Rear wiper problems.

[roadventure]

Recently, my rear wiper made a pass, then half a pass, then stopped. I read threads here and figured the motor was probably gone. Fuses are good, relays are good. So, I ordered a new motor and put it in today. Nothing, nada, zip. It performs just as the old motor did. That is, it doesn't make a move.

What's wrong?

* fuse is good
* both relays are good
* no adjustments to the rear window so the interlock switch should be okay

I am at a loss as to what the problem might be. ANy help is appreciated!

 

[robertoa1a]

Sounds like a posable motor problem.

We are the DIY generation. It's best to find a cheep good pull-a-part (junk yard) near your house. There is never a shortage of Explorers as they were the best selling vehicle for so many years running.

If you need advice then, just ask!

 

[roadventure]

Sounds like a posable motor problem.

We are the DIY generation. It's best to find a cheep good pull-a-part (junk yard) near your house. There is never a shortage of Explorers as they were the best selling vehicle for so many years running.

If you need advice then, just ask!

Thanks for your reply.

"been there, done that"

I installed a NEW OEM wiper motor. This is why I have questions.....

 

[Joe Dirt]

Have you checked the switch on the dash? Had one go bad once...

 

[budwich]

well now that you spent your money on the parts, get a meter and find out what the problem really is. Check for power and grounds at the up/down relays... of course, with the key on and the switch selected to "something". That should tell you where to look next or at least why nothing happening.

 

[ericautopart]

And just because it's new doesn't mean it can't be defective..

 

[roadventure]

Have you checked the switch on the dash? Had one go bad once...

No, I have not. But, that is probably something that should be checked. Do I have to remove the dashboard to get it out, or did Ford make it less challenging?

Hopefully it will come out easy.

 

[roadventure]

well now that you spent your money on the parts, get a meter and find out what the problem really is. Check for power and grounds at the up/down relays... of course, with the key on and the switch selected to "something". That should tell you where to look next or at least why nothing happening.

Well, I figured that since the relays and fuse were okay that the motor was the culprit. I know, there can still be a lack of contniuity somewhere. I was just hoping to NOT have to start chasing electrons. I am not good at it so I would like to avoid it, hence the new motor purchase.

 

[Joe Dirt]

The switch is easy- remove two small bolts under the radio above the HVAC controls, and the black trim bezel pulls off. Switch housing is held in by 2 screws and the switch to the housing by a clip.

 

[hworksinc]

Do I have to remove the dashboard to get it out, or did Ford make it less challenging?

Hopefully it will come out easy.

It's not to hard - just pull out the radio (need a special tool for that), and remove the 2 screws that hold the bezel on. The whole bezel around the radio/HVAC controls comes off as one piece. The switches are mounted to the bezel.

 

[ramren16]

may sound stupid but is the rear glass on the hatch closed , motor wont work with it opened.

 

[roadventure]

may sound stupid but is the rear glass on the hatch closed , motor wont work with it opened.

Yes, it is. But that does not mean that the switch is working. The window closed interlock switch will be something else I need to check on after I eliminate other issues.

 

[KSE_rules]

Ok so now that I've read this I have a question. First of all, lemme explain my situation. I have a 97 Explorer and the rear wiper doesn't work for me either. But on mine if I flip the switch over I can hear something in the back trying to move. Like the motor is trying but just won't go. Also if i give it a push from where it is at, it will go to the left all the way, and start it's way back right and then it stops just shy of being in normal place by like 3 inches. So that should be the motor right? If it is does that mean I should just replace it, or does that mean I can buy a kit like I did for my window motors and just replace something on the motor? Thanks for all your help in advance!

 

[Joe Dirt]

roadventure- I was at the yard today and grabbed a spare rear wiper switch for you. PM me your address and I'll drop it in the mail for you to try...

JD

 

[crunchie_frog]

Ok so now that I've read this I have a question. First of all, lemme explain my situation. I have a 97 Explorer and the rear wiper doesn't work for me either. But on mine if I flip the switch over I can hear something in the back trying to move. Like the motor is trying but just won't go. Also if i give it a push from where it is at, it will go to the left all the way, and start it's way back right and then it stops just shy of being in normal place by like 3 inches. So that should be the motor right? If it is does that mean I should just replace it, or does that mean I can buy a kit like I did for my window motors and just replace something on the motor? Thanks for all your help in advance!

Just did mine on a 2000. No kits for the motor, junk yard should have some rear wiper motors. Funny thing happened to me though, went to the junk yard, found one with the rear hatch mostly torn apart and pulled what looked like a good motor. Put it in, same thing, intermittent movement. Took it back, got another one, put it in and works fine now... Reading the posts on here, this is a poorly built/designed motor and I experienced two of them. I paid $20 for the motor and the wiper arm. Getting the plastic rear panel off my exp was the trickiest part, not really hard or tricky, I just hate pulling panels, after a few pulls, they tend not to want to go back the same with the same snug fit, you have to be careful where it connects to the metal frame so all the clips and push connections line up correctly.

Hope this helps, good luck.