Once again working on my 98. Went to wipe the dew off the windshield this morning and the wipers wouldn't work. Neither would the fluid control. I played with it for a while and it would work about 30% of the time. Once I turned the switch all the way to off and the wipers still ran for about 5 more seconds.

I have read about GEMs being the probable cause of this. I have a multimeter but I do not know which wires to check.

Thanks for any help

 

What are the GEM's? I have a 97 f-150 and the only way to get my washer to squirt is to move the arm to get the signals to start flashing and then push in the button. Than the wiper fluid will squirt.

 

GEM is short for General Electric Module. They are infamous for going bad from what I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) a leak from the bottom of the windshield that seems to form from time to time. You will usually see these issues after a hard or long rain.

 

How much does that module cost and is it a PIA to replace? It seems like the steering column switch may be bad too, or at least screwed up. Can any trouble shooting be done by opening the steering column? Have you guys messed with this kind of thing?

 

Not too sure about that, but there are threads on it. As far as I know, its located right on the backside of the cabin fuse box if I remember correctly.

 

I have never repalced one in an f150 but i have in rangers when they first came out. If i am not mistaken the gem has to be programmed with it in the truck. the gem controls the anti-theft too so the truck will not start. the gem is not a cheap part.

if you wiggle the turn signal lever and just the wiper end part and it starts working it sounds like the contacts inside are worn. try a new switch. i think they are about $100. or try and pick one up at a junk yard.

the turn signal switch is easy to replace. remove the upper and lower steering column covers. (phillips) you will have to remove the tilt lever. then remove the 2 torx (t20 i think) screws. and disconnect both electrical connectors.

 

If I pull it off and check it with an ohmmeter what should I look for? I hate throwing 100$ parts at it without knowing.

 

here is a schematic and where to test and the values

 

that should get you in the right direction

 

If you need to get another switch on dawg is talking about, its called the "multifunction switch". A few of those do go bad from time to time. Not super common, but not that rare either.