Rear windshield wiper won't work

[subASC]

I just got my first car a 2001 X Sport a few weeks ago. This is an idiot question ... but it has to be asked. I just don't know

The rear windshield wipers won't work. I had my X checked out at the mechanics because the breaks were squealing and I asked about the wipers. The mechanic told me that I just needed to make sure that my back window was locked and closed ... yeah I felt like a dumbass.

The mechanic got them to work, but I can't. I'm sure the back window and door are closed and locked since I slammed them shut and locked them. Also yes I read my manual to make sure I was turning the right knob ... but I get nothing. So yeah what am I doing wrong?

Thanks

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Wow!! Another guy from Winston-Salem!! Welcome to the boards!!! This board is the best one on the web!!

To your problem...are you sure the wiper didn't get squeezed in with the window? In my experience, the only time it doesn't work is when I squeezed the wiper in with the glass and also when the glass isn't shut tightly.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Is it sitting properly in the little holder? Turn it on, go to the back and try moving the wiper around at the base. It may just be out of whack and needs to be put back into place.

 

[Explo01]

My rear wiper on my 2001 Sport died out on me too. It's probably a common problem with Explorers. I got it fixed through my warranty without a problem. Maybe you should try that out.

 

[The Cheat]

Yup - got my rear wiper fixed today on my 01 sport. The guy said it's VERY common and what happens is all the vibration back there rubs a dead spot in the motor. he said that you should turn it on every now and then and let it move around for a while and that might help it last longer. dunno....

 

[24v]

Exactly the same thing on my 2000 xlt about a year ago
had motor replaced under warrenty

 

[DirtDemon85]

Since i got my 01' Explorer Sport my back window wiper doesnt work right, it moves and all but it will only clean the sides of the window completely missing the important spot(the middle) when i turned it on and got out to look at it it seems to jump off the window completly about an inch or so, any ideas if so please help! It doesnt seem to be bent or anything, could i just have the wrong blade on there or somthing?

 

[Bottomlesspit]

The best thing to do here is to use the search tab for "rear wiper". You will find a lot of info from previous threads. That is usually the best place to start when looking for info.
Mine did the same thing...would not work at times. A few slams of the rear door and it works just fine for a few months. I think the idea about running the motor every now and then makes sense.
My wiper blade also missed most of the window. I took the advice in one of the previous threads and bought a new wiper arm at the dealer. It has to have "AB" stamped on it. The new wiper arm worked perfectly. The whole window gets swiped just fine (when the motor works!!!) Something about the new arms with AB stamped in them made all the difference?! The arms look identical to me, but there is some difference in the spring rates or something.
Good luck,
Ken

 

[drmoore71]

here's something i just did last week on my '00 xlt. the rear wiper wouldn't touch the middle 2/3 of the window, so i took it off (make sure to mark the shaft and the arm so you put it back on in the right position) and removed the spring. once you do this, you will see two "fingers" that are designed to be stops but which actually keep the wiper too far off the glass. i took a file (or you could also use a dremel) to file the "fingers" down. i took between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch off each one, shot the arm with a fresh coat of flat black paint, and reinstalled it on the truck. voila!! it now touches and wipes the entire rear window, for nothing more than the cost of a little spray paint! let me know if you have any questions. this is only about a 30 minute project with phenomenal results. try it, you'll be very happy.