When I hit the button to start the washer, the wipers start before the squirters. Any sand or other grit on the windshield has the potential to score the windshield. I already have two arcing scratches and the vehicle is only two weeks old. As anyone that has used wet or dry sandpaper knows, wetting the surface first reduces the grit factor. Every other vehicle I have owned starts the squirters first. I suppose you could site this as a sun-in-face, momentary blind time window, but a scored windshield is pretty dangerous, too. The insurance compay will replace a broken windshield free, but it takes a lot of scoring to convince them it's a hazard and they need to foot the bill. Is this unique to my vehicle? Is it programmable in the computer? Would it help to complain to Ford?

I'm new here, sorry if it's a replay of an old topic.

 

Thank you! I thought I was the only one that noticed this! What genius set these wipers this way? There is alway dust in the air and I always freak when it comes to turning on my wipers. Ive got a few scratches myself so a solution to this would be most welcome. Anyone have any ideas? Ive gone as far as to take a bottle of water with me every where I go to wet the glass. Hope this problem has a fix...


Later,

Luis S

 

As long as the windshield doesn't crack or shatter, I don't worry about it. I guess it's relative.

 

is the fluid draining back out of the washer tubing? when the pump kicks on it takes a second to fill the tubing and then spray. if it is then you can put a check valve in the hose next to the pump to stop it from draining back. we use them on equipment at work.

 

Hmm... I never noticed this, and I use my washer fluid ALL the time. I can't stand a dirty windshield. My girlfriend will drive around for weeks without using the wipers unless it rains. Girls...

 

Check valve? Please give some more details. I would definately look into doing that if it would fix this problem. I live off a heavily traveled road so dirt and whatnot always wind up on my windshield. Scares the crap out of me to turn the wipers on unless its pouring. I cant belive more folks havent chimed in with the same problem...

Thanks,

Luis S

 

The check valve thing sounds like a try. I use them on my fish tank to keep water out of the air pump. I too am surprised that the problem has not been reported -- perhaps it's a by-vehicle flaw. One poster had no problems. I'll put it on my list of things to report to the dealer on my first maintenance visit. Thanks for the replies.

 

I doubt it'll be anything the dealer will try to fix, since every truck on the lot will do the same. Can't re-engineer the vehicle, and all. A check valve would probably be your best bet.

 

If you're electrically inclined, use a capacitor and inductor to add a "delay" to the signal sent to the wiper controller (solenoid?). This may not be safe since it may delay the initial actuation of your wipers during normal use.

OR

If you're electrically inclined, add a switch which will run the washer fluid pump when you push it before using the washer control