Windshield Wipers - Operate While Switch is OFF
Article No.00-9-6
DATE
5/1/00
TITLE
WINDSHIELD WIPERS - FRONT WIPERS OPERATE WHILE SWITCH IS IN "OFF" POSITION
FORD:
1999 TAURUS
1999-2000 MUSTANG, EXPLORER, F-150, F-250 LD, RANGER, WINDSTAR
2000 EXCURSION
MERCURY:
1999 SABLE
1999-2000 MOUNTAINEER
This TSB is being republished in its entirety to revise the vehicles affected and to update the Service Procedure.
This TSB applies to the following vehicles only:
Explorer, Mountaineer and Ranger 4X2 Without Power Windows built through 9/12/1999
Excursion built through 8/25/1999
F-150/250, Mustang, Windstar, Taurus/Sable built through 8/16/1999
ISSUE
The front windshield wipers may operate while the multifunction switch is in the OFF position on some vehicles. This may be caused by a resistance drift in the multifunction switch or a partially plugged-in connector.
ACTION
If the uncommanded wiper operation condition is present and all wiper related connectors are fully seated, install a revised multifunction switch. Refer to the following Service Procedure and the Multifunction Switch Application Chart for the applicable switch.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) OR THE WIPER CONTROL MODULE.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THAT ALL CONNECTIONS ARE FULLY SEATED TO THE GEM, CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS, FRONT WIPER MOTOR AND MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH DURING INSTALLATION. CHECK THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTION CLOSELY FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS, TERMINALS, AND TERMINAL PUSH OUTS. DO NOT ATTEMPT A CONTINUITY CHECK OR PROBE THE CIRCUITS OF THE WIRE HARNESS.
If non-wiper related symptoms are present, perform diagnostics per the appropriate Workshop Manual.
If the uncommanded wiper operation condition is present and no other symptoms apply to the vehicle being serviced, install a revised multifunction switch.
Refer to the Multifunction Switch Application Chart for the applicable switch.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THAT ALL CONNECTIONS ARE FULLY SEATED DURING INSTALLATION. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE GEM OR THE WIPER CONTROL MODULE.
Using Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS), New Generation Star (NGS) Jester or Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS), run GEM or CTM. Retrieve and clear continuous Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and run On-Demand Self-Test to make sure that no valid DTCs are set.
MALFUNCTION SWITCH APPLICATION
PARTS
SUPERSEDES: 99-24-3
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 202000, 203000