2012 Ford Fusion L4 2.5L_How to Use Front Wipers and Washers

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The Ford Fusion’s advanced front wipers and washer system ensures clear visibility by efficiently removing rain, snow, and debris from the windshield. With intuitive controls, multiple speed settings, and features such as intermittent wiping and washer spray, this system is designed to provide optimal performance in various weather conditions. Whether you're driving through a light drizzle or a heavy downpour, the front wipers and washers in the Ford Fusion offer reliability and ease of use, enhancing both safety and comfort on the road. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to use it in your 2012 Ford Fusion L4 2.5L.

How to Operate the Wipers and Washer System

Windshield Wipers

The windshield wiper and washer switch lever has many adjustment levels to suit weather conditions and user preferences. Each adjustment level will change the:

• Wiper Speed
• Pause Time
• Washer Fluid Activation

First, to adjust the windshield wiper speed, rotate the end of the wiper control. Turn it away from you to increase the speed and toward you to decrease it.

Variable-Speed Wipers

If your vehicle is equipped with speed-dependent wipers, the pause time between wipes automatically shortens as your vehicle speed increases, provided the wiper control is set to an interval setting (not the longest pause).

Automatic Rain-Sensing Wipers

For vehicles with rain-sensing wipers, the wipers activate automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield. You can adjust the sensitivity using the multi-function cluster, which has five auto/interval moisture sensitivity settings. Rotate the end of the control toward the windshield to increase sensitivity. The wipers’ speed and frequency will vary based on the amount of moisture detected and your chosen sensitivity setting.

Notes:

• Always turn off the wipers before entering a car wash.
• To ensure optimal rain sensor performance, keep the windshield clean, especially the area around the rearview mirror (where the sensor is positioned).
• In winter conditions with ice, snow, or salty mist, inconsistent wiping or smearing may occur. If this happens, lower the sensitivity, switch to a low- or high-speed wiping mode, or turn off the wipers altogether.
• Unexpected wiping or smearing may occur in certain conditions such as humidity, light rain, or road spray. Adjust sensitivity or settings as needed for better performance.

Windshield Wipers

To activate the windshield washer, press the end of the wiper stalk:

• Brief press: Triggers a single wipe without spraying washer fluid.
• Quick press and hold: Activates the washer fluid and wipes three times.
• Long press and hold: Keeps the washer fluid and wipers active for up to 10 seconds.

The courtesy wipe feature provides an extra wipe a few seconds after washing the windshield to clear any leftover fluid.

Notes:

• Do not use this feature when the fluid reservoir is empty, as this can cause the washer pump to overheat. Regularly check and refill washer fluid as needed.
• Avoid using the wipers on a dry windshield, as this can scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades, and overheat the motor. Always use washer fluid first when the windshield is dry.
• In freezing weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield before turning them on.

Wiper-Activated Headlamp Feature (with Autolamp)

If your vehicle is equipped with the Wiper-Activated Headlamp feature, the exterior lamps automatically turn on during the day when the wipers are activated, provided the headlamp control is in the Autolamp position. The lamps remain on until the wipers are turned off.

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