Why Isn’t the Rear Wiper Working in Your Car?

A clean rear window is essential for safe maneuvering and parking, especially in bad weather. However, many owners of hatchbacks, station wagons, and SUVs find that the rear wiper suddenly stops or moves jerkily. The causes of this malfunction can range from minor issues to those requiring serious repair. To improve your car’s functionality and add practicality, tuning accessories available in our online store will help you.

Main causes of malfunction

The rear wiper system is structurally simpler than the front one, but it is more exposed to dirt and moisture.

• Blown fuse: The most common and simplest reason. If the wiper stopped working in freezing weather, the blade may have frozen to the glass, and when switched on, the motor overloaded, blowing the fuse to protect itself.
• Seized wiper shaft: Due to road salt and moisture, the lubricant in the mechanism gets washed out, the metal corrodes, and the shaft becomes stuck in the bushing. In this case, the wiper may move very slowly or not at all, even though the motor is humming.
• Broken wiring: The wiring harness runs through a rubber boot between the body and the tailgate. Over time, the wires can break from constant door movement.
• Faulty gear motor: Inside the mechanism, plastic gears may wear out or the motor winding may burn out.

How to perform an initial diagnosis?

Before visiting a service center, you can check a few things yourself:

1. Listen to the sound: If you hear a humming noise when switching on, the electrical system is fine, and the issue is mechanical (seizing).
2. Check the fuse: Find the correct element in the fuse box (the marking is usually on the cover or in the manual).
3. Inspect the rubber boot: Visually check the integrity of the rubber connector on the tailgate.

Regular maintenance — cleaning the shaft and using penetrating lubricant — will help prevent seizing and extend the life of the expensive motor.