Rear wiper does not work

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Help...my rear window wiper does not work. I have checked to be sure that the window is completely up and have even cleaned out the top section to be sure that nothing is keeping it from closing completely. The rear defrost does work and the fuse for the wipers is fine (front wipers work). The rear wiper used to work sometimes but now does not work at all. Also, the fluid sprayer does work. Any thoughts on this?? FYI - it is a 1996 4Runner SR5. Thanks

 

[bc toy]

Check the conduit for the wiring from the body to the hatch. I think after years of use, the wires inside can break
HTH

 

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Where is the conduit for the wiring from the body to the hatch located?

 

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Back Hatch Conduit Wire

Thanks for the recommendation to check the conduit wire to the back hatch. I am new to working on my 4Runner and was wondering where this is located, what it looks like and how to I access it to see if it is broken?

 

[shadow247]

Open the hatch, look up high, you should see a black wire loom running from the body to the hatch. This is where the wires come through.

 

[theizzardking]

might be stupid but are you sure the back window is rolled all the way up or something isn't jammed in there? sorry not an insult just got to ask, i've done that and freaked out a bit a couple of times....

 

[BeachWagon]

I had a similar issue a while back. Window/wiper/sprayer/license plate lights all going crazy.
Open your paneling on the rear hatch, once it is open, and you can see all the guts and mechanisms, look for the control box, check all the connectors are clipped in fully. I had replaced my rear hatch, and swapped my working control box for the non working one in the new, not banged up hatch. The connections were being intermittent and sending crazy signals to the moving parts. Fully clipped it together, works like BBQ Peaches and Vanilla Ice Cream now.

 

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Thanks for the info...I will have to give that a try. How hard is it to open the paneling and is there anything I need to keep in mind when doing it? Don't want to break anything and always get nervous removing panels

 

[BeachWagon]

Thanks for the info...I will have to give that a try. How hard is it to open the paneling and is there anything I need to keep in mind when doing it? Don't want to break anything and always get nervous removing panels

Big flat head screw driver, be careful to not force the clips, but be assertive, they will come out, when you go to put them back, I just lined them up, then gave em a smack with the heel of my fist. take off the strap first, and lift toward the top of the hatch, there is a strip for the window, that is sunk into the sheeting in between the glass. other then that, take your time.

 

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the great feedback and quick responses!!

 

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Rear wiper issue continues

OK...got the rear hatch panel off and checked all obvious connections and they seem fine. Do I need to remove the metal plate (attached with several bolts) to get a better look at the wiper motor or is this worth doing.

Also, having issues trying to get off the small plastic encasing that covers the conduit wires that go from car into the back hatch...any tips for this? Don't want to break it.

Thanks!

 

[1996-4Runner-owner]

Rear Wiper

Okay...I think I got it working. After removing the rear hatch panel and checking conduit wires to back hatch (they seemed in fine working order), I just pulled apart and reconnected all wiring connections I could find and it appears to be working...yeah!!!! Headed to dealership to see if they have some replacement rubber wiper strips to I can put the actual wiper back on (took it off since old wiper was totally corroded and leaving black streaks down the back hatch).

Thanks again everyone and I will let you know if the FIX lasts. All of you guys ROCK! :tongue1:

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Did you check the fuse to the rear? my sprayer and washer just quit working and I have no center brake light so I'm assuming all those are on the same circuit.

 

[TheDurk]

Did you check the fuse to the rear? my sprayer and washer just quit working and I have no center brake light so I'm assuming all those are on the same circuit.

They are not on the same fuse circuit. Sounds like a ground issue, possibly a black and white wire fail in the door-to-body harness (it's not a conduit, technically) discussed above.

 

[WolfmanT]

2002 sr5 rear window and wiper not working

New to this forum, but have used this for a lot of info on working on my 4runner. I just ran into the following on my runner and am looking for help on ideas.

rear window will not roll down but I hear clicking noises when I press the button

rear wiper will not work and I hear clicking noises in the dash when I turn it on-the wiper blade seems frozen. I am unable to move it with my hand at all

Any help would be fantastic!