Most Likely Causes:
* Blown Fuse: This is the easiest and cheapest thing to check first. Your owner's manual will show you the fuse box location and the fuse rating for the wipers. Visually inspect the fuse; if it's blown, it will be visibly damaged (burned or broken filament). Replace it with a fuse of the same rating.
* Worn-out Wiper Motor: The motor itself could have failed due to age or wear. This is a more involved repair, requiring replacement of the motor.
* Faulty Wiper Switch: The switch on your steering column that activates the wipers could be malfunctioning. This requires replacing the switch, a moderately complex repair.
* Low Washer Fluid: While seemingly unrelated, some wiper systems have a low-fluid sensor that prevents operation if the fluid is low, to prevent dry wiper damage. Check your fluid level.
* Broken Wiper Linkage: The linkage connecting the motor to the wiper arms could be broken, rusted, or disconnected. This would prevent the arms from moving, even if the motor is running. This requires inspection and repair of the linkage.
Less Likely Causes:
* Wiring Issues: A broken or corroded wire in the wiper circuit could interrupt the power to the motor or switch. This requires tracing the wiring harness, which can be challenging.
* Grounding Problem: A poor ground connection can prevent the wiper motor from functioning correctly.
* Wiper Motor Relay: Some vehicles use a relay to switch the power to the wiper motor. This relay can fail. The location will be in the fuse box or elsewhere under the hood.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check the fuses: This is the absolute first step.
2. Check the wiper fluid level: A simple check, but worth doing.
3. Listen for the motor: Turn the wipers on. Can you hear the motor trying to work (a whirring sound)? If not, the problem is likely the motor, fuse, or power supply (wiring, relay, switch). If you hear a whirring but no movement, the linkage is suspect.
4. Visually inspect the linkage: Look under the hood for any obvious breaks or disconnections in the wiper linkage.
5. Check the wiper switch: Try using different wiper speeds and intermittent settings to see if the switch is the culprit.
If you're not comfortable performing these checks yourself, it's best to take your Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Attempting complex electrical repairs without experience can lead to further damage.
