Winshield Washer switch. '95 sport
Question:
I also should have mentioned that it’s probably a good idea to pry the cap off from the side of the cap that can’t be seen. The dash board side. When I pried mine off it made a little impression that I bet I would have gotten annoyed with if I could see it all the time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The cap tip will come off though it isn’t immediately apparent that there is a cap. Once you pop that out with a small flat tip screwdriver you’ll see the phillips head screw which hold the actual switch casing (the part your twist when activating the wipers). Remove the screw then carefully pull off the switch casing — watch carefully for the large spring, the white plastic shank with the connector tips, and the brass spring loaded pins. This simple cleaning of the contacts does work, as many of us declared today. It’s a shame the dealer doesn’t cut the consumer a break – this is why this newsgroup, and most others, are here — to share the info….. :Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, :it comes off pretty easy. Just so I’m clear on this part, just the cap on the very end of the stalk comes off? I tried inserting a very small screw driver in between the cap and the stalk and the screw driver did not want to go between them…I did not want to force it…it just does not seem that there’s a space between them that the blade of even a jewler’s screw driver can get into so thet cap can be pryed out. Am I missing something here? Thanks! —
Response:
:Just so I’m clear on this part, just the cap on the very end of the :stalk comes off? I tried inserting a very small screw driver in between Never mind…finally got it off! For those thinking about doing this, it can be a little tricky putting it back together right so that you get the "spring action"…all the pieces have to be lined up just right. Took me about 6 tries before I got it right! — ** NOTE: To reply directly to me, remove the ‘no-spam’ from my return address
Response:
My mom drives a 95 sport 2WD 5 speed with 92K miles, the only problems are that the washer takes for ever to get the liquid on the windsheild
Response:
Success! Cleaned the grease off of the contacts on the stalk, lightly sanded the contacts on the white plastic part. Works Great. Thanks for the tip! Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just did it — Worked like a charm for me too! I noticed my contacts were covered with the lubricant. Used a Q-tip to the contact area only. Reiterating though, watch out for the springs, especially the small brass pin one. Thanks Dan! I had the same problem on my ‘95 but wasn’t about to spend $80 on a new stalk. Someone posted a fix that I followed and it worked. This is the terse version of the instructions: Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, it comes off pretty easy. Unscrew the the screw which is now visible. There’s some springs in there, so watch what you’re doing. There are 5 contacts which are likely black. 4, from my guess, operate the delayed wipers, and an extra one for for the washer. File, sand, and/or use contact cleaner to get them shinny. Put it all back together and enjoy your washers working properly and having an extra $80 in your wallet.
Response:
The cap tip will come off though it isn’t immediately apparent that there is a cap. Once you pop that out with a small flat tip screwdriver you’ll see the phillips head screw which hold the actual switch casing (the part your twist when activating the wipers). Remove the screw then carefully pull off the switch casing — watch carefully for the large spring, the white plastic shank with the connector tips, and the brass spring loaded pins. This simple cleaning of the contacts does work, as many of us declared today. It’s a shame the dealer doesn’t cut the consumer a break – this is why this newsgroup, and most others, are here — to share the info….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, :it comes off pretty easy. Just so I’m clear on this part, just the cap on the very end of the stalk comes off? I tried inserting a very small screw driver in between the cap and the stalk and the screw driver did not want to go between them…I did not want to force it…it just does not seem that there’s a space between them that the blade of even a jewler’s screw driver can get into so thet cap can be pryed out. Am I missing something here? Thanks! —
Response:
:Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, :it comes off pretty easy. Just so I’m clear on this part, just the cap on the very end of the stalk comes off? I tried inserting a very small screw driver in between the cap and the stalk and the screw driver did not want to go between them…I did not want to force it…it just does not seem that there’s a space between them that the blade of even a jewler’s screw driver can get into so thet cap can be pryed out. Am I missing something here? Thanks! — ** NOTE: To reply directly to me, remove the ‘no-spam’ from my return address
Response:
Just did it — Worked like a charm for me too! I noticed my contacts were covered with the lubricant. Used a Q-tip to the contact area only. Reiterating though, watch out for the springs, especially the small brass pin one. Thanks Dan! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had the same problem on my ‘95 but wasn’t about to spend $80 on a new stalk. Someone posted a fix that I followed and it worked. This is the terse version of the instructions: Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, it comes off pretty easy. Unscrew the the screw which is now visible. There’s some springs in there, so watch what you’re doing. There are 5 contacts which are likely black. 4, from my guess, operate the delayed wipers, and an extra one for for the washer. File, sand, and/or use contact cleaner to get them shinny. Put it all back together and enjoy your washers working properly and having an extra $80 in your wallet.
