Windshield Wiper Issues

[Smitty316]

Hi, I have a 2009 Ranger 4 cylinder, automatic. Recently my windshield wipers have periods where they wont come on, and then all of a sudden they'll start working again. I checked the fuse to see if it was corroded or loose, but it seems ok. Is there something else I can check, or any suggestions?

Thanks, Mike

 

[RonD]

Most likely the wiper "motor", all the electronics are in the motor housing

There are two fuses, F5 and F29, in cab fuse box, but unlikely to be the issue

Multi-function(turn signal stalk) was the more common issues 2003 and earlier, but settings wouldn't work, like no High but low was OK

here is the 2008 diagram, 2009 is the same

 

[Smitty316]

Most likely the wiper "motor", all the electronics are in the motor housing

There are two fuses, F5 and F29, in cab fuse box, but unlikely to be the issue

Multi-function(turn signal stalk) was the more common issues 2003 and earlier, but settings wouldn't work, like no High but low was OK

here is the 2008 diagram, 2009 is the same

Thanks.

 

[Smitty316]

Most likely the wiper "motor", all the electronics are in the motor housing

There are two fuses, F5 and F29, in cab fuse box, but unlikely to be the issue

Multi-function(turn signal stalk) was the more common issues 2003 and earlier, but settings wouldn't work, like no High but low was OK

here is the 2008 diagram, 2009 is the same

Yesterday they wouldn't work when I went to use the washer. I turned on the wipers and just left them on while I drove. After about 10 min, I hit a bump in the road and they came on. Does this still sound typical of the electronics in the motor?
Thanks again, Mike

 

[RonD]

You are asking if it is a loose connection, sure, why not?

Key on, engine off, hood open
turn wiper switch on, hopefully they won't work
TAP on steering column
TAP on cab fuse box
TAP on motor housing

Move wiring harness's around
Unplug the wiper motor connector and plug it back in

The cab fuse box is part of the SJB(smart junction box), its the Body Computer(BCM)
It has 4 large wiring connectors
These connectors can get moisture inside and corrode the pins/slots causing intermittent issues

Picture here: https://i0.wp.com/sparkys-answers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC09930.jpg

 

[Smitty316]

You are asking if it is a loose connection, sure, why not?

Key on, engine off, hood open
turn wiper switch on, hopefully they won't work
TAP on steering column
TAP on cab fuse box
TAP on motor housing

Move wiring harness's around
Unplug the wiper motor connector and plug it back in

The cab fuse box is part of the SJB(smart junction box), its the Body Computer(BCM)
It has 4 large wiring connectors
These connectors can get moisture inside and corrode the pins/slots causing intermittent issues

Picture here: https://i0.wp.com/sparkys-answers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC09930.jpg

Thanks again. I'll have to wait until it's not working. At this point it works most of the time though.

 

[Smitty316]

Thanks again. I'll have to wait until it's not working. At this point it works most of the time though.

I guess my question is if the motor is the most likely problem from what I described. They're working fine now, but I'll try tapping on things the next time it stops. I'd like to have a better idea before I replace the motor. Thanks, Mike

 

[RonD]

TAP on the motor and see if wipers stop

 

[Smitty316]

TAP on the motor and see if wipers stop

Brilliant! I tapped around on the motor and realized that the issue seems to be in the plug. I haven't decided for sure if its a bad connection in the plug or the wires that go into the female end of the plug, but when I wiggle the plug I can make it go off and on. I'll try spraying some electrical contact cleaner in there if you think that's a good idea.

Thanks, Mike

 

[RonD]

Yes, unplug it and inspect the connection, contact cleaner is fine to use