Rear wipers on the Jeep JK serve the same purpose as front wipers. However, unlike front wipers, rear wipers clean the rear windshield, improving visibility when you reverse or park the car. Anyway, just like any other component of the Jeep, the JK rear wiper is susceptible to failure.
Jeep Jk rear wipers can fail for the number of reasons that include melted metal wire in the fuse, loose pivot points, external interference, torn wiper blade, loose plug, and faulty motor.
Later in this article, we will describe every bit of detail about them, including several fixing strategies, why they happen, and how to remove and replace the rear wiper. Keep reading to find out more.
About the Jeep, JK Windshield Wipers
Jeep JK wipers come in different sizes and designs. They are integrated with clips to make the installation easier. The rubber used in the wipers is natural and can withstand bad weather.
The sizes may change a bit for different model years. Before you buy, know your rear wiper size. Here is a chart of the 2018 Jeep JK rear wiper blade to give you an idea.
| Jeep | Driver | Passenger | Rear | Attach |
| Jeep JK 2018 | 15 Inches | 15 Inches | 12 Inches | 9 mm Large Hook (9*4) |
Why Is My Jeep JK Rear Wiper Not Working?
Compared to other parts of the Jeep JK, the wipers are a bit flimsy and more susceptible to tearing or malfunctioning. Even something as simple as an unfavorable environment makes the wipers weak and torn.
On the other hand, since the wiper requires electricity, any disruption in electricity makes the wiper not work. Here are some common reasons:
- Blown Fuse
- Loose Plug
- The Torn Blade of the Wiper
- Bad Motor
- Loose Joints or Loose Pivot Points
5 Solutions For Jeep JK Rear Wiper Not Working:
Jeep JK rear wipers consist of a few components. To name a few, wiper blade, wiper fuse, switch, rubber, and the important one: wiper motor. Each of these elements is necessary to make sure that the wipers function properly.
The wiper motor will not operate if any of these internal parts of this device is damaged or fails. So when you notice the wiper is not working, you must inspect these components and repair them.
1. Faulty Fuse: Replace the Fuse
A fuse is required to ensure the steady flow of electricity to the wiper motor. When there is an overload of electricity, it damages the motor. The sole purpose of the fuse is to prevent such a load.
However, to prevent the overload of this energy, the metal wire of the fuse might get damaged: either blown or melted. A melted fuse prevents the power from getting into the motor.
Therefore, when you have a nonfunctioning rear wiper, you must locate the fuse block and replace the faulty fuse with the new one. Make sure the amperage of the new fuse matches that of the old fuse.
Locate the fuse block of the Jeep JK. It is in the engine compartment on the passenger side. It’s best to get the diagram from the manual. Next, locate the wiper fuse. You can download the manual from the online or JK website.
Now test the fuse to see if it is really faulty or is OK. Test the respective fuse using a tester. A simple light test will tell you if the fuse has blown. Finally, remove the old fuse and replace it with the new one. Make sure the replacement fuse has the same amperage.
2. Loose Plug: Resetting the Plug
Though it is a simple thing to check, often people overlook this simple aspect. Just make sure the plug is fully seated. If it is not, just push it a bit more. That’s it. Maybe by simply resetting the plug, you can fix the issue.
3. Torn Blade: Replace the Blade
Rear wiper Not effectively cleaning the windshield is another way of saying the wiper is not working. When the blade of the wiper is torn, including wire and tear, or there could be a small leak in the wiper rubber, it fails to work efficiently.
Among many other reasons for wiper failure, a torn wiper blade is the most likely reason for the failure among many other reasons for wiper failure. Wiper blades have to come into contact directly with the surface of the windshield and are more susceptible to tearing. It usually happens when there is excess moisture accumulated on the windshield.
Anyway, when the blade is worn, the rubber is damaged, and it is not working as it should be, replace the blade.
Removing and replacing the torn blade is not that complicated. Simply lift the wiper arm up. There is a tab right there. Now squeeze the tab toward the arm itself and push inward. That’s all. Reinstalling is easy. Since you removed it, you can easily reinstall it.
