1988 Ranger Wipers Do Not Work

[RangerNielsen]

I have a 1988 Ranger with the 2.9L 4x4 5speed. The wipers do not work at all, and the fuse is good, I had that tested today. If I turn the wipers on, I can move them manually up about half way. There is a second switch that came with the truck so I am led to believe that the switch has been replaced. I tried to take the motor off today but it started raining really bad so I put it back together and I couldnt get the motor out anyway.
Is it the motor thats bad, or possibly the switch? And how do I get the motor out?
Thanks

 

[Mark_88]

Check the on-line repair manual...there is a step by step instruction in the Chasis Electrical section...seemed pretty straight forward...the access panel in the center of the firewall will allow you to reach in and remove the retaining clip that holds the motor to the arm for the wipers...

Go to this link and log in using tech as the user name and password....

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=url,uid

 

[PanamaExpat]

Get ready for some fun. That little clip that holds the wiper arms on the pitman is a bear to get off. Then if you are lucky the bushings won't be rusted to it either. The wiper motor itself is really simple inside. You can easily take it apart and clean it up. I doubt though that you could get brushes if you need them. You will probably have to get a new motor at that time.

Here are a couple videos that I found useful when I did mine:

 

[fyre82]

Check the fuse, the switch, wiring and motor.
There is supposed to be a ground wire from the motor to the back of the left head of the 2.9.

Good troubleshooting is from easiest to hardest by elimination.

Good Luck
Rich

 

[killj0y]

Can you just add 12 volts straight to see if it will engage? Just to eliminate the motor itself?

 

[martin]

There's a switch inside the motor housing that is used to park the wipers, you need to supply 12v to the continuous supply and also to the wire that parks them.

 

[RangerNielsen]

Thanks for all the info guys! I got the motor replaced, but I put the arm on backwards so my wipers are parked in the up positions, and it was the motor, cause it works now!