Front Wipers Stopped Working On 2007 C-Max

[mickthetree]

Hi all

Happened across the forum whilst searching for a resolution to my issue.

I have a 2007 1.6 TDCI c-max

The wipers just stopped working recently. They were fine when I parked the car up, went to drive the next day and they were not working.

I have changed the fuse and even bought a secondhand motor and linkage off eBay (guy said it definitely works). Fitted that and still nothing.

When I press the wiper stalk on the steering column I can hear the relay working, but my knowledge if relays is poor.

Anyone got any more suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[jeebowhite]

Do you have indicators, washers or flashing lights control?

If you activate the rear wiper does this work?

Is it the same click you get when activating the front?

It sounds to me like your relay may have become loose. Disconnect the battery, disconnect all wire harnesses from the passenger side footwell and then reconnect each and every one in turn ensuring its fully engaged. If this works and you still hear a click, it sounds like the wiring from the box to the motor may be damaged, but my gut is yelling its just a loose connection.

[mickthetree]

Thanks so much for the answer Jeebo

Now you mention it I did have to replace another fuse a month or so ago and maybe I could have knocked something. I hadn't even considered that.

I'll have a look through everything over the next couple of days. Its such an awkward space to get into down there. I had myself upside down with my legs in the air last time!!!

I'll come back and let you know.

Thanks

[jeebowhite]

Hi Paul, no need for odd positioning :p

I find that if you just unscrew then drop the fuseboard, then you can just work on them all and work from kneeling out the side of the car. It would only take a few minutes, but make sure you disconnect the battery first. You can throw all sorts of error messages!

[mickthetree]

Hi there

I got some time today to look at this. I disconnected the battery and went through all of the connections in the fuse box in the passenger footwell hoping to find a loose connection, but nothing. Everything seems solid.

There is a small set of wires that run through the bracket that holds the fuseboard. Looks like these have been rubbing against the fuseboard as the covering insulating tape has worn through, but the wires beneath seem intact.

[mickthetree]

I cant actually see the relays in the fuseboard in the footwell. Are they held inside the board? The rear wiper relay makes exactly the same sound as the front one, but the front one still refuses to budge.

I guess the next step would be to test the wires but I dont have a clue which ones run the lighting. Would a haynes manual tell me this?

Alternatively a specialist electircal mechanic might be in order!

[mick85]

I think wiper relay is hardwired into gem module (fuse box passenger footwell)if u can't find relay and u know someone with similar car borrow there gem an just test with ignition on possible new fusebox worst case scenario try this after u fully check rest circuit first

[mick85]

If ur headlights ain't workin there fuse under bonnet for wipers an lights

[Stoney871]

I'm pretty sure that the wiper relays are on the underside of the board.

You may have a plastic mesh or material cover over the bottom hiding and protecting relays.

I know the board can be prone to loose modules if someone inadvertedly kicks it.also I'm pretty sure the board is identical to the board in a MK2 Focus.

If the relays aren't under the footwell board then check the board in the engine bay.

[Stoney871]

[mickthetree]

Cheers guys, really helpful having your input.

I'll try to ping the back off the GEM this weekend. It seemed like a sealed unit so I didn't look much further.

It certainly sounds like the relay is in the footwell when I press the stick.

I had presumed that if the relay is clicking then it must be ok, but I'm up for trying anything!!

[Stoney871]

The relay clicking means the low voltage/ampage switching circuit is working but the higher voltage/ampage secondary circuit activated by the switching relay may not be.

Sent using Ford OC mobile app

[mick85]

One piece of advise for u if u like messing round with ur car u need a multimeter never just buy a part an hope that's problem these things can be checked so easy rule number 1 in diagnostics u always proof out ur wiring before condemning a part most electrical problems could be something as simple as a bad connection

[mickthetree]

Cheers Mick. My dad used to be an electrician and has one of those. He is coming over this weekend to see if we can get to the bottom of it.

He might know, but is there a way to test if the wiper motor is fine with a multimeter? It has four prongs.

[mick85]

First think first u need to check circuit see if u gettin a power an a ground to the motor usually if u have good voltage an earth motor is problem but u can check motor also check internal resistance u have 2 motors so u can take reading an compare not sure exact pins off top my head but I sure would get them on google

[mickthetree]

Right, I got my dad over and we checked both wiper motors for continuity and they are both the same. Dad reckons they are fine.

We tested the connector that plugs into the motor. Theres 12v coming in on pin three but when the ignition / engine is on there is no change on any other pin so it would appear there is not a circuit there. Testing across both pins in the GEM there is no current at all. The fuse is fine.

So it would appear to be the GEM. I took it out (amazingly easy) and popped it open but you can only access the back of the circuit board. It would appear ford don't want you changing anything there!! I didn't have the time to take the whole thing apart as I would have had to note all the fuses first. Anyone replaced relays in there before? Is it possible? Othewise its a new GEM. Off to find a price....

[mick85]

If get a wiring diagram u would be able to tell I thought the wiper relay hardwired meaning u can't change it now I could be wrong but a diagram would clear that up

[mickthetree]

I have spoken with an automotive electrician and have arranged for the car to go into my local ford main dealership for hook up to their IDS. HOPEFULLY they will be able to point to the right issue. Prices for a new BCM are looking expensive.

I did find out that the reason my passenger doors don't unlock first time with the key fob is down to pressing the wrong combination of buttons. Looks like that one can be easily fixed!!

I'll let you know the outcome.

[mick85]

Yeah I say u need new gem module an main dealer has program new one they making cars so much harder to repair yourself absolute wan#ers haha keep us posted on outcome that if they actually tell u really what was problem how much is new gem module

[mickthetree]

Well £500 lighter I shall be picking the car up from Ford on my way home. New GEM. I had been expecting a lot more to be honest but at Christmas time it is the last thing I need.

All for a small component on a circuit board :(

Boo you Ford.

[jeebowhite]

Ouch! I feel for you fella, but now you have the thing fixed it should last you till the day you kill the car!

[mick85]

That such a joke an worse part is if u new a decent electronic engineer or technician he could probably repair that mother board like why not just have proper relay u can replace for a fiver instead of hardwired into mother board them gems an bcmi nothing but trouble it's all a money racket

[mickthetree]

Appreciate all your help chaps. Maybe this thread will help someone else out in the future.