1997 Ford Expedition: windshield wiper failure

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Electrical · 190,000 miles · WA

Miscellaneous electrical problems caused by water leaking from driver's side windshield into the fuse box causing, windshield wipers to quit. Door lock won't work, radio quit. Problem is never the same, depends on where the water leak occurs. Very scary and dangerous when driving at night in the rain.

Filed Dec 5, 2011 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · MS · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. The contact was driving approximately 60 MPH with the windshield wipers activated and suddenly without warning the windshield wipers failed to function. In addition, the entire electrical system failed with a strong burning odor emitting inside of the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated there was water leaking into the fuse box as a result it caused a shortage within the gem module. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2007 · Electrical · 124,500 miles · VA

In 1998, my 1997 ford expedition began having electrical problems. Window locks going up and down on their own, radio playing when no one was in the car, clicking from under the dash, seatbelt lights coming on when seatbelts were being worn, wipers working on their own. I had this vehicle in the shop multiple times for these issues. After having his vehicle in the shop numerous times to no avail, I threatened a law suit if something wasn't done. The dealership called in a crew that they referred to as the rain doctors. Come to find out, the windshield was leaking on the gem module and shorting out the electrical system. The vehicle was under warranty at that time. Now, in 2007, I am still driving the same 1997 exped. In the last few weeks, all these problems have started all over again. This time, the 4x4 cluster lights coming on and going off, clicking under the dash again, heater coming on by itself when car isn't running and running the battery down, beeping under the dash on passenger side, radio playing on its own. The whole scenario happening all over again. I am currently parking the vehicle 100 yards from my house for fear it may catch on fire by itself as I have read many, many instances in which the 1997 exped. Caught fire while parked. This should be a recall by now. Several recalls on this vehicle but all these were checked out. However, I cannot for the life of me understand why this leaky windshield problem is not being recalled. Now ten years later, when this problem is discussed at garages and parts store in my community, the technicians immediately are familiar with the problem. Again, I cannot imagine why this has not been a recall issue. The first time I went through this nightmare, it was under warranty. This time, I guess it is completely up to me to repair this faulty windshield problem. I sincerely hope no one dies or has died due to one of these expeditions catching fire. Recall where are you???!!!!!

Filed Jun 20, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 119,000 miles · CO · fire

Dt:consumer stated that since t she bought vehicle it had electrical problems. Dealer told consumer had consumer to take vehicle to a special shop, they would try to figure out the problem. Consumer said that within the first three months vehicle had two ignition switches installedt hat consumer did not have to pay for. Vehicle had several other electrical problems. Consumer said that without the key in ignition the windshield wipers /radio came on, and the air bag deployed. Sometimesm the windows would not role back up after being rolled down. Consumer arrived home after driving vehicle all day. Consumer parked and went inside the house. About five minutes later, found out that vehicle was on fire. Firemen stated they could not tell what caused the fire.

Filed Mar 21, 2005 · Visibility · 48,000 miles · OH

Rear windshield wiper will not to turn on most times. If wiper assembly is jarred hard enought (either by bump or banging on it) will cause it to work for a while. This problem was orginally fixed by dealer, but warranty has passed and the problem has returned. I have taken the unit apart, but believe the unit was never changed and beleive the contacts were cleaned. I believe the wiring is being corroded causing for good contact of the wires.

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Visibility · 6 miles · CA

The windshield wiper washer assembly was defective. It worked intermittently, and had been replaced 3 times. *ak

Filed Jul 13, 2001 · Lights, Visibility · TX

Multi-function switch which controls windsheild washers and wipers has failed 5 times in less than 5 years and the result of the failure is the inability to activate the washer system. At any given time, if the windsheild becomes fouled, I do not know if I will be able to clean it or if my vision will be seriously impaired.

Filed Oct 9, 2000 · Electrical · AR

I have had several electrical malfunctions in the past 9 months. First starting may 2000, clicking noises under dash, dash lights blinking on and off seems low washer fluid light is effected most. Beeping noises from behind glove box. A/c comes on without key in ignition. Took it to ford imediatly they couldn't find a problem. Next incident, was during a weekend and it seemed to correct itself. Second time to the shop, same problem as first. They could not find what was causing the problem. This problem has happened several times either at night or on weekend as this is the only time the car is driven. By monday am problem is gone. In june another incident this time windows and door locks affected. Windows rolled up and down by selves, then would not perform at all. Door locks came up on their own. Dealership could not find problem. Oct. 5, 2000 driving and clicking noises start under dash, window rolls down by self, beeping noises start under dash, cigerette lighters malfunction(cell phone stops working), speedometer, odomerter, tackometer, quit working while I'm driving. Windsheild wipers malfunction. Car begins shifting hard. This is scary when you are driving in the rain, on dark windy roads with 3 children in the car. I just kept thinking , what if the engine dies and the steering locks up. I feel this to be a huge problem and could be life threatening. Again I took the car to ford who once again could not find a problem. Found the trottel to need adjusting. Drove car home and the next morning the same thing happened (saturday ford service is closed) I turned off the vehicle and when I started it again the problem corrected itself. Please help, I'm worried about the safety of my family.)

Filed Sep 12, 2000 · Lights · MS

While traveling on the interstate at night at approximately 65mph, I switch the headlights from high beam to low beam and the headlights went out completely. The only way I could see to drive was to hold the wiper, headlight dimmer arm fully to the rear. This item was replaced under warranty after it defected once before.

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Brakes, Visibility · CA · crash

Was driving vehicle & applied brakes to slowdown. Brakes fail to catch & hit a moped. Was plenty of distance for stopping. Was third set of brakes on vehicle. Windshield wipers are not working like they should. Problem is intermitten. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic indicated the ABS brakes are okay. Wipers can be repaired.

Filed Oct 23, 1999 · Seats, Suspension · AK

Vehicle drifts to the right, aligned repeatedly and re-checked, continues to drift, created outside wear on drive tires. Rear wiper failed during rain storm. Power mirror works intermittenly. Power windows do not operate when key is out making it dangerous to exit in an emergency. Windshield wiper worked sporadically, replaced multi-function switch as per recall. Driver's power seat 'clunks' with medium to hard stop or acceleration, making it difficult to steer.

Filed Sep 14, 1999 · Lights · GA

Windshield wipers works intermittently. The multiple function switch in the steering column has short circuit.