1997 Ford Taurus: windshield wiper failure

Filed Aug 9, 2004 · Lights, Visibility · 88,000 miles · MA

Random changes in the windshield wiper speed, regardless of setting. Hazard signals failed or only one side flashing. Turn signal failure (of exterior and interior console lights). Failure of interior lighting to turn off after doors closed. Failure of power windows (all four). Short in electrical system resulting in required replacement of gem module. Turn signal/wiper controls replaced. Gem module replaced.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering · 50,000 miles · MO

F you can reference the "car talk" article from july 2002 it explains my problems to a "t". Numerous mechanics replied to the article and "car talk" relayed that info to me. My taurus was 5 years old when the problems started. My driver's side back window started cutting out at times. Then my radio started cutting out only when turning right. Then when in reverse and so on till it didn't work. My wipers also had problems at times. All these were miner till my power steering started cutting out. That is the time I saw this article and got the info that the transmission sensor was the problem. Ford refused to do anything or admit that there was a trend. I got the sensor replaced by one mechanic who stated he had many ford cars on which he replaced the sensors, all the same years- 97-98s. Unfortunately, he did not replace the connector piece and the problems returned. I then paid the big bucks and had a dealer replace the piece. They, of course, said that was not the problem and wanted to do all this testing. I showed them all the documentation on what I found and what "car talk" sent me. I have had no problems since getting it replaced. I am incensed that ford would not recall a piece that allows your power steering to go out. If a recall occurs, I would love to be part of it. I am out 300$.

Filed Oct 22, 2002 · Visibility · TN

The consumer states that the windsheild wipers while on high or low speed will go into intermittent mode. Which started happening after he had purchased the vehicle. (each time he would take the vehicle in for repairs, it would work okay) the consumer had taken the vehicle back to the dealer and it went on intermittent mode while on high or low speed wiper mode. They installed switch part #xw3z-13359-caswitch 357698-1ea, which worked for a while, but eventually started again.-some what after repair, but less than often

Filed Sep 26, 2002 · Visibility · TN

Consumer states that the vehicle has problems with the windshield motor wiper also states that the dealer has been notified. *mrwhile operating on high or low speed, will go to interval wiper mode. Consumer has taken vehicle to the dealer several times. Finally, the dealer was able to duplicate the problem and a switch was installed. Some time after the repair, the problem started again, this time not as often.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Steering, Visibility · KY

All's well in park and neutral, but when in reverse or drive, the radio quits, intermittent wipers fail, windows won't work, loss of about 75% of power steering. Put it in nuetral and all is well. It turned out to be the transmission range sensor. I found 10 other people who have had the same failure in a 96 or 97 ford taurus.

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Visibility · MI

Windshield wiper assembly has been working intermitently for a few weeks. It has now progressed to total failure. The wiper assembly will not work on any setting.

Filed Jun 12, 2001 · Visibility · RI

Windshield wiper motor is failing/timing is off/needs new motor per my mechanic.

Filed Mar 21, 2001 · Visibility · MI

Intermittent windshield wipers would not work. Also,windshield wipers would speed up for no reason. Had to have entire signal arm replaced.

Filed Oct 1, 2000 · Visibility · CA

Windshield wiper speed changes from setting,sometimes to only intermittent. Occurs after windshield wipers are used for a while, and when turn signals are used. Dealer couldn't duplicate problem.

Filed Aug 29, 2000 · Visibility · IA

When it rains and consumer turns on windshield wipers there is a grayish fume that covers windshield, making it difficult to see, especially at night.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Steering, Transmission · IL

Whenever windshield wipers are in use they would work erractically. Sometimes not at all. This causes poor visibility for the driver. The switch can turn wipers on & then wipers would stop. Also, transmission failed to shift into gear properly, and power steering failed to work properly when turning steering wheel. Taking vehicle dealer to check out problems.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Lights, Visibility · MA

While driving on i95 during a rainstorm, I experienced a total failure of the windshield wipers when I activated my left directional signal. Visibility suddenly became zero and I narrowly avoided a serious crash. I finally was able to restore partial use of the windshield wipers by switching on my high-beam headlights. I tried this procedure because the headlights as well as the directional signals are all controlled by the same handle. I believe there is a defect inside the stalk that houses the wiring for these controls. I have rarely used this car in the rain ( there has been a virtual drought in my area) and this is the first real workout of the wipers.