Element (Refill) Care & Replacement - Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual

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ELEMENT (REFILL) CARE & REPLACEMENT
For maximum effectiveness and longest element life, the windshield and wiper blades should be kept clean.
Dirt, tree sap, road tar and so on will cause streaking, smearing and blade deterioration if left on the glass. It is
advisable to wash the windshield carefully with a commercial glass cleaner at least once a month. Wipe off
the rubber blades with the wet rag afterwards. Do not attempt to move wipers across the windshield by hand;
damage to the motor and drive mechanism will result.
To inspect and/or replace the wiper blade elements, place the wiper switch in the LOWspeed position and the
ignition switch in the ACCposition. When the wiper blades are approximately vertical on the windshield, turn
the ignition switch to OFF.
Examine the wiper blade elements. If they are found to be cracked, broken or torn, they should be replaced
immediately. Replacement intervals will vary with usage, although ozone deterioration usually limits element
life to about one year. If the wiper pattern is smeared or streaked, or if the blade chatters across the glass, the
elements should be replaced. It is easiest and most sensible to replace the elements in pairs.
If your vehicle is equipped with aftermarket blades, there are several different types of refills and your vehicle
might have any kind. Aftermarket blades and arms rarely use the exact same type blade or refill as the original
equipment.
Regardless of the type of refill used, be sure to follow the part manufacturer's instructions closely. Make sure
that all of the frame jaws are engaged as the refill is pushed into place and locked. If the metal blade holder
and frame are allowed to touch the glass during wiper operation, the glass will be scratched.
Most aftermarket blades are available with multiple adapters to fit different vehicles
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