Where is the windshield wiper relay - control module in a 1986-1995 Ford Taurus - Mercury Sable?

Answer 1

I believe it is officially called a "wiper control module". It is located up under the dash right near the steering column, and it is mounted on a metal "tree" along with about another 5 modules. It is the largest of the modules on this "tree". The module is black plastic, about 4" x 3" x 1-1/2" in size and is connected by a grey plug on one end. I believe it is attached on the module on a flat piece of metal that is attached to that underside of the car. You should first remove the electrical connector, then slide the module off of that flat piece of metal (might have to depress the metal to get it off -- can't remember precisely how to do it, but I think it just pulls off. The module should be labeled with the number 17D539 and my full number on the label is FOVF-17D539-AB although I don't think the FOVF or the AB are significant. On the top of the module box, there is the number 17D539 stamped into the plastic. You can open the box by sliding a screwdriver under each of the two tabs on (either) side of the box which will expose the circuit board with 4 small encapsulated switches mounted on the board. You probably will need to replace the whole module as it does not look like you could probably repair the 4 switches mounted on the board.
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AnswerI have a 91 taurus, and re-did the entire wiper system in it. The Main relay is , under the hood, on the right side of the wiper motor, "looking torwards the windshield." It is a black box with a clip and a wiring harness. It can be a little difacult to remove the clip at times. Good luck.
knowing which one it is and where is half the battle, the library should have a shop manual for this vehicle, you can make copies of the right sections :)
The wiper control module is mounted on a bracket near the steering column support bracket.