'98 Expedition. Rear washer works fine, but no wiper. I just replaced the multi-function switch (I had no wipers, now the front work fine). When I turn the rear wiper on, I can hear the relay clicking in the fuse box under the hood, and can hear the wiper motor moving. I hear what I beleive to be clicking to move the wiper off "Park", clicking to trigger the motor wiping, and clicking to move back to "Park" (all right at the motor). It sounds like the motor itself is moving.

Is the wiper connected directly to the motor, or is it possible there is a pin or something that has fallen out of a connection internal to the motor assembly?

I have found posts that explain the motor will not run if the door is open (or if the door switches are filthy). If this is the case, do the relays in the motor still function?

Is the motor itself shot, but the controls are still working?

 

Check to see if the nut that holds the arm to the motor came loose.

 

I had pretty much the same problem with mine. The wiper is attached directly to the motor. I pulled my wiper arm off and most of the splines on the motor side were stripped. I put the arm back on and tightened it real good and that got me a few more weeks, but now it's stripped completely. The motor spins but the arm just sits there. I got a new wiper motor, but I've yet to put it on.

 

Most of the time, if you clean off the motor splines and replace the arm it will fix the problem. The motor shaft is harder than the arm and even though it appears to be the motor stripped, it's actually the arm.

 

not on mine. must be a defect, but the motor shaft is smooth as a baby's butt.

 

You might want to search this forum about this topic. It's been discussed before. My rear wiper worked intermittantly for awhile - giving it a good shake while it was on would always get it to work again. For whatever reason it's been fine for the last few months without me having to bang it around.

 

the rear wiper on my 98 sometime gives me problems. When it doesnt work I just put the switch to the on position, then I take the wiper off its perch area and pull down a little on it. It works every time for me.

 

I researched this topic, and there were all kinds of problems with rear wipers, but not a lot of "technical" repairs (i.e. - definite cause and effect)

Saw lots of stripped posts and "I just yanked/banged on it" fixes.

It looks like the motor itself is of questionable quality to begin with. Lousy windings and sensitive to position.

Bottom line - it's about a 20 minute job, and a rebuilt motor with a lifetime warranty is $40 at advance auto parts (after a $20 core exchange) To me that's worth not having to screw around with pulling on it when you really need it (may keep your wife/kids out of a wreck - it becomes a safety issue)

New motor and it's good to go.

For those trying to diagnose your problem - open your hood and open the fuse box with the Maxi fuses and relays. Stand outside the driver's side and turn the wipers on. I was able to hear the relays clicking in the box, as well as the rear wiper motor itself making noise trying to move. If you can hear the relays working, I would say it's a good chance your motor is shot. It's cheap to replace, a quick job, and not a lot of skill required (the hardest part is not breaking plastic crap getting the interior panel off, and the wiring disconnected)

 

I have the same issue on my '98 Expy and just read to turn on the engine and set the switch to the highest setting and go to the rear and try pushing the wiper a little bit. Don't push too hard to damage the motor. It worked for me right away. Good luck.
-- Mountain cat

 

I just bought a 2003 Expedition and the rear washer won't release.
We checked to see if it was plugged and it is not.
Does anyone know where the motor is located for the washer fluid in the rear?
Like always thanks for all your help..

 

check the hose it usually gets cut near your battery

 

The pump is under the hood at the washer fluid bottle. There is only one bottle shared between the front and rear washer squirters.