Ford Focus Wiper Motor Problem (Reasons + Solutions)

You’ve been noticing a problem with your wiper for a few days now. It’s not working at all. Then again, you saw your friend’s Ford Focus wiper isn’t stopping. Why is the wiper in Ford Focus so problematic?

What’s the core reason for this ford focus wiper motor problem?

The main reason for the Ford Focus wiper motor problem is a manufacturing defect. The models manufactured between 2010 and 2011 have this problem. However, having a corroded battery module is also responsible for wipers having issues. So, by replacing the battery, you can fix this problem.

This is just a teaser of the solution we’ve shown you. By reading till the end of this article, you’ll get a full-proof solution in detail.

Main Reason for the Ford Focus Wiper Motor Problem?

Do you know that the Ford Focus Wiper Motor problem is actually a manufacturing default? Yes. Before you go fix the problem, you should know what’s the main reason behind it.

According to the New York Times brief, Ford Motor Company confirmed the defective wipers. It is only evident in their 2012 models. They made it clear to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It’s actually a manufacturing default that happened at that time. And Ford even apologizes for it. 

So, is your Ford Focus manufactured between August 1, 2010, and October 18, 2011? If it is, chances are you’ll face the wiper motor problem.

And as it is a manufacturing problem, any Ford servicing center will resolve it for you. 

However, there are some quick fixes you can apply on your own. We’ve noted down every problem with the reasoning in the next section. We also included step-by-step solutions for each problem below. 

So, here’s how you can solve your Ford Focus wiper problem.  

How to Solve Ford Focus Wiper Motor Problems?

There are two common problems you might face with your Ford Focus Wiper. Either the wiper isn’t working at all or it’s not turning off. 

Depending on the problem you’re facing right now, you can skip reading the other one. But we’ll suggest skimming through both of the solutions below. It’ll keep you aware of future complications.

So, let’s get started!

Problem 1: Wiper Not Working

You might see your 2014 ford focus wipers not working on a random day. Though the water spray works, you don’t see the wiper doing its job. In fact, you don’t even notice any motor sound engaging it. 

So, what could possibly stop the wiper from working? Here’s the reason. 

Reason: Corroded Battery Terminal

One possible reason the Ford Focus wiper isn’t working is a corroded negative battery terminal. Usually, people don’t notice it too often. It’s because the battery terminal isn’t very visible as it’s under the rear battery cover.

Mainly, here the current sensors that are attached to the negative battery terminal get corroded. As a result, it can’t power up the motor properly. And the wiper fails to work.

Now let’s move on to the solution.

Solution: Unplug the Sensor Wires

You’re assured that the main problem is within the sensors in the battery terminal. So, this means the solution is also related to these sensors.

These are the instructions you should follow:

  • First, you have to check the current sensors if they are working.
  • Then, connect the two wires keeping them in a backward position. In short, just unplug the wires from the sensors. As it becomes disabled, the sensor will fail. 
  • After doing this, check the wipers. You’ll see it’s working!

Well, we want to give you a hint on the budget here. Ford has a kit for the two new wires that you’re going to use. A 12”2 wire pigtail will cost you around $50. 

If you compare it to other brands, you’ll find that it’s a bit expensive. You can find it for $5 per part. But as you’ll need it, going over the budget will pay off. 

So, following the above steps, you can turn on a Ford Focus wiper that’s not working. 

Now, what if the wiper’s working but you can’t turn it off? 

Follow the next section to know the solution.     

Problem 2: Wipers Won’t Turn Off

You see the wipers going on and on. You tried different tactics but the wiper is still working. You can’t find the exact reason why this is happening. 

You won’t believe what’s the reason! Here’s what happened.

Reason: Corroded Negative Battery Post

Just like the previous problem, this problem is also caused by a corroded negative battery post. Yes, a corroded negative battery module can stop the wiper forever. It can also be the cause of a wiper working incessantly.

As a result, the leaking battery post damages the battery control module. And so, you lost control over the wipers. 

We think you can already guess what to fix in this case. Yes, the battery control module. Follow the next segment to know the procedure.

Solution: Replace the Battery Control Module

Before you start replacing the battery control module, you have to understand what a battery control module does. 

A battery control module determines how much charge is there to dictate the high voltage battery. It sends a signal to the high voltage control unit. As a result, the battery discharges high voltage power.

So, you have to be very much careful when you’re replacing it by yourself.

Here’s a step-by-step procedure on how you can replace a battery from Ford Focus;

  • First, check Ford’s manual to figure out the exact size and location of the battery.
  • Then, find the negative and positive posts. You’ll see a red plastic cover over the positive post.
  • Then, you have to remove the (-) signed cable from the (-) terminal bolt. Use a terminal puller in this case.
  • In the following step, repeat the same process with the positive post.
  • After that, you have to remove the clamp and carefully lift the corroded battery.
  • Fix the new battery and connect the positive wires. 
  • Then, you have to secure the new battery by retaining the clamp.
  • Put a thin layer of anti-corrosion grease on the battery washers. Only if it has anti-corrosion washers. 
  • Lastly, tighten the positive and negative cables consecutively.

Voila! You have successfully replaced the battery in your Ford Focus. 

Now, if you don’t want to take the hassle, you can simply change the windshield wiper motor. Worried about the cost? 

In the next section, you’ll get to know about the cost. 

What is the Cost of Replacing a Windshield Wiper Motor?

The range of replacing a windshield wiper motor is between $50 and $250. Now, if you want to add labor costs, it will be from $90 to $110. 

But you should also make sure there are no other internal problems. If there is any, it will increase your expenses depending on the problem you have. 

Well, here’s one thing. If you’re not driving in extreme weather situations, the windshield doesn’t have much use. 

But if you’re a traveler of mainstream conditions, you should invest in a good windshield wiper. The sooner you invest, the better driver you’ll experience. 

FAQs

Here are some frequent queries we have curated on today’s topic-

Is there a fuse for a windshield wiper motor?

Yes, there is a fuse for a windshield wiper motor. What a fuse does is detect the weaker spots in a circuit. Suppose, there is any problem with the windshield wiper motor. You’ll notice that the fuse has blown completely. This means the wiper motor is overloaded with power. So, you need to fix it.  

How long do wiper motors last?

Wipers last for almost a lifetime. Unless they go through serious damage, you can use them for years. But, if the wipers are exposed to a lot of heat and moisture, they’ll show symptoms. You’ll have to replace the wiper motors then. So, it depends on how much you’re using the wipers on a daily basis.

How do you reset a windshield wiper motor?

To reset a windshield wiper motor, you have to remove the center nut. Use a socket wrench for this. Then, power on the windshield wipers and see if the wiper fulfills a full cycle. Make sure the wiper stops at a park position. It has to be accurate and the arms should be disconnected at that time.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you are aware of the Ford Focus wiper motor problems and their solutions now. You have to take different actions based on the problems you are facing. 

With that being said, we wish you’re able to solve your problem. And use the wiper just like the brand new ones. 

Best of luck!

Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *