Ford · Canada · High
Ford Windstar: Electrical
Affects Ford Windstar · 1999–2001 — about 129K vehicles.
The hazard
On certain vehicles contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of the vehicles built between February and August 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or, potentially, ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper motor operation. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance.
What to do
Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.