[edit: broken leads in the rear hatch wire loom. see my self-reply below.]
seems to be a well-covered issue per several searches across the various generations, but my symptom is more isolated than what i've found in the dozen+ threads i've gone through. thoughts and suggestions welcome.
- it's a '99, and manual if that matters.
- rear window wiper has worked in the fairly recent past (this calendar year)
- rear wiper does not actuate at all in any steering column switch position (intermittent, on, burst) with key on ON (engine not running)
- rear window does raise and lower via the dash rocker switch with key on ON.
- washer fluid (rear) does work (key on ON)
- rear defroster light turns on when i press the button. it's difficult to say whether it actually heats or not. it didn't become warm to the touch before it automatically turned off.
what i've tried so far:
- did the window reset by lowering all the way, holding the button in for 1 sec (and also, separately 15 sec), then raising it and continuing to hold the button for 1 sec (also followed another suggestion for 15 sec)
- window child lock switch is 'off' (not engaged). i did toggle it a few times
- cleaned dust and dirt off the window itself and out of the track, having read that even the slightest limiting to its fully closed position results in problems, however since the fluid pump dispenses this suggests the window is closed sufficiently
- removed the rear hatch trim, then separated the molexes and reattached them
- removed the wire loom grommets (top and bottom) and peeled them back fairly far to inspect the leads (no visible damage)
any thoughts? thanks