Curiousity Regarding Rear Wiper

[BlackWorksInc]

So we have an '03 Highlander that has a wiper issue according to the used car inspection sheet; taking a quick peek at it 9haven't had a chance to work on it yet) the issue is because when you flick the rear wiper switch downward to spray the window the wiper does not move.

Now I thought that was weird as every other vehicle I work on seems to swipe the rear wiper. I know its pretty much the same damn stalk we've used for like 8 years or something so I checked my 4Runner and it does the same thing, then after that I had an '05 Sienna that had the same stalk and lo and behold it works like you'd think...

So i'm asking you guys to do me a favor and check your rear wiper switch, does it automatically squirt water AND engage the rear wiper when flicked downwards or only just squirt water?

 

[strathcona]

Mine does not swipe on the downward turn. It just squirts fluid.

 

[gaterose]

Never noticed it before but mine functions the same way: downward swipe - fluid only no wiper. Seems kinda silly.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Downward just sprays fluid. Twisting the rear wiper turn thingy all the forward squirts fluid and sweeps the rear wiper. Look at the diagram thing on the stalk.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Right, so I'm not crazy... lol apparently we must have changed it at some time.

 

[A10GAC]

Given the amount of dust/dirt my rear window collects I always thought the down "spray-only" function was to lube the window so you weren't dragging a dry wiper across the dirty glass. I do it to try & prevent the rainbow of scratches on the rear window...that and a regular application of rain repellent.

 

[MarcusAurelius]

From the first day I bought my 4runner I noticed this and thought it was kinda weird, but didn't give it much thought. Downward on my 03 just sprays with no wiper motion.