Turn on Ford wipers with the right-side stalk on the steering column, choosing from Off, Intermittent, Low, High, or Auto if your model supports rain-sensing wipers. For windshield washing, pull the stalk toward you to spray fluid and wipe.
Where to Find the Wiper Controls
In most Ford vehicles, the wiper controls are on a stalk mounted to the right side of the steering column. The end or a nearby ring typically selects speed or mode, and newer models may include an Auto/rain-sensing option or automatic overrides.
Basic Wiper Modes
These are the standard modes you’ll encounter on the wiper stalk. The exact labels can vary by model year, but the function is consistent across most Ford cars and trucks.
- Off: Wipers are not active.
- Intermittent (INT): Wipes at adjustable intervals; the delay is usually set with a dial or ring on the stalk.
- Low (LO): Continuous low-speed wipe.
- High (HI): Continuous high-speed wipe.
- Auto (if equipped): Rain-sensing mode where the wipers adjust automatically based on detected rainfall.
Note: Exact wording and control placement can differ by model and year. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual for the precise configuration for your vehicle.
Using the Wiper Washer (Spray) Function
To wash the windshield while wiping, use the washer control on the stalk. The usual operation is to pull the stalk toward you to spray washer fluid and trigger a wipe. Release to stop; a single pull typically produces one wipe, and some models allow additional wipes with repeated pulls.
- Pull toward you briefly to spray washer fluid and wipe once.
- Release to stop; the wipers may complete a final wipe depending on the model.
- Repeat as needed for additional wipes.
If your model has a different washer action, refer to the manual for exact steps, as some recent Ford designs vary slightly by year and trim.
Auto Rain-Sensing Wipers (If Equipped)
Many newer Ford models offer rain-sensing wipers. In Auto mode, a windshield-mounted sensor detects moisture and automatically adjusts wipe speed. Sensitivity and behavior can sometimes be tuned from the stalk or instrument cluster, depending on year and trim.
- Set the stalk to Auto to enable automatic adjustment of wipe speed.
- Adjust sensitivity if available, using a dial on the stalk or a menu in the instrument cluster.
- Override with manual settings (LO/HI/INT) if you need to control speed regardless of rain intensity.
Auto wipers are not universal across all Ford models or model years; verify compatibility in your vehicle’s manual or with a dealer.
Tips and Troubleshooting
If the wipers aren’t behaving as expected, check these quick items: fuse status, stalk mechanism, and wiper motor connections. A faulty relay, a damaged wiper linkage, or a malfunctioning rain sensor can affect performance. When in doubt, a Ford dealer or qualified mechanic can diagnose and service the system.
Summary
Turning on Ford wipers is a straightforward action using the right-side stalk. Select Off, Intermittent, Low, High, or Auto (if your model has rain-sensing wipers), and use a quick pull on the stalk to spray washer fluid and wipe. Remember that exact controls can vary by model year and trim, so consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and options.