99 Explorer XLT, rear wiper dont move

[mavrick1903]

I posted this in the general forum, and was suggested to post it here for better results.

Rear wiper was working fine a week or two ago. tried it one day, did not work. tried it the next, and it did, now it's out and not comming back it seems. I ride my Harley when ever I can, which is why it's taking longer to realize the problem.

I have not checked anything yet, just been too busy. looking for suggestions on where to look for the problem. I've got a Haynes manual for it. I plan on checking the fuse first, not sure where after that. front wipers are fine. I can here the fluid pump when I press that button (for the rear) but the wiper arm does not move.

any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[762mm]

Same problem here, ever since I bought it.. Intermittent rear wiper failure. What I usually do is set the rear wiper switch on "high", get out of the truck and move the wiper arm by hand. After giving it a few good jigs, it will start working again for some time. I'm guessing a bad connection somewhere, but it looks like it's too much of a PITA to get to the wiper motor, even after removing the plastic panel covering the inside of the rear gate. So I've been using this simple temporary solution for 4 years now...

Note: This method is not to be attempted while the vehicle is moving!

 

[X6StringerX]

Unfortunately, the rear wiper motors for our X/Mounties commonly fail. I replaced mine a few months ago and haven't had any problems out of it yet... but future failure is inevitable... the design is poor.

 

[mavrick1903]

Unfortunately, the rear wiper motors for our X/Mounties commonly fail. I replaced mine a few months ago and haven't had any problems out of it yet... but future failure is inevitable... the design is poor.

like it's a motor issue then, not a wireing issue? (damn!) is this a "dont get a salvage part" situation because it'll be bad too?

 

[X6StringerX]

The unit I put on mine is used. It came off of a 99 or 00 I believe... I guess it just depends on how often it was used and what kind of weather conditions. The motors tend to get grimy.

 

[Mjaga251]

I've got the same problem on mine, but it won't even move if I have it on High and If I try to help it along. Looks like I need a new motor?

 

[Thallarsen]

Maybe obvious, but check to make sure that the wiper blade isn't 'jumping' between the underside of the liftgate glass and the recess just above the wiper cradle.
This happens to mine on occasion. When it does, the wiper won't move and it appears to not have power.
Just a thought.

 

[scucci]

Here is page I put up to help diagnose and repair the rear wiper system. Usually a new motor with the newest style bracket/mount rubbers is required fix it. I bought mine at O'Rielly auto parts for US $65.00 - a new unit from motorcraft. It includes the bracket and mounts and is pre-adjusted.
http://www.siriusnet.net/fordexplorer/Wiper Repair.html

Hope this provides a little help
Scucci

 

[skiddyk]

I had the same problem when I first got mine, the dealer replaced it and within 2 weeks it was out again. They went in and said that the explorer rear wiper had some funky relay in the back that often got mis-aligned causeing it to fail. Since then it has only quit working once in the past two years, (knock on wood), now my only problem is that the fluid seems to not want to come out... quit working during the winter and i thought it was ice buildup or the lines were frozen/dried but then it worked for one day and then went back to not shooting any fluid, thought maybe a rip in the line but that contradicts the fact that it started working again one day... hmmm

 

[steph8]

I have the same problem. I put the switch to high and go move the wiper with my hands. It starts again. I also notice that when I do not use the rear wiper. For this reason, whenever I drive I just make sure that I clean my rear window with the wiper. Since then it never stop again.

 

[gijoecam]

Getting the motor out isn't hard... 15 minutes at worst! Remove the wiper arm (flip up the plastic cover and remove the nut, wiggle the arm off the motor shaft), remove the two screws under the pull handle, close the tailgate and open the window, pop the plug out of the opening to the driver's side of the window latch and remove the one screw there.

Open the tailgate, pop the top and sides of the window opening trim loose, then push the whole panel towards the top of the tailgate/front of the vehicle. It should fall on your head. Close the tailgate again.

Loosen the two screws that hold the motor to the motor bracket, then remove the three screws that hold the motor bracket to the hatch. Unplug the motor, swap the bracket over to the new motor, and reverse the process.

Your first time might take an hour. Subsequent changes should take 15-20 minutes max! I replaced mine with a rebuilt one from Advance Auto. It lasted 4 months. The second one never made it out of the parking lot (plugged it in and tried it there and it shuddered as it rotated). The third one hasn't missed a wipe in about three years.

Good luck!

 

[mambomonster]

Old thread alert. My '99 XLT has the damn off again on again rear wiper. I replaced the switch at the dash panel only because I found one at a really good price. It didn't change anything. Whatever it is must be at the back - motor, connection, or whatever. I guess I'm going to follow this thread's recommendation and get a motor. The rear wiper really needs to work as it's very helpful in rainy conditions.