Windshield wiper not working, sort of...

[no class]

1999 Ranger and the wipers stopped working the other day. Did one wipe, paused and then did it two mores times, but only on high. Then it died.
I guessed it was probably the motor since it was a used replacement the p.o. put on (has writing from a junkyard on it)
So I bought another used one to test my theory before paying for a new one. It did the same thing. It worked a couple times and stopped.
So far:
fuse #16 is good, washer sprays
Both relays click when key is turned, swapped with different relays and they both worked as well.
When the motor is plugged in and laying on the intake it works like it's supposed to.
the Red and White wires tested good with 12v and the Dark Blue/Orange shows just slightly over 11.
the light blue shows 3v (GEM?)
Any ideas? GEM is bad?
The linkage moves freely with no motor attached.

 

[tw205]

Did you test voltage when it’s plugged into mounted motor. Possibly loose wires in connector? When replacing electrical components fill the connector with dielectric gel. It will prevent rust from eating the connector.

 

[ericbphoto]

I believe you have 2 wiper relays in the engine compartment. One of them is the park relay which enables the wiper motor to return the blades to the parked position when you turn the switch off. Either that relay is bad or the GEM is telling it to park.

 

[no class]

You can hear the two different relays clicking independent of one another. The part that doesn't make sense is when plugged in, but not attached to the linkage, it works perfectly. The speed of the motor changes with the multi-function switch and it returns home when shut off. As soon as I hook up the linkage and have it mounted to the firewall it stops working.

 

[no class]

Possibly loose wires in connector?

I haven't checked that. The plug appears solid, I'll check it out.

 

[ericbphoto]

The part that doesn't make sense is when plugged in, but not attached to the linkage, it works perfectly.

I forgot about that.

Does the linkage move freely with the motor detached?

 

[avid]

My 1998 wipers are also malfunctioning. They work on high and regular, but the intermittent functions don't work, and also the washer has begun not working. I replaced the multi-function switch but still have the same problems. Additionally, I have had theft alarm and door ajar light problems, and the dash battery indicator light periodically flashing.

After posting some questions here I'm fairly certain the GEM module has either begun to fail or I have several corroded connections. I haven't been able to find a remanufactured GEM module so I'm just sorta living with it for now, but after all the work I've done on my truck it's sure discouraging to have these kind of persistant electrical gremlins. I'll be curious to see what you find out.

Here's my old thread: https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/windshield-wipers-malfunctioning.182779/#post-1682248

 

[tw205]

My 1998 wipers are also malfunctioning. They work on high and regular, but the intermittent functions don't work, and also the washer has begun not working. I replaced the multi-function switch but still have the same problems. Additionally, I have had theft alarm and door ajar light problems, and the dash battery indicator light periodically flashing.

After posting some questions here I'm fairly certain the GEM module has either begun to fail or I have several corroded connections. I haven't been able to find a remanufactured GEM module so I'm just sorta living with it for now, but after all the work I've done on my truck it's sure discouraging to have these kind of persistant electrical gremlins. I'll be curious to see what you find out.

Here's my old thread: https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/windshield-wipers-malfunctioning.182779/#post-1682248

Not familiar with you rig but old school rigs had the plunger in the door casing to turn the dope light on and off. Newer rigs have a sensor in the latch mech. Spray some lube up in and around your latch, open and close door a dozen times. May also be your alarm issue as it would be showing door as open (dope light on )

 

[ericbphoto]

Not familiar with you rig but old school rigs had the plunger in the door casing to turn the dope light on and off. Newer rigs have a sensor in the latch mech. Spray some lube up in and around your latch, open and close door a dozen times. May also be your alarm issue as it would be showing door as open (dope light on )

On newer vehicles, the timer for wiper delay, timer and controls for the dome light, timer and control for delaying turning off headlights, etc. Are all contained in the GEM module. On even newer vehicles, the GEM has been renamed the body control module. It gives us convenient features while adding another point of failure. All in the name of "improvement".

 

[tw205]

On newer vehicles, the timer for wiper delay, timer and controls for the dome light, timer and control for delaying turning off headlights, etc. Are all contained in the GEM module. On even newer vehicles, the GEM has been renamed the body control module. It gives us convenient features while adding another point of failure. All in the name of "improvement".

I get it. There is still a mechanism that sees the door open. Dirt rust crud can interfere with it even if the timer eventually turns it off.

 

[ericbphoto]

I get it. There is still a mechanism that sees the door open. Dirt rust crud can interfere with it even if the timer eventually turns it off.

That is true. But in Avid's case, when multiple things are failing, that all have one part in common, that is most likely where the problem is. It could also be a bad power or ground connection related to the GEM.

Our OP (No Class) seems to have a different issue.

 

[no class]

Does the linkage move freely with the motor detached?

It does move freely, yes. I'm not sure if it's possibly too freely moving. It could possibly be worn bushings binding. That's about the only thing i can think of.

 

[tw205]

M

That is true. But in Avid's case, when multiple things are failing, that all have one part in common, that is most likely where the problem is. It could also be a bad power or ground connection related to the GEM.

Our OP (No Class) seems to have a different issue.

Makes me miss the good old days. I’m an analog man in a digital world.
When I went shopping for my SuperDuty it took me months to find one with the as few electronics as possible. Manual everything. Not even a cruise control. Am fm radio with two speakers.
Spent 20+ years doing electronics and data networking. I’m so done with that. Simplicity is the final solution.

 

[09fx4guy]

I think they may offer replacement bushings for the linkage, which might not be a bad idea to look into. But the linkage should be free moving, just not sloppy.

If the only difference between a properly functioning wiper system and a non-functioning one is simply installing the motor / bolting it into place, then it does not make sense to me that the GEM module is the problem in this case.

Where did you get the replacement motor? I know I got a replacement motor from Pep Boys for my Grand Marquis a few years back. It was a reman, only one that was available, and it was not good out of the box, and failed within a couple months. It was noisy and seemed weak.