1996 Ford Taurus: windshield wiper failure

Filed Mar 1, 2007 · Electrical, Seat belts · 155,752 miles · IL

My 96 ford taurus gl has the following electrical problems, radio goes out, seat belt light flashes and clicks, intermittent wipers fail, power windows fail, finally power steering locks up,and when running for a while transmission would slip, causing safety concerns. If put in park everything goes back working as normal. Took to shop and they say it's the transmission range sensor and that several 96 taurus' they have worked on have had the same problem....I am wondering why this has not been a recall part if that is the case...something is definitely wrong!

Filed Jun 27, 2005 · Electrical, Tires · GA

When I bought this car it had a spare tire on it, which had a hole in it that I was not informed of. The electrical things inside the car do not work, such as the windows, A/C and radio buttons. The A/C and radio cut on and off by themselves. The windsheid wipers are somehow connected to the starter so everytime I start the car thw wipers come on and stay on for about 10 seconds. Also, I had the car diagnosed by a mechanic and he says that this car has been sitting under water.

Filed Mar 11, 2005 · Electrical, Steering · MO

Progressive system failures; initally raido goes out, seat belt light flashes and clicks, intermittent wipers fail. Finally power steering locks up, causing safety concerns. If put in park electrical systems resume operation. Transmission range sensor replaced, automotive shop has seen 3 other '96 taurus' with same issue.

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Visibility · AL

Ongoing problem with windshield wipers only operating in low speed mode. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Filed Jul 17, 2000 · Visibility · CA

Windshield wipers will only work on high speed sometimes not at all. Sometimes left turn signal switch will not stay down or even hold down to use the turn signal.

Filed Oct 11, 1999 · Visibility · MN

I returned this car to the dealership because the windshield wiper control began clicking whenever I tried using them. The repair dept. Told me that was normal for the taurus and that nothing was wrong. Now, I am limited to only several settings where the wipers will actually function. That has never been a "normal" feature on any of my other vehicles. I feel ford needs to address this failure before I don't have any wiper capabilities and someone is either injured or killed due to this malfunction.

Filed Oct 7, 1999 · Visibility · OH

Windshield wipers would stop working while in operating mode, or speed would change from high to low intermittently. Dealer notified, and nothing would be done unless consumer picks up the expenses.

Filed Oct 5, 1999 · Visibility · SC

Rain on 10/04/99 turned wipers on to 4 to 6 seconds wipe---started to rain harder moved wipers to low setting--starting wiping every 10 to 12 secs---hit a bump in the road wipers started to work like they should--hit another bump--wipers went back to slow speed---then stopped...had to use high speed to get the wipers to work

Filed Sep 28, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · LA

Vehicle experienced continued electrical problems causing the windshield wipers and radio to remain on after shutting off vehicle. Mjs

Filed Jun 23, 1999 · Visibility · OH

Intermittently windshield wipers become inoperable. The dealer has been notified.

Filed May 29, 1999 · Visibility · TX

Windshield wipers stop working in any interval position.

Filed Jan 29, 1999 · Visibility · TX

During a very heavy rain, the windshield wipers shut down right in the middle of operation. Spontaneously the wipers will start up again. The vehicle was taken to the dealership. The problem was corrected at owner's expense.