Clockspring and smart sense on combo switch

[lincolnelite]

Do you know where can i purchase a 2002 clockspring? Im not sure if mine was broken due to age or previous owner/mechanic messed it up. Also how would you know that the smartsense was really installed in the car? It rained and it didnt work (it was switched to auto)
I suspect this was replaced before with a smart sense part although it doesnt have it.
Prices on ebay are $135 and above, sounds reasonable?

 

[joegr]

The clockspring is not an uncommon failure. Here are two of many places to get it.
http://www.tascaparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=213668
http://www.fordpartsgiant.com/

All 2000 to 2003 LSes came with rain sensing wipers from the factory.

 

[regiment1]

If your windshield is heavily pitted the rain sensing wipers won't work properly. Mine worked much better after a new windshield was installed.

 

[lincolnelite]

The clockspring is not an uncommon failure. Here are two of many places to get it.
http://www.tascaparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=213668
http://www.fordpartsgiant.com/

All 2000 to 2003 LSes came with rain sensing wipers from the factory.

Both sites dont have it

 

[lincolnelite]

If your windshield is heavily pitted the rain sensing wipers won't work properly. Mine worked much better after a new windshield was installed.

Hmm, so the sensors are in the wipers?

 

[joegr]

Hmm, so the sensors are in the wipers?

No. The sensor is in a box behind the rear view mirror, inside the car. It shoots an IR beam through the windshield and looks at how much of it is reflected back to the sensor inside. Normally, water droplets will reduce how much is reflected back. If the windshield is in bad shape or is contaminated where the sensor is, there won't be enough difference for it to see the rain drops on the windshield.