2003 Ford F-150: windshield wiper failure

Filed Mar 23, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 95,000 miles · CA

After a rainstorm and while driving, my windshield wipers stopped working, my radio/cd player started turning off and on, my panel light dimmed, and I heard a clicking noise under my driver side dash board. There was also a clicking noise coming from the engine. While stationary and key out of the ignition, I noticed water on the driver side floor, and when I looked under I could see drops of water sliding off I believe my emergency bake and brake pedal, and an ongoing clicking sound under the steering wheel. I left my truck in driveway overnight, and the next morning my battery was dead. I had aaa tow come and replace battery that afternoon. The next morning the battery was dead again. Aaa came and checked the starter and alternator, all were fine. As they recharged battery there was a weird noise heard in the engine area. I drove it to a mechanic with ford truck experience. He stated the gem and fuse box were wet and attributed it to water leakage coming from the windshield weather stripping trim which was common in fords vehicles. He recommended replacing gem, fuse box, and windshield trim. This water/electrical problem happens every year after a rainstorm. I never thought a vehicle in good condition could have outside water leaks getting inside and onto the fuse box and gem module. The mechanic told me it can become very dangerous for the gem and fuse box to fail because it controls everything in the truck. The gem and fuse box should be protected from outside elements. When water is introduced to these modules, it makes the whole system go wacky and can cause serious and possibly dangerous situations. Ford needs to acknowledge that this is a manufacture defect and fix and/or reimburse us consumers on the cost of fixing it

Filed Jan 16, 2015 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. While driving during rainy weather conditions, the instrument panel failed intermittently. In addition, the four wheel drive and the windshield wipers activated independently. The contact stated that the battery needed to be disconnected and then reconnected in order for the vehicle to resume normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the battery and the keys were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 112,000 miles · MI

My 2003 f-150 v8, 4.6l 2wd truck received water damage to the gem (generic electronic module) causing the windshield wipers to stop working while driving to work on a foggy/dew morning after a rainstorm. The water damage was due to a leak on the loose windshield that caused water to run directly to the fusebox & gem that controls all electronics in the vehicle. After looking seeking an answer for this problem, I found that at lease a hundred others have had the same windshield leak in the '97-'03 f series vehicles. The gem could and has caused vehicles to shut off and on and have lights go off and on at a random time if it received water damage. It is very dangerous and needs to be fixed immediately. The windshield is a common problem and many others have suffered from the same problem as me. Thank you for your time.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · ME

Was heavy rain outside then my truck started blowing the horn, heater was turning on and off, lights going on and off by them selves. Figured its part of the issue with the windshield issue ford knows about since 2002. The notice was *ford special message #15773 which covered a few vehicles but has expanded to cover other vehicles. Last year, I was on the highway during heavy rain and all the sudden, all power went off, windshield wipers stopped working, radio was going funny, heat was turning on and off, it was difficult to drive. That only lasted for a few seconds but made it where I got off the highway, made it back to my house then brought it to ford to find out the issue. I opted not to have the work done at that time for the mechanic said its okay for the time being. But corrosion was starting and I needed to have the windshield fixed before the issue at hand could be fixed, because if I didn't, it just would cause the issues a few years down the road again. Looking through, I see you have a lot of "electrical issues" being brought up, and all of them from what I have seen look to be caused by the same issue, mind you that this issue is known from vehicles 1998 - 2003, possibly into the 2004.

Filed Apr 28, 2010 · Body, Visibility · 162,566 miles · ME

I have a 2003 ford f150, with a 5.4l engine. I found out that my windshield is leaking and seeping water onto my gem/cjb and making it so in rain my windshield wipers shut off, my heater blower to stay on or go on when the key is not in the ignition, and has drained my battery. Here is a copy of the notice ford sent to there dealerships in 2004, *ford special message #15773 various electrical conditions resulting from water intrusion into the gem/cjb some 1997-2002 expedition and 1998-2002 navigator vehicles may exhibit various unusual electrical conditions, including but not limited to: front or rear blower or eatc staying on with key out of the ignition, radio staying on after doors opened and key out of ignition, wiper circuit failure codes, and multiple system warning lights with 'short to power' or 'low battery voltage' dtcs. These symptoms most often occur after a rain or snow. This may be due to gem/cjb water intrusion resulting from a windshield water leak. To service, remove the gem and cjb from the vehicle, separate them and inspect for water contamination or corrosion. If found in either component, replace both components and completely reseal the windshield. Effective date: 04/05/2002 so this is a known issue and they are charging between $900 - $1500+ for repairs and then on top of that charging for the windshield to be replaced. The hazards of this potentially shorting out and having a fire is a risk that I think should be addressed for the safety of the consumers. Having my windshield wipers stop on me in heavy rain on the highway almost caused me to get into a potential accident.

Filed Oct 14, 2004 · Visibility · NC

While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers would come on and go off intermittently. The dealer was aware of the intermittent problem. The mechanic informed the driver that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Jan 6, 2003 · Visibility · OR

The windshield wiper blade doesn't reach out enough in order for the consumer to see. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem. Ph