Holiday Rambler Windshield Wipers Not Working: Fuse & Relay Troubleshooting Guide

Bottom Line Up Front

For your 2019 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36F with non-functioning wipers, the second fuse you're looking for is likely located in the engine compartment fuse box, typically mounted on the driver's side firewall or near the battery compartment. This chassis is built on a Ford F53 platform, and Ford places wiper circuit fuses in both the dash panel and under-hood locations. The under-hood fuse is usually a higher amperage fuse (20-30 amp) that feeds power to the wiper motor, while the dash fuse (typically 10-15 amp) protects the switch circuit. Since you have no power at all to the wipers, start by checking that engine compartment fuse first.

Root Causes

The most common cause of complete wiper failure on your 2019 Vacationer 36F is a blown fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. This fuse typically carries 20-25 amps and feeds the main power to the wiper motor assembly. When this fuse fails, you'll get absolutely no response from the wipers, even though the dash-mounted fuse and relays may be perfectly fine.

Other potential causes include a failed wiper motor (common on Ford F53 chassis after 4-5 years), corroded connections at the motor due to road salt exposure, or a faulty multi-function switch on the steering column. The relays you've already located control different aspects of the system - one handles the park position function while another manages variable speed operation. However, with zero power, the issue is almost certainly upstream from these relays.

Water intrusion into the motor housing is also possible on this model year, as some 2019 Holiday Ramblers had issues with inadequate sealing around the wiper motor mount. This can cause internal motor damage or short circuits that blow the main power fuse repeatedly.

Before You Start

You'll need a basic multimeter, a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers, and possibly a headlamp for working in the engine compartment. Have replacement fuses on hand - specifically 20 amp and 25 amp automotive blade fuses, as Ford uses different amperage ratings depending on the exact build date of your chassis. Also grab some electrical contact cleaner and a wire brush for cleaning corroded connections.

Park your RV on level ground and engage the parking brake. The engine compartment fuse box location varies slightly depending on the exact chassis configuration, but both are accessible from the driver's side. Make sure you have your owner's manual handy, as the fuse diagram should show the exact location and amperage of the wiper fuses.

Before pulling any fuses, take photos of the fuse box layouts with your phone. This will help you remember which fuses go where if you need to remove multiple ones for testing. Also note that some Holiday Rambler units from this era have a secondary relay box mounted separately from the main fuse panel, so don't be surprised if you find additional electrical components nearby.

The Repair Process

Start by locating the engine compartment fuse box, which should be a black rectangular box mounted on the driver's side firewall or near the battery area. Remove the cover and look for fuses labeled "WIPER," "W/S WIPER," or similar. Pull the suspected fuse and visually inspect it - a blown fuse will have a broken metal strip inside or visible burn marks. Test continuity with your multimeter to be certain.

If the engine compartment fuse is good, go back to the dash fuse you've already located and verify it's actually getting power. Reconnect the battery, then use your multimeter to check for 12V on both sides of the fuse with the ignition on. No power on either side indicates an issue upstream in the ignition circuit. Power on one side only confirms a blown fuse.

Next, test the relays you've found by swapping them with identical relays from other circuits (like the horn relay). You should hear the relay click when you turn the wiper switch on. If swapping relays doesn't help, use your multimeter to check for power at the relay sockets - you should see 12V at the power feed terminals when the ignition is on.

If all fuses and relays test good, the problem likely lies with the wiper motor itself or the wiring harness connection at the motor. The wiper motor on your F59 chassis is located on the driver side of the windshield, accessible by removing the plastic cowl cover. Check the electrical connector for corrosion, loose pins, or damaged wires. You can test motor operation by applying 12V directly to the motor leads, but first disconnect the battery negative terminal and ensure the motor is securely mounted, as the motor has high torque and can cause injury or damage to surrounding components.

Professional Help Needed

If you've confirmed power is reaching the wiper motor but it still doesn't operate, the motor has likely failed internally and needs replacement. A new OEM Ford wiper motor for your chassis runs $150-250, and installation typically takes 2-3 hours due to the cowl removal required. This job is manageable for experienced DIYers but involves working in tight quarters and handling the heavy motor assembly.

Consider professional help if you discover multiple electrical issues, such as blown fuses that immediately blow again when replaced, or if you're uncomfortable working with the vehicle's electrical system. RV service centers familiar with Ford F53 chassis will have the proper diagnostic equipment and can quickly pinpoint complex electrical problems that might take hours to troubleshoot with basic tools.

Also seek professional assistance if you find evidence of water damage in the electrical components, as this often indicates broader issues that require systematic diagnosis and repair. Water intrusion problems can affect multiple circuits and create safety hazards if not properly addressed by qualified technicians.