96 Windstar Wiper Problem

The front wipers will not turn on with the switch. However, they will come on when I press in the switch to spray the washer fluid. Of course they turn off after a few wipes. Does this sound like a defective switch to you?

Thanks for any input you may have. I need to get these things working really soon!

Hi Stewart,
I have twice had the opposite problem with my '96. In both cases it was a wire in the multifunction switch, which is what Ford calls the turn signal, wiper switch. I have been able to re-solder them both times however taking the switch apart is not for the feint of heart. There are a lot of moving parts in there! If you choose to replace the switch it is not bad to get out. You must remove the trim from around the steering column, and then the switch is held in by two screws accessable from the left side.
I am assuming you have ruled out fuses - It is conceivable that the washer and wipers are on different fuses.

Good Luck

The front wipers will not turn on with the switch. However, they will come on when I press in the switch to spray the washer fluid. Of course they turn off after a few wipes. Does this sound like a defective switch to you?

Thanks for any input you may have. I need to get these things working really soon!

I have a 96 Winne as well and had the same problem with windshield wipers working intermittently and jiggling forward and back the control arm I could sometimes get it to work and then the washer /fluid sprayer button stopped operating as well..and then the wipers.. Not a good thing!! I found that the wires were broken after the main connector between the multi switch and the connecting /next harness where the tilting of the column basically kinked the wire too many times and broke them off! The second harness runs along the top of the column hidden nicely away and then reconnects to another harness under the dash and to the left. As Busboy mentioned the multi functional switch is not fun to get at and requires a fair bit of steering column and adjacent hardware work to get at! The cost of labour alone would probably run you two hours (+/-) plus the part! I did it myself and picked up (not the switch itself but the next adjacent harness (approx.14-16" long and installed in about 2 1/2 hours. If you need to get at any burnt out lights in the instrument panel..then would be a good time as well since your right there !! Good luck and I may be able to run you thru the steps in a way to get at it but I did it trial and error and turned out great for me.. and I'm no techy! Good luck

The problem turned out to be the multi-function switch. I ordered a replacement from Millenium Ford at quite a savings! I recommend them highly for saving money on Ford parts.