What Causes the Focus Wiper to Not Stop?
3 Answers
The Focus wiper continuously wiping without stopping may be due to wiring issues, such as a damaged combination switch. Below is a detailed introduction about car wipers: 1. Overview: The power source of the wiper comes from the motor, which is the core of the entire wiper system. The wiper has high-quality requirements for the motor. It uses a DC permanent magnet motor, and the wiper motor installed on the front windshield is generally integrated with the worm gear mechanical part. 2. Others: The function of the worm gear mechanism is to reduce speed and increase torque. Its output shaft drives the four-bar linkage mechanism, which converts continuous rotational motion into left-right swinging motion.
I've been driving a Focus for five years and have experienced the awkward situation where the wipers wouldn't stop. The most likely cause is the wiper switch getting stuck, such as dust blocking the button or internal contact wear, preventing it from returning to the off position. Another common issue is a faulty relay—that small box controlling the circuit can easily overheat, get damaged, or be soaked in water. If the relay sticks and doesn't release, the wipers will keep running. Sometimes, a short circuit can also cause trouble; when wires age and their insulation peels off, they might touch each other, creating a continuous power supply to the wiper motor. Last time this happened to me, I simply pulled the fuse to temporarily stop it, but for a permanent fix, it's best to visit a professional shop to replace the parts. A switch costs just a few dozen bucks—don't wait until a rainy day when it becomes a safety hazard affecting your visibility. Regular cleaning of dashboard gaps and avoiding rough handling of switches can prevent such issues. In short, quickly check the switch, relay, and wiring—these three areas.
My Focus previously had wipers that wouldn't stop running. After struggling for a while, I found it was an electrical circuit issue. The relay—that component controlling the power—had aged or burned out, easily getting stuck in the ON position and keeping the wipers running indefinitely. More seriously, a short circuit could occur, such as when the wiring harness under the hood wears down and exposes bare wires, creating a constant current supply. A blown fuse might also be related—though it usually causes the wipers to stop working, strange short circuits can make the system go haywire. I recommend first opening the fuse box to check if the wiper fuse is blown, then trying to replace the relay. The operation isn't too difficult but requires some DIY knowledge, saving some repair costs. Be aware that electrical issues pose a fire risk, especially in humid weather, making it more urgent. It's better to have a technician use tools to test voltage early for safety.
