Strange rear wiper issue

[4katydid]

Replacing the battery worked!

I have an '08 4-Runner/V-6 and the rear windshield wiper just started with one swipe upon startup and then return to its original position. This would only happen when I turned the car on in the morning. I was worried that since this was such a random occurrence it would be extremely difficult for a mechanic to replicate and then fix. To see if there were any recall issues I did a web search and came upon this thread. I was very wary of going with a fix solely based on the internet but it sounded right and my battery was definitely due to be replaced since it was the original battery. I purchased a new battery a few days ago and haven't had a rear wiper issue since.

 

[Shimo]

I have a 2007 4R, Sport, 4x4. Same thing happened to me. Was wondering why the rear wiper would take one swipe at starting the engine. I did notice a slight hesitation when starting the 4R so I figured something was going on. Then one dad the battery went dead: only clicking sound under the hood when turning the key to crank the engine. I guess Toyota purposely designed the wiper swipe thing as a warning that the battery is on its final leg? Installed a new battery today and no wiper swipe. I'll watch what happens tomorrow...........

 

[4RNNR]

To reset the rear window operation:
1. Turn ignition switch to the “ON” position.
2. Push the back door power window switch to the “DOWN” side to open the window.
3. Push and hold the back door power window switch to the “UP” side until the window closes. Continue holding it for approximately 1 second.
4. Check for proper operation of the “one-touch open/close” functions by pushing the switch briefly to the “DOWN” and “UP” position.

 

[4thGen4.7]

To reset the rear window operation:
1. Turn ignition switch to the “ON” position.
2. Push the back door power window switch to the “DOWN” side to open the window.
3. Push and hold the back door power window switch to the “UP” side until the window closes. Continue holding it for approximately 1 second.
4. Check for proper operation of the “one-touch open/close” functions by pushing the switch briefly to the “DOWN” and “UP” position.

...............ok

:thanks:

 

[CarT4R]

Strange Alarm and Wiper Issue

This thread saved me a ton of time and money so I have to share my recent experience.

I have a 2006 T4R Sport that just before New Years had the alarm going off randomly at night. I would reset it with the FOB and then randomly, 4 to 12 hours later it would just go off again. Called the dealer and they said I would have to bring it in and leave it a couple days so they could trouble shoot the problem. Most likely cause is a probably a bad sensor (hood is what they mentioned is the most common). In the mean time I just left it unlocked and the alarm would not sound. 4 days later of leaving the truck unlocked I find the rear wiper blade cycling non stop. Looked in the truck and the wiper was in the off position but it would not stop no matter what position I moved it into. Started up the truck and the wiper would stop. The random wiper turning on and going non stopped continued for 2 days. Took the truck to the dealer ship and they were lost for words. They suggested I leave the rear window open to prevent the rear wiper form cycling as it would just kill the battery. They tried to trouble shoot the wiper but didn't find any issues with it at the tail gate. Strongly suggested to bring it in so they could trouble shoot all the electrical problems I was having.

Then I read this thread. I figured I had nothing to lose, so stopped in at our local auto parts store picked up a battery and replaced it. Well, all my electrical problems have gone away. Everything is back to normal, no further issues with the alarm or rear wiper.

Important things to note are that I had no issues starting the truck during the entire time this was going on. The problems did surface once the weather got colder. It was still the original OEM battery (amazing life) but when I took it in to test, the battery voltage was dropping under load.

Thanks again to everyone who spent the time to post !

 

[bpear1600]

You guys just saved me a lot of time and aggravation. I had the rear wiper thing going on the last week or so on an occasional basis and the battery seemed weaker.

Found the solution here and got a new battery last night. This morning I noticed the driver side window failed to go down with one touch but after I went all the way down and up it "normalized". I just did the same thing for the sunroof and rear window. All is well thanks to this forum.

Yesterday I was in the deep woods with no cell phone coverage. Thank God the battery didn't choose to die on me.

 

[blackjackck]

Battery

I currently have this problem with the rear wiper. I check the voltage on the battery and it's pretty solid. But looking at the OEM Panasonic battery indicator says it needs water. I added some the Sunday and the wiper issue went away. I figure I try this before dropping $100 for a new battery.

Thanks everyone, I'm glad it's only a battery issue instead of something more complicated.

UPDATE: after a week and sub 20 degree weather my battery died this morning. Got a new battery this afternoon and the wiper issue is gone.

 

[SteveHeadedWest]

Mine also...

Thanks guys. I know my battery needs replacing. The wiper issue is recent and had me concerned. I'm no longer concerned. Once I swap out the battery I'll be good to go.

Thank You T4R!!!!

 

[lcbjr77]

Just wanted to remind everybody of the rear wiper/ battery issue.
One day last week I saw the rear wiper pass along my rear window and I had the switch off... not thinking I went upon my day. This morning I go to start my 4runner, turn the key and nothing...luckily I have a jumper pack in the garage...jumped it and made my way work. I did some research and saw this thread....I'll probably go buy a new battery after work... Take care

 

[Roncu]

I have a 2016 TE bought new 5 months ago and it has about 4500 miles on it. I had this rear wiper incident happen to me today. Can't imagine the battery is going yet. Anyone have this happen with a good battery?
I'll be taking this in for the 5000 mile check in about 2 weeks. I have a feeling the dealership will not admit there is a problem.