2017 Axis Wiper Switch

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-11-2021, 12:20 AM

Wiper switch on low left dash stinks.

Its inconvenient placement is not user friendly, and doesn't always do what I was hoping it would do. Too much press, and hope it is wiping.

I would much rather use Ford factory switch on steering column turn signal stalk.

Has anyone rewired the Axis dash switch to the factory wiper stalk switch? Suggestions welcomed. Thanks!

ducksface · 11-11-2021, 12:25 AM

I offered to do it.
I've already purchased the arm so I'd have one to bench test on, I said I would do all the changes and splices and experiments.
All I asked this forum to do was supply pin out/in info on the arm and thor wiper switch, and feedback/second voice when I need one.

I
Got
Crickets.

'Who will help me bake the bread?'
'Not I said the cow'.

Hugh.vines@att.net · 11-11-2021, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksface

I offered to do it.
I've already purchased the arm so I'd have one to bench test on, I said I would do all the changes and splices and experiments.
All I asked this forum to do was supply pin out/in info on the arm and thor wiper switch, and feedback/second voice when I need one.

I
Got
Crickets.

'Who will help me bake the bread?'
'Not I said the cow'.

I’ll try to help but I don’t know what you need I have 2016 axis

ducksface · 11-11-2021, 04:18 AM

Wiring diagrams for the switch the steering column and the Thor switch.

Hugh.vines@att.net · 11-11-2021, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksface

Wiring diagrams for the switch the steering column and the Thor switch.

https://images.app.goo.gl/LLatgerkQjAi5noC7

ducksface · 11-11-2021, 11:53 AM

If that schematic is for the wiper switches thor uses, it appears we're just a sensor away from having automatically-on wipers when it rains.

Maybe a raindrop sensor which can be two closely spaced interrupted wires....

If that's the Thor switch I now need the steering column and wiper stalk for a ford.

Thanks for the circuit.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-11-2021, 06:04 PM

Looking at Ford E450 schematics, the turn/wiper stalk is connected to a "wiper module" in the Ford truck, this drives the wiper motor on the Ford configuration. As best as I can see, THOR did not use the Ford wiper module. That's about all I can offer at this point. Thanks for your help, and persistent experimentation.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-11-2021, 06:10 PM

Don't understand the link to Freightliner wiper schematics.

ducksface · 11-11-2021, 06:11 PM

Do you think the missing module is ecm integrated or a standalone/plugin piece?
I think I paid $33 for the wiper stalk. I'm wondering is a module is buyable.

Thor 25 · 11-20-2021, 07:20 PM

Our 2017 Thor Axis switch has a mind of its own. The washer portion, doesn’t even work. The blades I had to replace got inch smaller ones because nobody stocked the others. This whole episode is a pain. Yes why couldn’t Thor just wire in to the Ford stock control arm? Lazy/cheap.

JamieGeek · 11-20-2021, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor 25

Our 2017 Thor Axis switch has a mind of its own. The washer portion, doesn’t even work. The blades I had to replace got inch smaller ones because nobody stocked the others. This whole episode is a pain. Yes why couldn’t Thor just wire in to the Ford stock control arm? Lazy/cheap.

I usually just get the wiper blades off Amazon.

aa0ri · 11-20-2021, 10:52 PM

I have hated that switch since I purchased my 2017 Vegas and switching to Ford's switch is one of this winter's projects. Let's keep this one going until someone has come up with a reasonable fix. I figure I'll have a serious wreck one of these days in heavy traffic and rain unless I can make the switch change.

ducksface · 11-21-2021, 12:02 AM

Worst case is we'll build a harness extension to move it up within reach.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-21-2021, 05:08 PM

The wiper switch that THOR uses (at least in my 2016 AXIS) is glued into the dash. It is actually a push/click-tab type but glued so it does not move. The wiring harness has a 8 pin connector (Mini Univ. Mate-n-Lock Conn). Six of the 8 connector points are used. I have not yet determined the wire assignments yet. That is another discovery
project.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-21-2021, 05:27 PM

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/im...attach/jpg.gif

Pictures of the back o dash wiper switch, and the connector/wires

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-21-2021, 10:37 PM

I have to take my eyes off the road to find the wiper "THOR" wiper switch. I'm working on how to make the Ford wiper switch work too. It may not be possible, but it is worth the effort. If I can't make the Ford switch work, I will move the THOR switch. Don't know where. But not where it is. BTW, my THOR switch is glued into the dash.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 11-21-2021, 10:55 PM

The Ford wiper control system on late model vehicles is completely different than anything you’re used to in the past. Examine the Ford wipers wiring diagram below. First, notice thathe wiper speed switch is now called a multi-function switch (MFS). It does not actually switch power to the wiper motor. It just acts a signaling device to tell the Smart Junction Box (SJB) what action you’d like it to take. In this case, the Smart Junction Box performs the same functions as a Body Control Module used in other makes and models. So you’ll have to check reference voltages coming into the MFS based on the position of the switch. Then you’ll have to check the grounds provided by the SJB the run to the control coils on the Park/Run and Hi/Low relays.

I have found a wiring diagram shows how Ford wipers work I'll copy and paste soon.

The SJB provides a reference voltage to the MFS. The voltage flows through resistors built into the MFS and then to ground. The SJB measure the voltage drop and based on the remaining voltage, determines what setting the driver has requested. The SJB then applies a ground to the appropriate relays which then provide power to the wiper motor and washer motor.

Chateau_Nomad · 11-23-2021, 05:24 PM

I feel your pain... but can't help but say this would be an interesting project!! I love tinkering with stuff like this - to a point - and solving a problem/puzzle.

That said - I'm not the one with a wiper issue, and real-world fixes take precedence over hobbies!

I'm sure you'll get a great collaboration of problem solvers on this forum!!

aa0ri · 11-23-2021, 05:43 PM

Looks like Ford found a hard way to do a simple job! I'll try to find the amperage rating of the turn signal wiper contacts and also the amperage the various contacts carry on the Thor switch, if Fords are rated high enough, it still might be doable for a reasonable price.

Jason977 · 11-24-2021, 03:37 PM

If it turns out using Ford's MFS and wiper module isn't worth fighting for, I've considered replacing Thor's wiper control module with toggle switches. I'm assuming that would be pretty straightforward, but could be wrong on that too...

My wiper switch has always been terrible just like yours. Not only is it hard to find but I have to push very hard on the buttons to activate them.

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