Rear windshield wiper not working

Tiny
MOO2CAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
When I turn the ignition on without letting the engine turn over, I can hear the click-click sound from the fuse box under the hood in the engine compartment. I take this to mean that the relay is working. Is this correct? When I go to the back, I can also hear click click sounds near where the motor should be, but the arm is not moving. The wiper arm does not move when I try to move it manually. In addition, when I raise the liftgate, the wiper arm is still not moving. I had read on some other model (expedition) that the arm should move when you raise the liftgate. I don't know if this is true. I should also add that I first noticed the rear wiper not working a short while after I had used the car to carry some sod in the back. Can you advise me on what to do? Thank you.
Friday, December 17th, 2021 AT 1:06 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

What you mentioned sounds like a relay is actuating. However, there are a few relays that must work for the wiper to run.

Here is where we are going to start. First, I attached the wiring schematic below showing the rear wiper circuit. I have highlighted the wiring related to the system so you can find them easier.

Next, we need to start by checking two fuses. One fuse is in the interior fuse box (fuse 14). The second is in the under-hood fuse box (fuse 12).

When you check these fuses, first make sure the fuse is good. Next, confirm there is power to and from the fuse. Here is a link that you may find helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If the fuses are good, then I need you to access the rear wiper motor to determine if there is power going to it when the switch is turned on. At the connector, there will be three wires. Each wire has a different purpose and power will flow through them based on the driver's request. So, the easiest thing for me to tell you is this. Turn the rear wiper on high, the key in the run position (engine off), and check each of the wires one at a time, for power.

Here is a link that you may find helpful for testing wiring.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find at this point, so I know where to direct you next.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, December 17th, 2021 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
MOO2CAR
  • MEMBER
  • 59 POSTS
Sorry for my late reply. I've been busy with other things. I checked fuse 14 in the interior fuse box, and it works fine. I tried to check fuse 12 in the under the hood fuse box, but I am having difficulty opening it. I am afraid I could break it. There is a tab that seems to be holding the cover down on the side close to the passenger compartment. Pressing the tab hasn't helped. Is there an easy way to open it? I include images of the Power Distribution Box below.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, December 27th, 2021 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. If I recall, there are a few release points on the lid. There is a plastic tab that clicks outward to release it from the bottom portion of the box. Do this one at a time until they are all disconnected and then you can open the box. It is hinged on the one end.

I made a copy of your pic and circled where I believe the clips are located. I highlighted the hinge.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, December 27th, 2021 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
MOO2CAR
  • MEMBER
  • 59 POSTS
Thanks for your pointers. Sorry I am late in replying. The holidays have interfered with my attention. I have now checked the inside fuse and the one under the hood. They are both good and there is power to and from them. Now I have to get access to the rear wiper motor. Would you have a link to directions for removing the plastic cover so I can get access to it? Thank you in advance.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 AT 11:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

No problem. I hope you had a good holiday. As far as replacing the motor, the first thing you will need to do is remove the wiper arm from the rear liftgate. At that point, the trim panels will likely have a few screws to remove and then plastic connector pins that attach the trim to the door.

I attached the directions for the removal of the wiper arm. These directions are first below. If you look at pic 1, I highlighted where there is a hinge between the two parts of the wiper arm. I always spray that hinge with something like WD40. If the hinge gets corroded or rusted, the spring holding the wiper to the glass won't be strong enough to allow for good contact. It's just a suggestion. If you, do it, spray it and then work the two parts back and forth and wipe off any residue.

The remaining pics are the directions for replacing the motor. Before just replacing it, make sure there is power to it, and it has a ground. If it has both, then the motor is the likely problem.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe

See pics below.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 6:44 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Wiper Rear Not Working Content