2001 Ford Expedition: windshield wiper failure

Filed May 23, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 112,000 miles · MO

Wipers fail, came within inches of major crash several times, due to poor or no visibility from rain or snow because of wipers complete failure. Also, power windows fail, interior lights fail, radio fails, 4 wheel drive fail and it was stated on line that air bag failure is also a problem. Can not drive in rain or snow! When looking up the gem module part (generic electronic module) it was stated in several online parts sources that the 2001 ford expedition had a windshield improperley sealed at the factory on the assembly line. Thus water leaks on the gem module shorting it out; and it was stated that in several of the same vehicles that their entire fuse box fails which is located directly under the gem module which is mounted on top of the fuse box causing entire electrical failure. I feel it is the responsibility of ford to recall these vehicles and fix the problem. It is an assembly line failure, I can not renew my licence due to safety standards until this issue is addressed and ford corrects the problem.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Visibility · 240,000 miles · CO

Water appears to have leaked into the electrical system causing the wipers to not function at all. When the wipers are turned on, we hear the wiper motor click; but wipers do not clear the windshield.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Visibility · CA

The light for the wipers system has been on since we bought the car from the dealership. It has never been able to spray fluid.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Body · 112,325 miles · WA

Windshield leaking due to faulty sealant. Have all kinds of safety issue with the vehicle now. Water leaks directly into gem module which is responsible for turning on and off all functions of my ford expedition. Things just randomly start and stop working by themselves, including cruise control, four wheel drive, wipers, and heater blower. Some stay on even after key is removed leaving you stranded. The only thing you can do is find someone for a jump start.

Filed Oct 27, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 98,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford expedition. The contact stated that the electrical system malfunctioned, the instrument panel would illuminate suddenly without warrant, the radio would engage independently, and the windshield wipers would activate without the keys being in the ignition. In addition, the contact stated that the windshield wipers would not engage while the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer who advised the contact that water was leaking into the vehicle through the windshield and the windshield would need replacing. The windshield was replaced yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or diagnose where the leak was coming from. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer advised the contact that they could offer no assistance without an accurate diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000 and the current mileage was approximately 121,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2010 · Electrical · 146,000 miles · NJ

For the past month I have been experience electrical issues with my 2001 ford expedition after heavy rainfalls. On two separate occasions I have had to get a jump to start my truck after it rains and once it starts the electrical system seems to go haywire. The radio turns on and off and there are clicking noises. The vent turns on and off by itself etc. The most important of these malfunctions includes the windshield wipers. On two occasions I have been driving on the highway during these electrical events (while raining) and my windshield wipers have stopped working. Each time I could not see a thing but was able to safely pull over to the shoulder of the road and eventually they start working again. To me this is a safety hazard and by doing research on the web I can see that I am not the only one that has had this issue with an expedition between 1998-2001. Many have experienced the same thing. Apparently water leaks through the windshield and into the fuse box or gem module. What does it take for a recall loss of life? I am really disappointed that so many safety issues have come up surrounding the electrical malfunctions on these trucks and nothing has been done about it. Please let me know if I can get assistance with getting this repaired as well as others who are going through the same things. If ford is willing to risk a life prior to helping fix a known issue I do not think I will be purchasing another ford again.

Filed Jan 22, 2010 · Body, Electrical · 102,000 miles · CA

Was driving down the road in heavy rain when windshield wipers stopped working. Could not see 2 feet infront of me, so I was forced to pull over on a busy road. Put the truck in park, and wipers started working. Put back in drive and they stopped. Finally the rain slowed enough for me to drive with out the wipers, very unsafe! When I got home, I turned the key off, pulled them out of the ignition and the heater kept running. I had to turn it to off position. Lights on gauge cluster were flickering too. Opened driver side door and radio stayed on. Had to manually turn that off as well. Smelled something burning, so I quickly unhooked the battery. Came back a couple hours later, connected battery, now vehicle wont start! Will turn over, but wont crank. Did some research and found that this is a very common problem with many different ford vehicles! Problem is caused by a faulty windshield, allowing water to leak into the cab, behind the dash, and get water on the gem and fusebox, creating corrosion. These problems could be very unsafe! Possible fire from electric short, possible injury/death from wipers quitting while driving. Ford should take responsibility for their faulty design!

Filed Dec 21, 2009 · Engine · 162,000 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford expedition. While parked he noticed flames came from the cowling ( where the windshield wiper arms are located) of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the flames. A report was available. . The vehicle was towed to a township center for repairs. The ford the insurance company will contact the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 162,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2009 · Electrical · 89,570 miles · CA

Ford expedition 2001 raining outside yesterday and today for first time this year. Yesterday, battery light on dashboard (indicating electrical problem) went on for first time. Tonight, went out with my wife and 3 young kids and as we were driving could tell something was definitely wrong with the electrical; radio shut off randomly, lights in cabin began slowly dimming, gauges went off then headlights, all in about a 3 minute period we were trying to get home as quickly as possible, but the expedition almost stalled, etc. We were able to make it home in the dark by the grace of god. Went on the computer and began to read at ford-forums.com and realized our electrical problem was not unique but was a widespread problem that other ford truck/SUV owners experienced. Here's a link to the problems similar to what we experienced [http://www.ford-forums.com/ford-expedition/594-expy-has-serious-electrical-problem-2.html] I believe I'm having the same problem as those who have a leaky/faulty windshield and/or wiper-motor seal. The water gets into the fuse box and/or the gem module causing electrical issues and/or failures. I'm grateful my family is safe but our situation could have been disastrous and even life-threatening had it happened farther from home or on the freeway. I'm not sure what I can do to correct the failure but will be checking with my mechanic and ford dealer.

Filed Mar 17, 2009 · Electrical, Visibility · 50,000 miles · VA

Windshield leaking water causing erratic and unpredictable intermittent electrical failures in a 2001 ford expedition. Windshield wiper operation is effected by water intrusion into the fuse panel and gem as stated in ford motor company advisory. When vehicle is placed into drive it operation of the windshield wipers is either non operational or only operational when vehicle is placed back into park. This a major safety issue which has been swept under the rug by ford motor company. This issue has been documented by numerous complaint on this web site alone. But until someone is injured or killed well this issue come to light and action to correct the problem which effect many families that use these vehicles everyday rain or shine. These incidents have been going on for more than three years.

Filed Feb 19, 2009 · Electrical, Visibility · 130,000 miles · NC

Safety related electrical problems during rainy conditions, including failure of windshield wipers.

Filed Nov 30, 2008 · Electrical, Locks · 140,000 miles · VA

During wet weather my 2001 ford expedition will have various electrical problems including windshield wipers not working, radio turning on/off, door locks not working and windows not working. Sometimes car will not start at all.