Top 6 Reasons & Solutions When Toyota 4Runner Rear Wiper Not Working

The wipers on the front and rear windshields are a small but important part of the Toyota 4Runner when you move on the road.

Can you imagine that you drive without windshield wipers? That may sound absurd because if you are traveling in the rain or fog, the wipers are an indispensable tool.

If the Toyota 4Runner rear wiper not working, it will limit visibility, especially extremely dangerous. So, if you are experiencing problems with your front or rear windshield wipers, you can consider some of the common causes below.

Why Is Toyota 4Runner Rear Wiper Not Working? How To Fix?

There are many reasons why the wipers on the front or rear windshield are not working. It can come from the motor system, fuse, power supply, or operating mechanism.

In addition, you also cannot rule out the possibility from objective reasons such as weather, mud, collision or wiper quality, etc.

1. Wiper Fuse Burned

The windshield wipers on the Toyota 4Runner are driven by an electric motor, so an electrical problem in the system could also be the main cause.

When the wiper motor is overloaded due to weather factors or mud causing the wipers to jam, the relevant fuse is blown.

The fuse is designed as a protective point in the circuit of the windshield wipers. So if the electric motor is overloaded for any reason, the fuse will blow first. The purpose of the operation of the fuse on the wiper is to protect the more expensive motor.

If the wiper motor fuse is blown, you should check for any obstructions that cause the motor to run continuously and to overload.

Some of the causes that can lead to overload are heavy snowfall, a frozen wiper, or an obstruction that sticks to the wiper causing it to jam and the engine to run continuously.

The most common electrical problem in a windshield wiper system is a blown fuse. The fuse will be in the main fuse block under your hood.

In addition, you can check for some other possible problems including a burnt wiper motor, faulty wiper control switch, or damaged rotary module.

2. Faulty Mechanical System

The wipers on the front and rear windshields both work according to the same mechanical principle as other machines.

A motor that continuously rotates in one direction is connected to the wipers with a shaft or rivet.

Thus, the continuous rotation of the engine is converted into forward and reverse motion of the windshield wipers. This motion moves the wipers in an arc across the windshield.

With any mechanical system of the machine, the pivot points can corrode over time and cause the whole system to fail as it should.

Corrosion of the shafts causes the links not to be connected and the windshield wipers to be unable to work. So the best solution is to replace the link from the motor to the pivot point of the wiper arm.

3. Wiper Blade Torn

One of the causes that many people encounter but rarely mention is a torn or corroded wiper blade. The condition of your wiper blades is a direct cause of whether your windshield wipers are working properly.

If the rubber edges on your wiper blades are corroded or damaged, the wipers will not be able to reach the windshield to clear moisture, dirt, or debris.

This is because the small gaps caused by corroded rubber will trap more dirt and scratch your windshield. Therefore, you should check and replace torn wiper blades so as not to affect your vision.

4. Wiper Is Broken

Wipers that are jammed or not working properly may not clean the windshield. You should check your windshield wipers for ice, snow, or glue.

Windshield wipers can only remove a small amount of snow from the windshield, if the snow is thick and frozen then you will need to wipe it off before turning on the wiper starter. Because wipers are not designed to withstand the weight of energy or break the ice.

Your wipers may be frozen to the point that the blades may be bent, the wipers may be damaged or broken at the shafts. As a result, the wiper motor or actuator may fail and they may not be able to function as they should.

If you live in areas with severe winters such as heavy snow, sleet, and ice, you should check your wipers more often to avoid the case that you are moving under the snow rain without the windshield wipers.

5. The wiper Motor Is Faulty

The motor of the windshield wiper is an electric motor. Regarding the electric motor problem, it can short, burn or turn off suddenly.

If the wiper motor is damaged, the windshield wiper system will be completely inoperative and it will not be able to clean any water, dirt, or snow from the windshield.

Make sure you have a high-quality replacement electric motor if you live in an area with a long snowy season and the wiper’s electric motor will have to run continuously.

6. Wiper Nuts Are Loose

The wipers are connected to the control unit by a nut on the shaft. The shafts are usually pyramidal with a protruding nail to secure the wipers.

The wipers are also designed vertically and have a hole through the base for mounting on the shaft. A nut will be tightened to the shaft pin to secure the wiper.

A common cause is if the nut is loose or stripped, the wiper motor will rotate the shaft but the wiper will not move.

You can still hear the engine running, but the wipers won’t turn because the fixing nut is loose. You can check the nuts and make sure they are tight to connect the engine and wipers.

Conclusion

If Toyota 4Runner rear wipers are not working, you can refer to the above common causes such as blown fuse, faulty engine, torn wiper blades, damaged wipers due to snow or the life of the car, the wiper motor is faulty, the nuts and bolts are loose.

If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with others and discuss other causes in the comments section below.

3 thoughts on “Top 6 Reasons & Solutions When Toyota 4Runner Rear Wiper Not Working”

    • Saved me!!! My wife’s rear window defrost and wiper doa….. troubleshooting doesn’t help,
      Late Sunday in snowy colorado!! Need help now….Thank you PESTESTER

      Reply

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