How do I fix the rear wiper?

Yes, I did do a forum search first before posting this. What I found was that this is a common problem, but nothing about how to fix it.

My rear windshield wiper does nothing (2000 XLT 4X4). No click, no sound, no movement. What is it that usually goes bad on these things, the motor or something else?

Thanks!

This is an all too common problem with these motors. A replacement is around $50 remanufactured, plus a core charge. It's a pretty easy fix. Right off the top of my head here is how it is done.
1-Unscrew the nut holding the wiper arm and remove it.
2- Open the rear hatch and unscrew the strap that hangs down
3-With a pair of body moulding tools(I got mine from harbor freight for around $5) carefully pop off the clips that hold the rear plastic hatch card. Try not to lose any. Be gentle and dont snap the plastic.
4-peel away the plastic membrane until you see the motor
5- unscrew the motor base
6-disconnect the electrical plug for the motor
7-pull it all out and disconnect the motor from the base
8-secure new motor to base
9-after installing the plug for the motor, turn it on to see if you have power/movement/ticking noises. If you are and the motor still doesn't turn there is a hex adjuster on the motor to loosen/tighten tension. Turn that till it moves. If no noises then it is a wiring problem
10-reverse order to install

When re-applying the plastic membrane first I used rubber cement to hold it in place. I have since had to tinker with the motor a few times and simply taped it into place. I have had to do this at least 4 times. My problem is with the hex adjuster. It'll work fine for a while then bind up. I got tired of undooing everything to adjust it. Here is how I fixed it.

1-Turn key to on position
2-Torn rear wiper motor to on hi position
3-If it works,great
4-If not, I keep a one pound rubber mallet in the trunk. Strike the screw that holds the arm in place until it kicks on.

Hope this helps. Good luck

might be best to check to see if you are getting power to the motor first before removing the old motor Check fuses etc

Thanks guys!

I've tried 2 motors now and it still only works when it wants to. Smacking it with a rubber mallet usually fixes it for a little while, but it's not too convenient when you're on the highway.

I'm assuming you mean taking out the motor and smacking it with a hammer, not while it's still in the door, right?

Yes rtbrjason, I can see how hitting the rear wiper arm with a rubber mallet while driving can be cumbersome. Isn't that why we have kids for?

What I'm talking about with the rubber mallet,pavojc, is this. If you haven't tried any of the suggestions for fuses,power to the switch,motor removal procedure try this. If you haven't removed the motor from the door yet. Try this.

1)Get in your car and turn the ignition to on, or start her up
2)Put you window down, or leave the door open so you don't lock yourself out(I only have one starting key so this is an issue for me)
3)turn the rear motor switch on the stalk to the on hi position
4)see if motor turns on. If yes HOORAY! If not then try this
5)with a lightweight rubber mallet tap/strike the arm nearest to the base.

Like I said, If there is power to the motor then it's most likely the hex adjuster. Unfortunately you have to undo everything to adjust it. Smacking it with a rubber mallet usually frees it enough to work for a day or two.

Have you had any progress? Let us know. Good Luck.

For the 2000 model year, You may also want to check relay #205 & 209 rear wiper up/down relays replace them or pull them out and check the pins to be sure they are clean They are located in the Engine Compartment Fuse Panel
For the 1999 year they are located in a separate box next to the Engine Compartment Fuse Panel

Thanks guys, I'll give this stuff a try. One thing I have noticed, when I play with the switch, I hear a faint sound like a violin string being plucked twice, about a second apart. So something is happening, it's just not wiping that's happening.