Whacked Out Wipers - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

txhellraiser · 12-12-2009, 12:37

Alright, I've searched just about everywhere on the web for a solution to my problem. My wipers only work on high and low and I can't get them to shut off without turning the truck off. BTW, this is a 1999 Expedition. I just replaced the whole switch assembly and still the same damn problem. Nothing else is affected other than front and rear wipers. Is there a relay somewhere I'm missing? I've checked the owners manual and it says there should be a relay under the hood but that spot is empty and there is not pins in that socket. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

**360ci** · 12-12-2009, 19:38

On newer models (Limited trim) the wipers are automatic. As for your '99, if it's anything similar to my '02 GMC 2500, I had to replace the wiper motor itself. The relay's tested OK. It was attached to a small circuit that helped control the intermittent speed. I priced out a new board, and it was CHEAPER for me to buy a new motor with the board already installed! Before I replaced the board and wiper motor, the wipers would only work on high. others will reply shortly with suggestions.

txhellraiser · 12-13-2009, 05:55

Does the motor actually control the speeds or is the GEM? My back one is giving me hell also. It doesn't work at all so I figure it's probably the motor but I'm not really concerned with it as much as the fronts. I'm about to buy a GEM but before I do, I think it would be easier to change the motor if that's what actually controls the speeds.

**Bert** · 12-13-2009, 09:46

There is a circuit that runs from the GEm to control the speed. It probably is the GEM though. Here's a diagragm for the that part of the system.

txhellraiser · 12-13-2009, 12:21

Well, I just took out the GEM and nothing looks like it has ever been wet and all the circuits appear to me intact. It's just weird that the wipers are the only things giving me shit. Could a bad motor cause this? I've replaced the multifunction switch, relays, and have looked at the GEM. I actually got another GEM but it's from a F150 2x4 and mine is a expy AWD. So if anyone needs a GEM, I have this one.

txhellraiser · 12-13-2009, 12:24

Another question is why don't I have a HI/Low relay on this truck? It has the slot but no prongs inside that slot.

txhellraiser · 12-18-2009, 05:52

I finally just went to a wrecking yard and got a new GEM and that solved the problem. Everything is in working order now. I also had a window guy come and put a new window in and seal the shit out of it.

**Bert** · 12-18-2009, 08:10

Glad to hear that it's fixed. Thanks for the update.