20 problems related to windshield wiper/washer have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Windshield wipers come on randomly and has become more frequent. Also, the wiper fluid is projected onto windshield by itself. Latest incident of this severely affected by vision of the roadway and traffic during heavy rush hour interstate traffic. From what I have been able to see on some of the internet new groups this is a not uncommon problem with Ford trucks.
While making a turn windshield wipers will come on and washer fluid sprays all over the windshield when it is not raining. This is unsafe on a curvy road. On a raining day and making a turn, windshield wipers will stop.
Windshield wiper motor replacement ($260. 07 to dealer)did not solve problem; returned to dealer 12/9/99-response; unable to duplicate problem-.
On several occasions windshield wipers will commence operating without any action by the driver.
The winshield wipers will come on intermittently even when off. Also, the last time it happened (I have a witness), the washer was also continously spraying fluid even though everything was off.
Windshield wiper/washer would operate intermittently while in off mode, causing poor visibility which could lead to a vehicle collision . Nhtsa needs to look into this matter.
I recently saw were the NHTSA was looking at Ford's windsheild wiper control as a possible problem for the explorer & another vehicle. I can vouch that the f150 also needs to be looked at. My 1997 f150's turn signal/windsheild wiper control will come on at any time & after using it will stay on.
Windshield wipers and washers comes on by themselves. Manufacturer/ dealer stated not common to have a short in system. Problem has not been corrected.
Windshield wipers - intermittent wipers erratic or not active. Unable to use washer fluid. Replacement part has same problem as orginal equipment.
Winshield wipers rarely work on intermittent setting and if they do they are not consistant in timing. About 30% of the time the wippers will not come on at all. Washers work only 20-25% of the time.
Windshield wiper comes on by itself while driving.
The windshield washer jet does not reach the windshield above 40mph. Had jet replaced and the same thing happened again.
Windshield wiper arm would not retain blade. Yh.
Windshield wipers would activate by themselves, and then squirt water on windshield. This would cause a visibility problem for driver. Its unexpected and very distracting.
In weather temperatures below 20 degrees the windshield wipers' rubber blades do not touch windsheild, causing visibility problems.
The windshield washer fluid pump will engage without notice,blocking drivers view. Dealer was notified,turn signal and wiper assembly replaced at cost to original owner.
Windshield wipers will come on by themselves without touching controls, causing poor visibility. Defect occurs intermittenly. Dealer cannot determine cause.
When driving under normal conditions windshield wipers will activate on their own. Also, they will shut off when it is raining . Dealer has been contacted.
Windshield wiper fluid switch does not work. Dealer tried to fix it, and no there was no solution.
While driving over 50 mph the windshield wipers lose contact with windshield, causing reduced driver visibility.