Spooky Electrical Problems (99 Taurus)

I know I'm not the only person to have these problems with my Taurus as I have seen many complaints on the net. The wipers on my Taurus come on at random times and lately while driving all the lights will come on in the dash, and sometimes the engine will die. Then it will start a while later after a few tries. Last night I had to drive home with only my headlights on in fear that it would cut out on the highway. Does anyone know what the source of these mysterious electrical problems is?

Hi from the foggy City of Saint John, NB, Canada. One of the first areas to check when having intermittent (off and on again) electrical problems of any time is the flow of power from the engine to the battery, alternator etc. Throughly check ALL fittings by removing, inspecting for HIDDEN CORROSION or damage, clean well, lube with electrically conductive lubricant and replace making sure the connection is SNUG FITTING. Believe this: Grounding is very important between the engine and the car's METAL body components....loose and corroded grounds produce a lot of your descriptive problems. After you ahve performed these simple procedures and you still have all the symptoms, better go to a competent electrical shop for pinpointing your situation. Note on Ford Taurus (1999) - 'Ghost on-off wipers' may be combo signal-wipe switch at steering column. Dirty switches can 'bleed contact' across through a trail of contaminants.

Thanks,
Davie128

The wiper switch is prone to "spooks". Also could be the GEM (General Electrical Module). Its the computer controling dash lights, wipers, heater controls, radio, ect.

The wiper switch is prone to "spooks". Also could be the GEM (General Electrical Module). Its the computer controling dash lights, wipers, heater controls, radio, ect.

i have the same wiper problem on my 99. about how much is it to fix?

As for the wiper coming on when it shouldn't, there was a service report put out to Ford to replace the switch. If you are under warranty, great, otherwise you will have to order one. Look at this if they allow it to stay on my reply. http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/9497faq/tsb/tsb/files/000906.pdf. If not, search the web using the words "99 Taurus windshield wiper switch" That will bring up a report about this. I replaced my switch with the one recommended and it works great now.

Pokey, to fix the windshield wiper problem you replaced your multifunction switch, correct? How hard was it to do? Did you encounter any problems? Did you buy the new part from the dealer?

Check the VIN of the vehicle against the listing of vehicles that were recovered from floods. Dealers are supposed to sell flooded cars on salvage titles but you can guess what happens. A person I know had his car flooded -completely under water- the insurance paid for the car - he then bought the car back from the salvage company! Cleaned it out! And sold the car with a regular title. It's not right, but a lot of cars were flooded in N.C. a couple of years ago....