Rear wiper not working.

[yogi_pahl]

I hear a clicking type noise from the rear wiper but it does not move at all. Also i popped the hood and hear the relay click too. What should i do next?

 

[trevell407]

Open the back hatch and give the panel that covers the wiper motor a good whack.
It usually works, sounds crazy but a ford machanic told me thats what he does first.
If that doesnt work the motor should be too much to replace.

 

[TheJackal]

That happened to me. I "fixed" it once by "helping" the wiper up while the motor is on... this worked successfully only once.

Replacing the motor was not hard. A remanufactured motor is available from Advance Auto Parts for ~$65. Removing the rear hatch panel was not difficult, but be careful not to damage the little snap-in clips. There are 4 at the top and 1 on each side. Also remove the 2 screws holding the strap on. Once they are unsnapped, make sure the glass gate is open and push the panel toward the top of the hatch and it should come off. The rest is pretty self-explanatory.

A brand-new Motorcraft motor seems to go for $120.

 

[askingxforxit]

Almost ALL 2nd gen rear wipers do this from the number of posts. I had a 99 sport with that problem and now with the 01 xls I HAD that issue. The wiper sometimes gets stuck between then rear window and the window frame. I bent the arm a little, It works now it just misses a spot but not too bad.

 

[yogi_pahl]

thanks it works now. Just gave the wiper arm a lil tug. Its like a starter going out just need a good whack to make it remember how to work.

 

[gijoecam]

That'll only work so many times. Normally the thing to check is the voltage between the two pins on the motor connector. You should see alternating voltage +/- battery voltage. If you're getting that like you should, it's time to replace the motor. The fact that wiggling yours got it to work tells me it's not a power issue. The motor's on its way out. Luckily changing it is a 10-15 minute job with nothing more than a philips screwdriver and a 1/4" drive socket set.

-Joe