While driving windshield wipers turn off and on whenever they want to. They sometimes will not run at all or they will stop running during use. The dome light also stays on and will not turn off causing a glare on the window. It started doing it with the passenger door then the driver's door started the same problem. I checked with a dealer and it seems to have been a problem with Ranger for many years now and still troubles many owners right up to the 2001 models. *dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis**739942

- Branchdale, PA, USA

The windshield wipers came on by themselves and the washers did not work. Also the dome light stayed on after the door was closed for at least 30 minutes or more. The wipers would come on when the turn signals were used. The dome light was distracting at night. Scc

- Burlington, KY, USA

Windshield wiper and windshield cleaner comes on all by itself.

- Belleville, IL, USA

Would be driving vehicle when dome light and windshield wipers come on by themselves. Have taken to dealership & mechanic indicated a possible short in switch was causing problem.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

Windshield wipers and washers willstart up at any time. At one point I almost hit the car in front.

- Brockton, MA, USA

My windshield wipers turn-on on their own and operate at varied speeds regardless of my control. I cannot shut them off and sometimes cannot turn them on. I've had the GEM module replaced at my own expense yet the situations continues. Also my interior light will turn-on on its own and I too cannot get it to shut off at times.

- Portland, OR, USA

Dome light stays on after started and door closed and does not go off. Problem seeing at night... no way to turn off without removing the bulbs. Windshield wipers do not start when turned on the do not go off when switched off. Have to turn the wipers on then off again. Shift knob comes off when pulling shift lever from 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 4th. Makes shifting difficult while starting up a hill and merging on the freeway because the knob slips off completely and the shifter ends up in the neutral position.

- Auburn, CA, USA

The windshield wiper and fluid turns on by itself. Does not seem to be associated with anything, just comes on frequently.

- Astoria, NY, USA

While driving, the windshield wipers & washer come on by themselves and fail to turn off.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

Windshield wipers came on without manual operation, and windsheild wiper fluid released. Cause unknown. Door ajar light / dome light remained on.

- Peru, NY, USA

When driving without operating the windshield wiper switch, windshield wipers come on and off with the switch in the off position. Consumer has contacted the dealer.

- Avenal, CA, USA

Windshield wipers seem to have a mind of their own. The dome light also seems to have a mind of it's own. They both come on and go off when they want to.

- Pearl, MS, USA

Brakes lock up and truck will skid no matter what speed, truck becomes uncontrollable. Windshield wipers will come on and spray during some left turns, for no apparant reason. This causes the inability to see. When brakes are applied(and truck goes nuts)the passenger front seat launches forward even though it is locked into position. One incident was I was making a left turn onto a busy street when my wipers came on and sprayed fluid all over, I tried to apply my brakes and the tires locked up and truck started to skid, and the seat holding my infant son's car seat was thrown forward into the dash. I was traveling maybe 4-6 mph. Some one is going to get killed in this vehicle. I contacted Ford and they say I have no recourse and have never heard of such things happening with thier vehicles. I have had the brakes inspected and I am told that they look fine, and there is no problem with the ABS dummy light coming on in the vehicle. Please, please can you make Ford do something about this? I noticed that there are a lot of similar complaints with this truck posted here on NHTSA's site. Thank you.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Intermittently windshield wipers will come on automatically, disbursing washer fluid on a startling the driver. A technical service bulletin has been issued on the vehicle's make. Dealer has been notified.

- Morganza, MD, USA

Wiper operation erratic. Operate by themselves, or will not operated when turned on.

- Rittman, OH, USA

Windshield wipers are stopping while in operating mode, causing poor visibility and can lead to a vehicle collision.; mfr. Notified. Can NHTSA help in this matter.

- Belleville, IL, USA

Windshield wipers sometimes come on by themselves. While taking vehicle to inspection, wipers would not shut off when switch was turned off. This has happened several times within the last 6 months. Became more aware of the problem after seeing a report on local news station.

- Parlin, NJ, USA

Windshield wipers has operate erratically. They come on and G off without being activated. Dealer has been contacted.

- Salisbury, MD, USA

Windshield wipers come on without manual operation and will not turn off cause unknown.

- Crowm Point, IN, USA

Windshield wipers & washer come on without touching switch. Have to turn on then off. Sometimes it washes other times it does not.vehicle can be stopped at light or going down freeway when wipers come on.always have worked when turned on.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA