1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

rear wiper not working

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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 07:06 PM
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rear wiper not working

Did a search and could not find anything.

As you can see my rear wiper is not working and I can not figure out why. I checked the fuse and it was not blown. I think the switch is still good because when I push it I can hear the washer pump working.

Any ideas.

Rich
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 07:15 PM
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rip it off! weight reduction and better aerodynamics
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 07:22 PM
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I would like it to work. I thought about taking it off but then figure might as well leave it on.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 07:38 PM
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get a voltmeter and see if the motor is getting power. also do the same for the switch if you may suspect it could be at fault. if power is there then the motor may be faulty.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 07:45 PM
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I know power is getting to the back since the washer is working and when I touched the switch on the rear strut I got spark.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 07:58 PM
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maybe look into replacing the wiper motor. thats all i could think of off hand.they get corroded on the inside from sitting. when they work, you will appreciate it. i really do!!! some say its a novelty, but who cares. it works and it'll help with rain and snow (if you dare).
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 08:21 PM
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If the motor is shot where can I get another one
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 08:47 PM
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prob any parts store. if you aren't ready to fork out a little cash, maybe check ebay for a good deal or try searching the forum for one or put in a request in the parts for sale/wanted section. i'm sure someone has one. if i did, i would gladly hook you up. we all share the same sickness here and i really don't think anyone here is out to JUST make money selling their parts here.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 09:31 PM
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The wires for the washer pump are not ran in the same location as the ones for the wiper motor. Have you looked at the setup on the passenger side strut. It might be corroded or broken. One of my friends found this was the only reason his didn't work. We just re-wired it from the expandable cord part down to the motor box.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 09:36 PM
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I funky looking setup does look like it has some corrosion and when I tried scraping it off it sparked on me. I will pull the fuse and sand the connections.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 09:39 PM
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Is the wiper supposed to return to the up position on its own? Mine never has.

Last edited by Critoris; Nov 1, 2003 at 09:42 PM.
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Old Nov 2, 2003 | 12:46 AM
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I tried to buy one off partstrader and the guy wanted about $100. So I said screw that I'll just let it rust.
I think from the bad seals on the hatch they tend to go bad.
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Old Nov 2, 2003 | 01:12 AM
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Originally posted by Critoris
Is the wiper supposed to return to the up position on its own? Mine never has.
NO. 80's cars ended in the down postion, 90's cars ended in the up position. Not a hard rule, but generally true.
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Old Nov 2, 2003 | 12:01 PM
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Mine's never returned to anything. Is it supposed to keep running after you turn it off until it goes al the way down?
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Old Nov 2, 2003 | 12:46 PM
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Yes it is.
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Old Nov 2, 2003 | 11:19 PM
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I already posted this reply once, but it has apparently disappeared.

RR - Possibly check the fuse to the rear defrost. These two circuits are linked.

Critoris - Mine returns to the down position, after switching it off.

Later,
Brian
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 04:55 AM
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MY rear defrost does work so it seems the fuse is still good.

I will check for power this afternoon if it doesnt rain.
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 06:00 AM
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My rear wiper stops where it is when I turn off the switch.
What controls that?
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 09:16 AM
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The connection that actually delivers power to the wiper is only in contact when the hatch is closed. these contacts are only point contact and can become dirty and not work all that well.

Or the assembly can slip too far away for the contacts to make poperly.

So there is no confusion this is the round plastic assembly at the "top" of the right side (pasenger side) hatch strut.

I have to adjust mine every couple of months because of my Subs the vibration causes the assembly to move out of place.

I would look at this befor I got into replacing the motor because if this does not work your new motor will not either

best of luck

A
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 09:37 AM
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I was going to clean the contacts at the same time as checking for power. I sure hope it is just some dirty contacts and not a bad motor


Originally posted by anthrax

The connection that actually delivers power to the wiper is only in contact when the hatch is closed. these contacts are only point contact and can become dirty and not work all that well.

Or the assembly can slip too far away for the contacts to make poperly.

So there is no confusion this is the round plastic assembly at the "top" of the right side (pasenger side) hatch strut.

I have to adjust mine every couple of months because of my Subs the vibration causes the assembly to move out of place.

I would look at this befor I got into replacing the motor because if this does not work your new motor will not either

best of luck

A
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 10:54 AM
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I've got a rear wiper motor I'd sell. PM me if interested.
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 10:57 AM
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the other thing you can try is turning the tube that the connector is attached to. That worked for me for a while.

I am having the same problem again myself
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 11:05 AM
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Let me make sure it is the culprit and if I do need one I will discuss it with you



Originally posted by Wankelguy
I've got a rear wiper motor I'd sell. PM me if interested.
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Old Nov 3, 2003 | 11:51 AM
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Im going to have to agree with FBdrifter.... granted, its probably because i bought my car from a junkyard, but anything that didn't work (back wiper, ac, ect..) got yanked...
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Old Nov 13, 2003 | 08:59 PM
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Well got it figured out. The wiper motor is good. The connector that has the screw adjustment on it was not coming into contact with the other part.
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