Response:
Tried this fixed today and it worked like a charm! Took all of 5 min. andy
Response:
I just sqirt a little contact cleaner under the end piece that turns without taking it off, it works for a few months. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank You, That is the answer I was looking for! Mike I had the same problem on my ‘95 but wasn’t about to spend $80 on a new stalk. Someone posted a fix that I followed and it worked. This is the terse version of the instructions: Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, it comes off pretty easy. Unscrew the the screw which is now visible. There’s some springs in there, so watch what you’re doing. There are 5 contacts which are likely black. 4, from my guess, operate the delayed wipers, and an extra one for for the washer. File, sand, and/or use contact cleaner to get them shinny. Put it all back together and enjoy your washers working properly and having an extra $80 in your wallet.
Response:
I had the same problem on my ‘95 but wasn’t about to spend $80 on a new stalk. Someone posted a fix that I followed and it worked. This is the terse version of the instructions: Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, it comes off pretty easy. Unscrew the the screw which is now visible. There’s some springs in there, so watch what you’re doing. There are 5 contacts which are likely black. 4, from my guess, operate the delayed wipers, and an extra one for for the washer. File, sand, and/or use contact cleaner to get them shinny. Put it all back together and enjoy your washers working properly and having an extra $80 in your wallet.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looks like I will do the same. It still works most of the time. Mike ‘95 Sport 2wd 5sd w/88K My ‘95 had a problem with the washer switch when it was still under warranty. I had it in to Ford for a few minor things and had them look at it. I did notice that it worked more consistently if you had the lever in the high beam mode. They said it worked fine for them, 
, but they cleared the nozzles. It has been the same way since. Never gave out completely. Can’t recall if the high beam mode still helps. Wanted it repaired under warranty as I thought the switch was faulty. I have had a number of other small things give out on it. The electric antenna motor runs but it does not go up or down. The temperature gauge is aimed at the ground and needs replaced. Light in door keypad is out. Was getting water in the driver side fog lamp and had to replace the lens twice to get a good seal. The bolts on the front sway bars both broke. Ford has larger replacements. Nothing major for having 85K on it. Craig Craig
Response:
Thank You, That is the answer I was looking for! Mike
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had the same problem on my ‘95 but wasn’t about to spend $80 on a new stalk. Someone posted a fix that I followed and it worked. This is the terse version of the instructions: Remove the black cap on the end of the stalk. Use a small screw driver, it comes off pretty easy. Unscrew the the screw which is now visible. There’s some springs in there, so watch what you’re doing. There are 5 contacts which are likely black. 4, from my guess, operate the delayed wipers, and an extra one for for the washer. File, sand, and/or use contact cleaner to get them shinny. Put it all back together and enjoy your washers working properly and having an extra $80 in your wallet.
