2004 Windshield Wiper Issues...FCM problem?

[DBCooper]

About 9 months ago the wipers started having problems. They wouldn't work on intermittent, and would stop where they were when the switch was moved to off regardless of position. I tried a new switch which didn't help. A new wiper module (motor and linkage) went in and that fixed it until the other day.
I already had a new switch, so put that in with no change whatsoever. The wiper module was then returned under warranty (parts guys were great to work with) but a new module didn’t change anything either.
Now I’m thinking I may have a FCM going bad on me. Any thoughts?
I hear that the FCM on the ‘04s isn’t VIN specific and it controls wiper function. Where’s a good place to get them?
Thanks for any input.
Dan

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm watching this one......

 

[DBCooper]

Update: I needed the truck this morning, so last night went out and took the PDC cover off. Took the fog light relay and swapped it for the wiper park relay. Wipers have worked fine all day…fog lights do too. Sounds like a bad connection or a relay about to die out on me, so I’ll tackle that when I have a few minutes.

 

[DBCooper]

OK, so fast forward 3 years, and I think my PDC is going out on me. My A/C dies off intermittently and comes back on when I swap out relays even though the relay is good. I'm on my third wiper motor and it's starting to act strange again.

I've traced the PDC part number for a 2004 to 82213017AB Can anyone confirm that part number for me?
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Thanks!

Dan

 

[EDankievitch]

Check you'r Key switch.You might find it and or the 14pin plug connector is burning out.

 

[DBCooper]

Thanks, EDankievitch. I'll check it out. The reason I suspect the PDC is that if I nudge the relay to the AC, the clutch engages. With the wipers, I was able to get them to work properly for quite a while by pushing the plugs on the bottom of the PDC in. They didn't seem loose, but it did fix the problem for a year or so.

What's the other 14 pin connector you mention?

 

[Wayne M.]

Check you'r Key switch.You might find it and or the 14pin plug connector is burning out.

Isnt there a recall or campaign regarding this or another stressed harness in that area?

 

[DBCooper]

Haven't heard about a recall for my year truck. I've received several recall notices, nothing regarding wipers, although I have heard of recalls for other years. Kinda makes me wonder about Dodge.

So, new multi function switch didn't fix it, new wiper module didn't fix it. I'm down to PDC, or FCM. Since I have no other FCM symptoms, I'm aiming at PDC. I've also heard the cluster has something to do with wiper actuation in these trucks. Anyone care to elaborate?

Thanks.

 

[GBergen]

any luck finding a PDC or an FCM? I have a similar truck and nearly convinced the FCM is out to get my wallet... I've had the PDC apart and found, with the exception of a few relays that control the trailer lights, the PDC is mostly circuit board with lots of blades to make contact with relays and fuses and no components(chips, resistors or capacitors). I have lots of pictures if you care to see the inside of one before you take it apart yourself. From your descriptions, corrosion seems like a candidate for a cause. Be cautious with the dielectric grease. It's not conductive. meaning if you have a crappy connection, it will be well insulated with the dielectric grease. I have another thread running in TDR, looking for a source to purchase a FCM for less than $200. Best of luck with your issue!
GFBergen

 

[PWong]

I've also heard the cluster has something to do with wiper actuation in these trucks. Anyone care to elaborate?

http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2004/docs/wd/drwd/8W-53/8W-53-2.pdf
http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2004/docs/wd/drwd/8W-53/8W-53-3.pdf
http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2004/docs/wd/drwd/8W-53/8W-53-4.pdf


MFS interfaces with Cluster.
Cluster communicates MFS requests/commands with FCM through PCI Bus.

 

[DBCooper]

Thanks for the information to the two of you. Confirms also that the FCM is involved. I took a small gamble and ordered some after market relays to replace the intermittent relay and low/hi relay. For whatever reason, the system is working just fine, and has been since mid. December. How long it lasts is anyone's guess.