Possible fix for automatic wipers?

[1st Ford]

Ok - this is my first Ford and I was really looking forward to some of the features of the Focus. While the "auto wipers" wasn't necessarily one of them I thought it was a bonus. To date I would rate mine (10 months now) as poor in operation. Mine tend to work ok for a few minutes then stop - after the windshield gets so rain covered I can't see then they'll start again. This is regardless of where I have the sensitivity set. I was much happier with my old intermittent wipers with Rainex (no I have not put any on this car). This random stopping occurs often in a 25 minute drive in the rain. If I could revert to intermittent wipers I would.

[Bigbot45]

If you take off the cover behind the rain sensor and unplug the sensor, the wipers will work as standard intermittents. This my third straight car with auto wipers and this car has the worst amongst them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using FF Mobile

[cobie56]

Originally Posted by Bigbot45

If you take off the cover behind the rain sensor and unplug the sensor, the wipers will work as standard intermittents. This my third straight car with auto wipers and this car has the worst amongst them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using FF Mobile

can you explain how to remove the cover and what to disconnect under it?
thanks

[oritpro]

Originally Posted by Timthom62

According to the service manual, a failed (or disconnected) rain sensor will revert the wipers to standard intermittent wiper operation with the sensitivity control thumbwheel becoming the intermittent delay control. I guess that's always an option.

Originally Posted by Bigbot45

If you take off the cover behind the rain sensor and unplug the sensor, the wipers will work as standard intermittents. This my third straight car with auto wipers and this car has the worst amongst them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using FF Mobile

+REP

I just tried this and confirmed that it does work.

[cobie56]

Originally Posted by oritpro

+REP

I just tried this and confirmed that it does work.

thnx.. u make it sound easy so i hope it is lol
i'll try that tomorrow...

[oritpro]

Originally Posted by cobie56

thnx.. u make it sound easy so i hope it is lol
i'll try that tomorrow...

It is easy. All you need is a hammer, pry bar, and a sawzall.

Seriously...

There's two plastic covers behind the rear view mirror that are just snapped in place, one on top of the other. The connector you want to unplug is behind the lower (longer) plastic cover.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by paul21

Mine don't work like they're supposed to. I might just disconnect the sensor and go manual, the system fails over so you can choose.

Originally Posted by feta_mgp

So I've been wondering, with all the parts that the Focus and Escape now share interior-wise... is it possible they share the rain-sensor as well? I know that folks have mentioned the Escape auto-wipers work like they're supposed to, and we all know the Focus certainly doesn't all the time...

Originally Posted by 1st Ford

Ok - this is my first Ford and I was really looking forward to some of the features of the Focus. While the "auto wipers" wasn't necessarily one of them I thought it was a bonus. To date I would rate mine (10 months now) as poor in operation. Mine tend to work ok for a few minutes then stop...]

Hey gang,

Those of you who are having problems with your windshield wipers should make an appointment at your dealership so they can diagnose and repair. I'm happy to loop in your regional Customer Service Managers as well; just shoot me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, and daytime phone number. I'll get the ball rolling!

Originally Posted by Bigbot45

If you take off the cover behind the rain sensor and unplug the sensor, the wipers will work as standard intermittents. This my third straight car with auto wipers and this car has the worst amongst them...

Originally Posted by oritpro

+REP

I just tried this and confirmed that it does work.

Thanks for bringing up this possible solution as well. Group effort for the win!

-Crystal

[feta_mgp]

Originally Posted by FordCustomerService

Hey gang,

Those of you who are having problems with your windshield wipers should make an appointment at your dealership so they can diagnose and repair. I'm happy to loop in your regional Customer Service Managers as well; just shoot me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, and daytime phone number. I'll get the ball rolling!





Thanks for bringing up this possible solution as well. Group effort for the win!

-Crystal

Thanks Crystal for chiming in. PM sent.

For everyone else... the disconnecting tip is great and all, but some of us purchased the car with the rain sensing wipers for a reason, it's convenient. They worked great in my last car so I was excited to have them again. I shouldn't have to disconnect them to get my wipers working the way I want. If I need to disconnect my rain sensing wipers, I'd like the money I paid for them back, since I'd truly be losing a feature I paid for. Know what I mean?

[D99GUY]

Focus and ecscape use different part # hard to tell from the catolog what the difference is.

[Bigbot45]

Hi Crystal,
I'll bring my car in for service next month for an oil change and snow tire switchover. I'll ask the dealer to take a look at the sensor then. If they don't do anything other than re-connect it I'll let you know.

Thanks.