Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. While driving at 60 MPH, the windshield washer independently activated and obstructed the contact's visibility. In addition, the windshield wipers were activated, but failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
1997 Ford F-150 visibility problems
148 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000.
- owner complaints
- 148
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Glass, side/rear38
- Windshield wiper/washer36
- Windshield27
- Power window devices and controls14
- Windshield wiper/washer: motor9
- Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater core8
- Defroster/defogger/HVAC system5
- Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: fan/motor3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford F-150 visibility problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford F-150 visibility
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that he was driving with the windshield wipers engaged. As he attempted to open the windows, the front windshield wipers and windows failed. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired for the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who provided no assistance. The current and failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Heater malfunction.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. While driving 65 MPH in a rainstorm, the windshield wipers stopped working. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. He was able to drive the vehicle after the rain stopped. A mechanic stated that the gem module was defective and reinstalled the gem module, as well as installed a new ignition switch. The wipers failed again while driving in normal conditions. The mechanic stated that the gem module he installed from ford was defective. After the repair, the warning lights illuminated, including the air bag light. The mechanic cannot diagnose the cause of the failure and determine if the air bags work. Prior to the gem module failure, several components were replaced on the vehicle. At 30,000 miles, the engine was rebuilt. The current and failure mileages were 125,000.
Back window leaks, plastic frame that holds glass onto cab brakes with time. Various glass companies have told me that it's a common thing with the 97-2000 ford f-150's it's not the rubber nor a weather strip it's the plastic frame that brakes with time.
Windshield wipers failed during rain, managed to pull off road safely. (other electrical devices failed as well) wipers no longer work. Vehicle is out of service until repaired. Ford is aware of problems. See ford technical service bulletin 98-9-13 and ford special message #15773 .
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that there was a water leak in the front windshield or a firewall that caused electrical damage to the fuse box or the gem module. The failure occurs during the rain. While driving at any RPM, the fuse box would short out. The warning lights on the instrument panel would flash intermittently and the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure still persists. The failure mileage was 121,000. Updated 3/5/09 *cn the windshield was replaced and no longer leaks. An improper seal was the cause of the leakage. Updated 03/10/09.
1997 ford f-150, wipers quit while using them in rain, head gasket leaks oil on exhaust which intern smokes and could possibly cause fire.
Hvac blend door failure, can not heat/air condition or defrost cab.
Loss of anti-freeze or coolant both doors starting to crack rear sliding window leaking.
Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 visibility
Does the 1997 Ford F-150 have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 148 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford F-150, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 visibility problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford F-150 visibility?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford F-150 have the most visibility problems?
The Ford F-150 model years with the most visibility complaints are 2004 (863 complaints), 2005 (268 complaints) and 2010 (193 complaints).
Other 1997 Ford F-150 problems
Engine 544Tires 303Fuel system 246Brakes 231Body 224Acceleration 221Suspension 203Steering 202Electrical 198Transmission 150Wheels 112Airbags 99Lights 56Seat belts 38Locks 14Seats 7Driver assistance 2
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