So here's the deal. Yesterday I'm sitting at the stoplight, waiting to make a left hand turn into my work parking lot. A/C is on, left turn signal is on. All the sudden, my wipers go off. Just once. At first I thought I was crazy. I check the position of the wiper switch, and it's off. I turn it on for a second, then off again. So I'm still sitting at the light (it's a looooong light), and about a minute later, the wipers go off again , only one single time. How? Why? It hasn't done it since.

 

my guess would be some kind of frayed wire that comes in contact every now and then? actually I have no idea. If it was a car that came with the rain sensors for the wipers then that would most likely be the problem.

Have you done any electrical installs lately?

 

Truck doesn't have any rain sensors, and it was sunny out. Like 95. It hasn't done it since. And I haven't done any electrical installs either.

 

I'm thinking broken wires in the turn signal lever (which coincidentally is the wiper switch too). That's about the only place the two circuits could come into contact easily. I'm assuming it'll never happen, unless the turn signal is on.

 

The multifunction switch is probably shorted internally, and/or the hard shell connectors at the switch itself are broken internally, allowing the individual wires to back out from the connector, making intermittent contact.

 

I had the same thing, "ghost wipes" and ended up replacing the whole arm, never happened again. Don't rule out fuses or wires but the signal arm is mostly culprit. Dealer wanted 70 CDN, so 60 USD's? Ebay has plenty too. They're a biotch to take out if your impatient, like me, but be careful of the clips too. Good luck.

 

I've done it before on my dad's Ranger, so this shouldn't be a problem to do. Unless if it happens more often, I'm not going to spend the $60 to replace it.

 

It'll get worse, and of course it does it when it's 100 sunny humid and there is bird deuce and dust on the windshield. After reading posts from here, I got fed up and popped for a new one. Just keep it in mind for when your tired of it.

 

Indeed, the infamous Ghost Wipers have invaded another vehicle.

Common problem, simple solution: Replace the multi-function switch and all your troubles will disappear.

-Joe

 

I know, it's not a fun job, but it's not that bad. My dad had the ghost headlights on his Ranger for a while until he finally replaced the multi switch.

 

Yup, replance the "multi-malfunction" switch and should be "right as rain" so to speak heehee

Had this thing go out on my 98 and hit my headlights.

 

Before buying a new multifunction switch, I would try popping off the top and cleaning the inerds. (electrical cleaner and lithium grease)