Wipers coming on by themselves

[DougHeb]

I have a 2003 CV and the wipers come on by themselves intermittently and inconsistently (when the switch is in the off position). I replaced the multi function switch but the problem reoccurred 2 months later. Took it to the Ford Store and they said it was the wiper motor and wanted $600.00+ to fix it. I declined the work. Can anyone verify that this is an accurate diagnosis?
Is there any way to fix the problem that's not outrageously expensive?

[fleettech]

I posted this in another thread but it is worth checking out
We have had a bunch of 03's with interment lighting and wiper problems we have traced it to an improperly routed wiring harness from the distribution box under the right front near the front bumper support rod. the harness will rub the rod and will short out causing it to short out

if it is a wiper motor they are not hard to change but I do reccommend getting the part from Ford

[Davescort97]

Go to the salvage and get a wiper motor for about $40. They are easy to put in. Parts depts. at dealers are what keeps the money flowing.

[DougHeb]

Fleettech, Thanks for the input. Come to think of it, the service advisor did mention that the wiring along with the wiper motor need to be replaced, I guess he meant the harness. With regards to the examples that you mentioned, have you been replacing the wiper motors also, or just the wiring that was rubbing and shorting out? I'm concerned with the possibility that there may be nothing wrong with my wiper motor.

[fleettech]

the first one got the works. motor, multi function switch,etc and still acted up so we got looking (cvpi's didn't normally have wiper problems) we checked our fleet and most of them were rubbing who would think to look at the right front for wipers and lights screwing up.