4. Bad Motor: Replace the Motor or Check the connector and Wiring.
The motor is an important part to look into if the rear wiper is not working. It is an electrical component, so finding any motor issue will be difficult for you. Usually, the wiper motor fails due to excessive load of the electricity due to a faulty fuse.
Sometimes the motor is fine, but the wiring to the circuit is loose. In that case, checking the wiring and connectors would possibly fix the motor. It is often the case that you may have to replace the motor and fix the issue.
5. Loose Joints: Tight all loose joints
Maybe you have checked everything else, including the motor, fuse, loose wire, or plug, but end up not fixing the rear wiper. As a final step, check all the important joints. Loose joints may prevent the wiper from working.
These joints are essential to making the arm of the wiper move back and forth. They somehow convert the motor rotational energy into back-and-forth movement. So, this is another area that you must look into when the wiper is not working.
How To Remove and Replace Wipers Arm?
Sometimes, the arms of the wiper need to be replaced. In that case, you have to replace the blade first. With some basic repair tools, you can easily take off the assembly on your own. Here is what you must do. However, check the manual or online suggestions so the picture is clearer to you.
Step 1: Remove Latch
Remove the latch first so you can remove the bolt under the latch. The latch can be removed by hand, but if more pressure is required use a screwdriver.
Step 2: Remove Bolt
Since you have removed the latch, now remove the bolt, using a wrench. Before you do this, know the bolt measurement, which can be 10 mm, 13 mm, or any other number.
Step 3: Pull the Wiper Arm Toward You
Once the bolt has been removed, grab the wiper blade and bend the arm 90 degrees. In simple language, hold the wiper arm and pull it toward you. That’s what you do when you clean the underneath of the wiper.
Step 4: Remove the Wiper ARM
Now remove the wiper arm and reattach the latest aftermarket arm. Make sure to secure the bolt and latch perfectly.
FAQs.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that you might have when repairing the wiper. Knowing them will clear your doubts and make your understanding better.
Why Has My Jeep JK Rear Wiper Washer Fluid Stopped Working?
Here to mention that washer fluid may have nothing to do with the failure of the rear wiper, but this is a crucial question to ask. A common symptom includes: the fluid has not run out but it has stopped working.
Maybe there is a freeze in the opening of it, but the most obvious thing you must look for is a loose tube or a blocked and loose plug. They are most likely the reason.
How Does External Interference Make the JK Rear Wiper Performance Poor?
The latest market wipers are more flimsy than the stock rear wiper. Flimsy wipers are more susceptible to tearing when interacting with frozen ice or heavy snowfall. So, if the wipers are not strong enough, stay away from using them in the heavy snowfall.
How Should I Test My Jeep JK Rear Wiper Motor?
The testing motor requires a multimeter. It will ensure whether sufficient voltage is reaching the motor. First, identify the voltage input.
There may be voltage inputs coming from the relay. Check the voltage at the connector from the motor. If the reading is what is expected, then the motor is faulty.
You may also check the continuity of the ground terminal. Check the reading of other connectors too. Make sure you know the proper procedure and have the current flow diagram.
How do I know if my JK rear wiper motor is bad?
There are some simple symptoms that will tell you the wiper motor has failed. Most often, wiper blades move slowly. No change in speed. Sometimes the blades do not move.
Conclusion
The reasons we have described earlier may not cover all the reasons that play a role in the Jeep JK rear wiper failure. However, trying all of them will surely result in the rear wiper failure issue being resolved. If nothing works out, you really need an expert.
An expert will analyze the whole wiper system and find out the root cause of it. We believe, unlike other parts, this apparatus is not that difficult to handle. If you are confident and have the necessary tools with the proper research, you can do it.
The Jeep JK rear wiper is an important component of your vehicle. It aids in clearing your vision, especially when you go in reverse and park the car. Maintaining it and learning the wiper fixing strategy is really important.
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