Response:
Looks like I will do the same. It still works most of the time. Mike ‘95 Sport 2wd 5sd w/88K – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My bro-in-law (ford mechanic) said that they’ve had problems with the wiper pump switch. said costs about $75 to replace. I think i’ll just live with it until it never works. -roy 95 xlt 4wd 4dr w/ 83k
Response:
Looks like I will do the same. It still works most of the time. Mike ‘95 Sport 2wd 5sd w/88K
My ‘95 had a problem with the washer switch when it was still under warranty. I had it in to Ford for a few minor things and had them look at it. I did notice that it worked more consistently if you had the lever in the high beam mode. They said it worked fine for them, , but they cleared the nozzles. It has been the same way since. Never gave out completely. Can’t recall if the high beam mode still helps. Wanted it repaired under warranty as I thought the switch was faulty. I have had a number of other small things give out on it. The electric antenna motor runs but it does not go up or down. The temperature gauge is aimed at the ground and needs replaced. Light in door keypad is out. Was getting water in the driver side fog lamp and had to replace the lens twice to get a good seal. The bolts on the front sway bars both broke. Ford has larger replacements. Nothing major for having 85K on it. Craig Craig
Response:
Eek — you sound like me as far as being compulsive about keeping things clean. It’s long been a joke in the family about this. Everytime there’s a family get together I sneak out and wipe down everyone’s wiper blades (that haven’t seen cleaning since the prior get together!). I find it complete stupidity that when they wash their cars (compulsively) that they don’t give their wiper blades a good thorough cleaning. Like tires, clean sweeping wipers are the core of clear vision in the rain… I’m averaging 2 gallons a month washer fluid; pitiful! Oh yeah, my washer switch is acting like yours, intermittently engaging the pump; probably from the CONSTANT use. I plan on removing the switch and cleaning the contacts for better connection. Let me know if you find a cure! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First I must admit that I am a fanatic when it comes to keeping my windshield clean, I squeegee it every morning and frequently use the washer while driving. Which leads me to my problem: The switch to activate the washer, mounted at the tip of the turn signal stalk, seems to be wearing out. I have to apply greater and great pressure in order to activate the washer. Has this happened to anyone else? How easy/cheap is it to replace the switch or the entire stalk? Thanks, heading out to the Costco for another case of washer fluid…. Also, if anyone is aware of a 12 step program for obsessive compulsive behavior let me know. Mike
Response:
My bro-in-law (ford mechanic) said that they’ve had problems with the wiper pump switch. said costs about $75 to replace. I think i’ll just live with it until it never works. -roy 95 xlt 4wd 4dr w/ 83k – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Eek — you sound like me as far as being compulsive about keeping things clean. It’s long been a joke in the family about this. Everytime there’s a family get together I sneak out and wipe down everyone’s wiper blades (that haven’t seen cleaning since the prior get together!). I find it complete stupidity that when they wash their cars (compulsively) that they don’t give their wiper blades a good thorough cleaning. Like tires, clean sweeping wipers are the core of clear vision in the rain… I’m averaging 2 gallons a month washer fluid; pitiful! Oh yeah, my washer switch is acting like yours, intermittently engaging the pump; probably from the CONSTANT use. I plan on removing the switch and cleaning the contacts for better connection. Let me know if you find a cure! First I must admit that I am a fanatic when it comes to keeping my windshield clean, I squeegee it every morning and frequently use the washer while driving. Which leads me to my problem: The switch to activate the washer, mounted at the tip of the turn signal stalk, seems to be wearing out. I have to apply greater and great pressure in order to activate the washer. Has this happened to anyone else? How easy/cheap is it to replace the switch or the entire stalk? Thanks, heading out to the Costco for another case of washer fluid…. Also, if anyone is aware of a 12 step program for obsessive compulsive behavior let me know. Mike
Response:
First I must admit that I am a fanatic when it comes to keeping my windshield clean, I squeegee it every morning and frequently use the washer while driving. Which leads me to my problem: The switch to activate the washer, mounted at the tip of the turn signal stalk, seems to be wearing out. I have to apply greater and great pressure in order to activate the washer. Has this happened to anyone else? How easy/cheap is it to replace the switch or the entire stalk? Thanks, heading out to the Costco for another case of washer fluid…. Also, if anyone is aware of a 12 step program for obsessive compulsive behavior let me know. Mike
