Crazy wipers and dealerships solution

I have a 2001 windstar. The front wipers work fine on hi and low. On intermittent, however, they do funny things. Instead of the wipers sweeping all the way across the windshield and back between wipes, they go only about one third of the way. They wait awhile, then go a bit farther. This continues. It is distracting.

The dealership says the motor is bad and wants to replace it for $450 dollars. A car parts store will sell me a replacement motor for $40 dollars.

I am not even sure if the motor is the problem. It seems to work fine on high and low.

Does anyone have any advice?

I would first replace the two plug-in relays that control the wipers. They are in the fuse box near the battery. Refer to your glove box manual for location.
I've replaced this pair of relays a few times on my '99. It'll cost you about $15. I'd bet this is the problem area.

If this doesn't correct the problem, the multi-function stalk switch on the strng col is next on the check list.

I hope this is your only problem... as the motor is expensive from Ford.

I agree on the relay thing. My 99 had a bad relay that controled the fuel pump. The fuel pump would run even when there was no key in the ignition until the bettery would go dead. Bought a new battery and finnally a new relay. The old relay would click on and off continuously.

I have a 2001 windstar. The front wipers work fine on hi and low. On intermittent, however, they do funny things. Instead of the wipers sweeping all the way across the windshield and back between wipes, they go only about one third of the way. They wait awhile, then go a bit farther. This continues. It is distracting.

The dealership says the motor is bad and wants to replace it for $450 dollars. A car parts store will sell me a replacement motor for $40 dollars.

I am not even sure if the motor is the problem. It seems to work fine on high and low.

Does anyone have any advice?


Curt,

I am experiencing the exact same wiper problem on my 1999 Windstar and came across your thread from almost a year ago. Did replacing the two relays solve the problem or did you have to get a new wiper motor?

Thanks.

I need HELP! I think I found the fuse box in the engine compartment...by the battery on a 2001 right? Just one question: How in the world do you open this thing up? I cannot for the life of me get it open. Help please! I have no windshield wipers and need to fix it fast!!

Thank you!!

Poordude.
It ain't easy! Don't know why they had too make it so difficult.

Keep in mind that the cover hinges on the front edge ... and the "latch/clip" is on the rear edge. I find that pressing down on the center of the cover ...while also lifting on the rear edge works.

You may have to remove the air filter for extra knucle room.

Poordude.
It ain't easy! Don't know why they had too make it so difficult.

They probably want us to give up and take it to them! Thank you very much for the quick reply! I'm going to get woke up this morning and go out and bang my knuckles around!! Have a great holiday season!