1999 Ranger and the wipers stopped working the other day. Did one wipe, paused and then did it two mores times, but only on high. Then it died.
I guessed it was probably the motor since it was a used replacement the p.o. put on (has writing from a junkyard on it)
So I bought another used one to test my theory before paying for a new one. It did the same thing. It worked a couple times and stopped.
So far:
fuse #16 is good, washer sprays
Relays click when key is turned, swapped with different relays and they worked as well.
When the motor is plugged in and laying on the intake it works like it's supposed to.
the Red and White wires tested good with 12v and the Dark Blue/Orange shows just slightly over 11.
the light blue shows 3v (GEM?)
Any ideas? GEM is bad?
The linkage moves freely with no motor attached.

 

Welcome to the forum :)

So when motor is not installed but plugged in it responds to multi-function switch and GEM and the 2 relays like it should?
i.e. intermittent, high, low, park

 

Yes, that is correct. It functions normally.

 

The linkage seems to work fine, but it could be possible the bushings are worn and it binds.

 

Yes, or both motors are old and drawing too many amps
Try to slow motor from turning while its out

Wiper motor, like power window motor, has a thermal cut off "switch" inside, thats why power window motor stops at the top and bottom, there is no "limit" switches

If resistance gets too high then amps get too high and motor shuts down
But could be a relay failing as well, swap the 2 wiper relays around and see if anything changes

1998/1999 wipers are the same

 

I did swap the relays with two other relays and it didn't seem to change anything.
If I stop the motor while turning it shuts off and doesn't go home, it just stops. I have to cycle the switch and it resets. It doesn't take much to stop it from turning.

 

Both motors are bad