Hello all. I have a 2005 X Type VDP. I'm hoping that someone can help me out with a windscreen wiper problem.

My wipers won't turn off regardless of the position of the wiper switch. It started out with my wipers coming on for 1 to 3 swipes randomly, then going back to park. One day, they came on and haven't gone off since. The only way I can turn them off is to pull the fuse. It's finally starting to rain in Northern California, so I guess I'd better make fixing this a priority

I believe that there are about 4 places where the cause can be. The switch/stalk, relay in the steering column, wiper motor, and wires near the brake pedal shorting.

Which area is most likely the culprit for rogue wipers not turning off? I don't have the money to guess and replace or to take a mechanic, nor the knowledge/tools to diagnose. So any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

My first guess would be a bad relay stuck closed. Attached is a picture of the underhood fuse box. R4 is the wiper relay, pull it and swap it with R6 and see if that resolves your issue before tearing apart the column.

 

Hi Vern, Thanks! I'll give that a try in the morning. I'm guessing that they are interchangeable, and since I don't think that I have a windshield heater (not defroster, correct?), it will be great if it works. I'll let you know if it works.

 

Hi Vern, The relay for #6 was absent. So I set out to find the relay for #4 (wiper motor relay). Long story very short, even the local Jag dealership doesn't show a relay for the wiper motor. I pulled the relay and read the Jag number to them, it's listed as, or is the same part as, the turn signal relay. Looking on Napa's site, their part for a turn signal relay looks exactly the same as what I pulled out, including a notch in one top corner.
Napa has to order it from Seattle as the Sacramento warehouse doesn't have it in stock.

Jag wanted $45, Napa has it for $8.95.

Napa Part Number: ECH AR6550 Listed as a turn signal indicator.

Going to see if I can get my current one tested and go from there.

 

I have relays. I also have the stalk and wiper motor if you need it. I could ship out asap.
Text or call my cell. 484-903-4813.


Thanks,
The Dr!

 

Did that Napa part work for you? Having the same issue and need to replace relay (I think).

Also -- while I did have a relay in the R6 slot, it wouldn't fit in the R4 position. The passenger side blade is bigger on 6 (windshield heater) than on 4 (wiper motor).

I wonder if they changed it between '02 and '05 on the X-Types.

In any case, I just went down to the Ford dealer and they'll have it here tomorrow. For $6 it's worth a shot.

 

The electrical systems were changed in the 2nd quarter of 2004 and the wiring and fuse boxes are different. Give jagrepair.com a try. They have manuals and wiring diagrams for the 2004 and up.

 

So I just replaced the R4 relay, but didn't change anything. Wipers still won't park correctly.

What's next to check?