WCM harness connector terminal No. 8. If resistance of each wire is less than 5 ohms, replace WCM. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance of any wire is 5 ohms or more, repair open in appropriate wire(s).
  4. Inspect wiper linkage for bends, cracks, etc. Repair linkage as necessary. If linkage is okay, replace wiper motor. See «WIPER MOTOR»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

TEST G: WIPERS CONTINUE TO RUN WHEN SWITCH IS OFF

Note. After repair, retest system operation.

  1. Disconnect multifunction 7-pin harness connector and test wiper/washer portion of multifunction switch. See «WIPER/WASHER SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system__wiperwasher-switch) under COMPONENT TESTS. If switch is faulty, replace multifunction switch. See «MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If switch is okay, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition off. Disconnect Wiper Control Module (WCM) harness connector. WCM is located behind center of instrument panel. For access, see «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disconnect multifunction switch 7-pin harness connector. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminal No. 9 (Dark Blue/White wire) and ground. (Scheme 2) If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair Dark Blue/White wire short to ground.
  3. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminal No. 1 (Orange wire) and ground. (Scheme 2) If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair Orange wire short to ground.
  4. Measure resistance between WCM harness connector terminal No. 7 (Brown/White wire) and ground. (Scheme 2) If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, replace WCM. See «WIPER CONTROL MODULE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-ststem-washer-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is 10 k/ohms or less, repair Brown/White wire short to ground.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WARNINGDeactivate air bag system before performing any service operation involving steering column components. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Do not apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Insert punch through hole in lower steering column shroud and push release tab while pulling out ignition switch lock cylinder.
  2. If equipped, twist tilt wheel handle and remove. Remove steering column shrouds. Remove retaining screws, disconnect electrical connectors and remove multifunction switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.
  1. Remove battery and battery tray. Remove reservoir retaining screws. Remove filler hose. Disconnect electrical connector and detach wiring harness locator.
  2. Disconnect washer hose and drain reservoir. Remove pump from reservoir. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill reservoir before making electrical connections.

Turn ignition off. Remove engine cover. Disconnect module connector. Push detent tabs on module through holes in mounting bracket and slide module off bracket. To install, reverse removal procedure.

  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove wiper arms. Open hood. Remove cowl top vent panels. Remove access cover from dash panel, reach through access hole and remove motor drive arm retaining clip.
  2. Disconnect wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft from wiper motor. Disconnect wiring from wiper motor. Remove motor. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten mounting bolts to 62-89 INCH lbs. (7-10 N.m).

Wiper/Washer System Wiring Diagram (Econoline). Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Wiper/Washer System Wiring Diagram (Econoline)
Scheme 3: Wiper/Washer System Wiring Diagram (Econoline)

See also:
• SYMPTOM INDEX
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• WIPER/WASHER SWITCH