SRS Light & Windshield Wiper Glitch
 

HELP!! Today, twice after a long, soaking rain, the windshield wiper on my 96 E320 would not initially work but after leaving in on for about a minute, it started working. The first time was right after I started the car - the radio was on and when I turned on the wiper, the radio stopped working. The second time (a couple of hours later) the radio use was not impacted. Both times the SRS flashed for a couple a seconds after the wiper started working and, once working, no further problem.
A search of this site suggests a possible bad relay (based on 124 cars) - is this something that would be confirmed by downloading the codes or are there other tests I can/should perform beforehand.
This is the first problem, of any type with this car - only 43K miles, and very well maintained prior to my purchase a couple of months ago. Although the car came with a transferable warranty (from Ford - go figure) good for about 18 mos and 15K, I've been reluctant to spend the $100 transfer fee give the deductable involved.
Bottom line: I enjoy fixing my own cars and would like to continue with this one. Any help will be appreciated.
Cheers, Denny

I am having a similar problem. Eveytime my SRS light comes on my wipers will stop working. Now that my SRS light is out all other lights flash like christams lights. My signals dont work, any of the gauges and the radio. If I turn on my signals it starts to flash underneath the dash. All fues and relays are in good condition. I noticed if you drive with your full beams and with the door open everything works perfectly.

No other replies?
What I'm trying to elicit is whether I should just focus on the wiper switch circuit (poor connections, bad relay, etc.) or whether it is something more that require codes to be read.
Any insight will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Denny

I had an intermittent SRS light awhile ago and if IIRC this is what I considered.

May be caused by a weak electrical system, so check battery, charging system, voltage regulator. I also read where a loose ignition cylinder could cause it.

Something loose in the seat belt mechanism. Check connections.

Faulty horn ring. Replacing it solved my problem.

Your SRS light may be related to your other electrical glitches or may be totally unrelated. If there appears to be any connection of the flashing SRS to movement of the steering wheel, then it is just the horn ring, but seems kinda early for this failure.

glenmore
1991 300CE