Windshield wiper motor not working

Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
I bought this vehicle 6 weeks ago. The man claimed the wiper motor needed replaced as well as the window motor regulator both parts came with the vehicle. I thought okay easy job. This vehicle has no rust and the frame is solid. It would pass inspection in a heartbeat if the wipers worked. I changed the window motor no problem. After doing a test using hot wire from lighter I got the wipers to come down. I have checked all fuses and wires with a meter a test light a non contact voltage pen. I have taken relays out and performed separate tests I've replaced good relays for nothing. I also put in a new combination switch arm. I checked the wiring harness to the wiper motor several times. I have ground and power but nothing else when the key is on and wiper is in the other positions. I have a 6 pin I believe. Any help would be appreciated. Im afraid its going to be a broken wire, loose wire or something simple that's going to be a pain to track down. I'm am not a mechanic or an electrician just a DIY problem solver type of person. Thank you
Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 8:33 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Yes, it does sound like you are having a wiring issue. I would check all connections and be sure their not burnt, melted, corroded, broken, loose, exposed, etc. You should also check to see if the grounds are connected securely as well. Here is a tutorial on showing how to test wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I've attached a wiper motor wiring diagram below for your vehicle. I've cut the picture in half so you can view larger. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Thank you so much.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 11:03 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

I've updated my post from above to include the tutorial which wasn't attached due to my fault. Hope this helps and let us know what you find with the wiring testing and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Thank you. I couldn't find the tutorial in the original reply so I downloaded the diagrams and have been studying them. I really appreciate the help. If I do not figure this out I'm envisioning a $1,000.00 bill from a garage. I understand diagnostics take time but I have had a few padded bills in my life.
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Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 AT 12:16 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Depending on your area most shop labor rates are around $100.00 an hour labor. Let us know if the diagrams work for your electrical wiring diagnosis. Let us know if you have any further questions on this issue. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Again today I depended on people who claim they will help me but did not. I ran out to junk yard and got the wiper motor wiring harness. I had to cut the wires though. I have over a foot of wires on the end. Question is, how do I check the wires on that harness end to see if they are good? I have a feeling my problem is in the harness plug. If not it only cost me a few bucks but it wouldn't hurt to try. My lights and everything else work so I really don't think it's in the GEM. I replaced the combination arm switch. The fuses are good the relays are good. I just want to check this before I go ripping the dash apart again to get to GEM. It will be 40 degrees and sunny tomorrow so I'll be able to work on it some more before my appt with garage on Thursday. Thank you again.
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Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Okay, so this is how non mechanic/electrical I am and an example of how things can get overlooked. I used your wiring diagrams and have it narrowed down. The Fuse Block inside the hood is where the problem is. I checked all the big fuses with a meter and non contact voltage pen over and over the past month. I took the fuses out and physically inspected them. When it came to the relays it was cold out so I took them out came inside and checked them with a meter and eventually the relay tester which they need to be taken out to check that way. Well today I was wiring up a toggle switch just so I can use it while I figure it out and my starting point was direct wiring from the wiper relays because doing a bench test direct to the wiper motor I blew the toggle switch. Well I wired it up. And nothing. The bottom half of the Fuse Block under the hood has no power going to the wiper relays. So yes I was right the relays are good but they just aren't getting power. So I am one step closer. I just have to figure out which wire or loose connection or pin or whatever it is and find it and fix it. Again thank you for your direction. I never would have got this far with it. Will post more when I narrow it down a bit more.
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Please check the power and ground using the wiper wiring diagrams and guide Danny L provided. Also the GEM modules go out all the time on these vehicles. Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Yes, Please keep us updated on this repair and let us know if you need any additional wiper motor electrical diagrams. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 AT 4:21 PM

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