kirklandkie

Hey, first post here but here it goes. The intermittent speeds on my wipers aren't working. I though this could be the GEM but today while in park i flipped the switch and they work at every setting.
Possibly related, my cruise control "OFF" light blinks when driving for prolonged periods/on highway (i understand this is a transmission fault of some sort).

Is it possible that these are related? the truck is fairly new to me so i'm not yet intimately familiar with all of the systems.
EDIT: Truck is a 97 f150, regular cab, short bed, xlt, 4x4, 4.2L v6
Thanks

-Kirk

kirklandkie

Anyone?
What is involved in the system which would work only when in drive? We can eliminate the switch and all the mechanics of the wipers since it works while in park.

-Kirk

kirklandkie

Bump

kgintner1

That's weird, sounds like the gem tho IMO. Or the privouse owner messed with the wiring so the wiper timer doesn't work in drive

kirklandkie

I was thinking, isn't there some function that alters wiper speed depending on vehicle speed? could this possibly be the culprit?

-Kirk

Jktx21

No I don't think so. Sounds like a bad GEM (I've heard about several go bad) or something in the wiper motor/controller. I would try to rule that out if possible, I think those are a few hundred dollars. I guess it could be the multi-switch possibly? I had a problem like that on a GM once, the circuit board on the motor was cracked.

Also, I remember something about water intrusion concerning the GEM on f150 and expeditions. Poke around the GEM and see if you notice any corrosion. Also, check if the windshield has ever been replaced. A poorly installed molding can cause water intrusion.

kgintner1

Water part is true. It took mine out. I don't have 4x4 ATM because of it

udderbrudder

I don't have the wiring diagram handy but I'll look for it for tomorrow. But if I remember correctly there is an amplifier in the wiper circuitry-possibly part of the GEM.

kirklandkie

I'll pull out my gem in the next couple days and check for water damage. If i need a new one doesn't it need to be programmed? or would finding a truck with the same options in a salvage yard be an option?

-Kirk

Red1999XLT

yea... my blazers intermitten wipers dont work but i dont care its a POS. i was using it cuz my f150 was in the shop with a tranny prob but thats fixed now so im happy.