About a year after I first bought my truck I was braking at a stoplight and out of the blue by windshield wipers started to go back and forth a couple of times. Ever since that time about 4 or 5 times a month it does this at random intervals.

And lately when I turn on the wipers they don't start for a few seconds and then they go full blast until I play with the switch position a little and then they delay like they are supposed to.
I hope this isn't a problem that is going to grow into something big.

97 F-150 XL
75,000 miles
sunroof
Leonard tonneau cover
Moonvisor
Aftermarket Leather bucket seats

 

A lot of people I talk to have the same problem with the wipers.They come on for no reason or don't come on for a few seconds when you move the switch.My ford dealer is putting a new control switch in and says that will fix it.A long with a new engine but thats another story.

 

I found a few TSBs on this:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...ervicemmy1.cfm

Service Bulletin Number: 9912826
Bulletin Sequence Number: 689
Date of Bulletin: 9906
NHTSA Item Number: SB606897
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: F150
Year: 1999
Component: VISUAL SYSTEMS:WINDSHIELD WIPER
Summary: EXPERIENCING FRONT WIPERS ACTIVATION WITHOUT COMMAND. *TT

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Service Bulletin Number: 99224
Bulletin Sequence Number: 608
Date of Bulletin: 9910
NHTSA Item Number: SB6089685
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: F150
Year: 1999
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT WIPERS OPERATING WHILE SWITCH IS IN OFF POSITION. *TT

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99, Superchip now installed..WOW!!!!

 

I have a 2000 F150 with only 500 miles and I have already experienced the wiper gremlins. Hope this doesn't turn into a real headache!!

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2000 F-150XL, 4.2L V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 gears, Short Bed, Medium Toreador Red/Clearcoat, Tinted Windows, Vent Visors, Bed Mat, Overhead Console, 255/70/16's.

 

r8735...

How nice...what is your build date? You would think this 'problem' would have been fixed by now. So far....no 'Poltergeists' in my truck.

My build date is 10/04/99

 

I have filled 2 complaints with NHTSA about this problem in hopes that Ford will do a recall. It really is a safety issue. The problem is the multifunction switch. It did it under warranty on my 97 XL. It did it on a 99 Windstar we rented. And it is doing it on my Dad's 96 Ranger. His is also randomly shooting out wiper fluid. I think that is a legit safety problem, especially when it smears up your windshield. By the way, it is not a cheap problem to fix. About $260 at dealer.

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1997 F-150 XL Reg Cab 4x2 4.2L 5 spd. 3.08
White/Silver, Chrome Wheels w/ Michelin LTX M/S
SnugTop Cab-hi w/ X-vision windows & SnugRug headliner
BedRug