I have a 00 ford explorer XLT. The truck has been great but the rear wiper has always been a problem. It use to work. Then it didn't. Then it did. Then it didn't. Then it worked if you slammed the rear door shut. Now it doesn't work but when you turn the **** you hear a clicking sound from the rear arm and the relay under the hood. Any ideas on how to fix this iritating problem? I have heard that it could be the motor, the rear window shut off switch, the relays, or that it is just a piece of %$@$#@. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
JM

 

Anybody have any suggestions? I also have the same problem with my rear wiper. Is there some wires that can be jumped at the switch to test operation to figure out weather its the switch or the wiper motor? cummon guys throw us a bone!

 

I have a 94 and had similar problems with mine. It was intermittent and then it just quit all together. My problem was the liftgate glass disable switch. This switch prevents the wiper accidentally being turned on if the glass is open. It is located right on the latch itself. Mine had rusted in the open position preventing it from turning on. My latch was also in poor shape so I went to the bone yard and picked up a used latch with switch attached for $2. Not sure if this is going to help you as I have no idea if they have the same system for your year.

 

I just had the same problem with a 2000 Explorer. Pulling and reseating the relays in the fuse/relay box in the hood was the final cure. I had already replaced the motor and the switch and tested the switch that makes sure the glass is closed. I think I lost a lot of time troubleshooting because I did the rear door completely closed but not positive.

I hope this experience says someone some time and money!

 

Thanks, that happens to me too, usually when I really need to get the snow off my rear window!!

Matt

 

I finally fixed mine. Turned out I had a bad rear wiper motor. Easy fix but a long troubleshoot process. Check out this link it has a great troubleshoot process- http://www.siriusnet.net/fordexplor...r%20Repair.html

Thanks to Scucci for the link.

 

I've read that it is likely the switch in the latch for the rear window. (This is to keep the wiper from running if the window is open). I guess it get's corroded in the wrong position. I just ordered a switch and will put it in next week. (I replaced the motor once already and it was a lot more expensive than the switch.) Since my problem initially was intermittent, the switch sounds like the ticket.

 

I was checking the liftgate disable switch on mine and pulled on the wiper motor shaft when it was powered up and it started. A week later, raining, no rear wiper, I turned it on, pulled at the motor end of the arm and it took off. Wonder if I could lube something?

2000 Explorer

 

I just replaced my switch and it did the trick. Even though the old switch seemed to be working (ohm meter OK and plunger moved), with the new one the wiper now always works. The switch is cheap <$30 and easy to install.

Ed

 

I just had my rear glass replaced and now my rear wiper wont work. Could this glass replacement be connected to my wiper problem. It worked before, but nothing now.

 

They're all a real pain in the @$$.. i had mine replaced because the motor froze up because it wasnt constantly used by the previous owner.. luckily it was under warranty.. now the problem is that over time it seems the arm gets further and further from the glass.. it just barely wipes 1 corner.. I quit using it and just rainx the crap out of the rear glass.. From what I've seen.. they're just not worth the money u put into them.. theres usually a gas station nearby that u can clean the rear glass off at.. thats my advice

 

Mine is still working well after replacing the switch - I think that many motors get replaced when the switch is the real culprit.

 

Now my wiper stopped working just when the snow hit - I tried slamming the rear window and lift gate - still no luck. I guess I'll try the fuses. What a PIA

 

I've had trouble with my rear wiper on my '99 Explorer because the blade gets caught in the groove between the edge of the glass and the hatch frame. I've noticed newer models have the wiper arm mounted in the glass, instead of on the frame, which would bypass this issue. So my questions are (1) what model year did Ford realize mounting in the glasss was a better idea? (2) would the later model hatch glass fit in my '99?

 

My 99 explorer has a similar problem with the blade getting stuck in between the glass and the liftgate. So I bent the arm. However my problem was that the wiper has always had problems with the blade not touching the glass.