Wipers & Windows ignition problem

Asked by exp99 Sep 29, 2015 at 07:27 PM about the 1999 Ford Explorer

Question type: General

I have a 99 explorer.  The widows and wipers work sometimes and dont
sometimes.  I can get wipers to work by wiggling the key.  Got a new key,
not worn.  I can get windows to work by popping out key cylinder and
putting back in.  What am I overlooking to fix this on again, off again
problem?  The cylinder is a little loose, just tore apart dash to replace bulbs
in instrument cluster, not sure if that might affect anything.

8 Answers

550

One of the key tumbler is bad! You will have to change the ignition key and tumbler

2 people found this helpful.
73,320

Daughter had a similar problem with her 99. Had to change the ignition cylinder. Not difficult at all, but, depending on the security system in your vehicle, you may have to have a locksmith reprogram. Cylinders with security features come with new keys.

1 people found this helpful.

Thanks, I thought that myself, just wanted opinions before I spent the money. Will post this next week if it works.

73,320

There are two parts to the ignition, one is the cylinder, which the key goes in, and the other is the switch, which is usually bolted underneath the column. I purchased one from ORielly's a good while back for a 99 explorer. Check their web-site, there should be a photo of what it looks like. If you can wiggle the cylinder and sometimes it will work, the problem could be in the switch.

This one has been a nightmare. Tried everything, now down to The general electronic module. Part on order, crossing fingers it's the fix.

Yahoo, the GEM was the problem. Add that to possible fixes and thanks for the input.

73,320

Congrats that it worked right out of the box. On newer vehicles when one of those is replaced it usually requires it be programmed or initialized.

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