Just discovered this yesterday- the rear window wiper works when turning the switch forward. However, it no longer works when turning it rearwards to release washer fluid. I tried lowering and raising the window...no dice. Any thoughts? It's a bit dangerous since I cannot get the wiper to wipe the window quickly enough when the fluid sprays out. I went snowshoeing yesterday and the roads were snowy/slushy on the way back. I had a hard time seeing out of the rear windshield. The wiper was not working effectively without water/fluid in its path. Thanks!
Rear window wiper not working properly- dangerous
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riceandpho
Elite Member
make sure to roll the window all the way down and hold for 5 - 10secs, then up and hold, this should reset it.
Just tried that. I rolled the rear window down, held the button for 10 seconds. Then I rolled it all the way up and held it for 10 seconds. Nothing. I did it again- still nothing.
The wiper works because it activates when I turn the wiper switch forward. It's just that the wiper does not activate when I do the spray by turning it the other way. The spray part works though. It just flows down the window without the wiper coming on.
The wiper works because it activates when I turn the wiper switch forward. It's just that the wiper does not activate when I do the spray by turning it the other way. The spray part works though. It just flows down the window without the wiper coming on.
Odd...I wonder if my mind is playing tricks on me. On my Subaru Forester, when I engage the spray, the wiper instantly wipes 2-3 times each time I do it. Am I just confused and this is normal in the T4R that the wiper doesn't engage when you just use the spray? Just seems strange since the fluid is almost all at the bottom of the window by the time I engage the wiper by turning the switch forward.
Not dangerous for those who do mall runs solely or live in clear-weather areas though for those who drive on snowy roads and mountains, and park in tight spots with little room to back up, rear window visibility is very important. I use it often in my Forester (esp since the Forester has dedicated snow tires) and have slowly started to use my T4R in those places. The wiper (new blade) simply can't clear the dried salt/mag chloride/slush without enough fluid on the windshield.
TRDCal
New member
:lmao:
This is actually one thing that pisses me off about my 4runner and not many things do...if you look at the symbol on the stalk it confirms that its not suppose to wipe but why would you want it to just spray???
sonerick- you are right. My brain was stuck on the way my Subie works. Turning it all the way forward does indeed make it spray and wipe, though the rear spray-only thing is a bit silly. I am grateful for the help, and slightly embarrassed that I did not turn it all the way forward. In my defense, the roads were slippery and curvy and I was a bit tense with not being able to see out the back. Plus, my girlfriend kept talking about what would happen if we went of the edge and down the side of the mountain. I'll have her zip it next time. 
:
Thank you all!
:Thank you all!
Well, if you've ever been off roading in mud or dusty areas...you might want to give the crud a good soaking before using the wiper and scratching up the glass...especially, if the crud is dry.
(although the 'washer' isn't that great...at least not on my 4runner...)
MICA4R
New member
The rear mist/washer and even the front for that matter are pathetic to begin with. It just "squirts/leaks" on the window. 
American Cars seem have a powerful blast of fluid that covers the whole windshield/rear window (and often the car behind them).
Is there a "turbo" mod to make this system better? I really don't care now, but when I used to live in Chicago the salt spray was SUPER annoying as the washer would not wet the windshield enough to liquify and mobilize all the salt spray.
Anyone have any suggestions?
American Cars seem have a powerful blast of fluid that covers the whole windshield/rear window (and often the car behind them).
Is there a "turbo" mod to make this system better? I really don't care now, but when I used to live in Chicago the salt spray was SUPER annoying as the washer would not wet the windshield enough to liquify and mobilize all the salt spray.
Anyone have any suggestions?
You are right. Maybe one of those 'American car' washer pumps can be fitting on the 4runner...or the nozzle.
That's two things I find that most Asian cars lack...strong washers and a weak horn. Although the one on the 4Runners are fine, but like my wife's CRV...just weak.
Instead of a loud obnoxious horn...'screw you...up yours'...more like a 'er, excuse me...sorry...'
Actually, some American cars had those weak horns...Saturns and my first car...1981 Mercury Capri (Mustang copy). I replace its horn with one from a 1980 Chevy Caprice...now that's a proper horn!
sorry for the tangent...
That's two things I find that most Asian cars lack...strong washers and a weak horn. Although the one on the 4Runners are fine, but like my wife's CRV...just weak.
Instead of a loud obnoxious horn...'screw you...up yours'...more like a 'er, excuse me...sorry...'
Actually, some American cars had those weak horns...Saturns and my first car...1981 Mercury Capri (Mustang copy). I replace its horn with one from a 1980 Chevy Caprice...now that's a proper horn!
sorry for the tangent...
TRDCal
New member
Exactly, your theory would be spot on if the spray was anything to write home about.
Maybe it needs a booster pump to increase the pressure. I have a spare washer pump I should try installing for the rear hatch jet to blast that mud off lol
Hahahaha
