QuestionQUESTION: My rear wiper and washer have quit working on my 2000 Explorer. I need some some pointers on how to get to it and also what needs to be done to fix it.
Thank You
Rich
ANSWER: Hello Rich,
The inside panel of the back door might to be removed to check for power at the motor for the wiper. Check all your fuses first, and see if you can pull the switch out to test it. It may be hard to do without a wiring diagram and a test-light/volt-ohmmeter
Removing the back door panel isn't too hard. Take out all the screws you can find, and using something broad and flat, try to pry the panel off gently as possible.
Feel free to follow up, and good luck! Shaun.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Shaun; I'm sorry , but I do not see any screws to remove on the back door panel am I missing something. I have already checked all the fuses so don't htink that is the problem..
Thank you
Rich
AnswerHey Rich,
I pulled a wiring diagram for the circuit you are trying to diagnose, and found that it is a little more complicated than I first thought.
Honestly, I have not had to repair many issues with liftgates on newer Fords. Mostly , the problems I see most lie in the ajar switches(dust etc. affect them mostly).Are there any other problems you are experiencing with the dome lights, chimes, etc.? The reason why I mention this is that there are door ajar switches in the back door that inhibit wiper operation while open. It's a more complicated circuit than it should be, all in the name of safety. The Generic Electronic Module controls the power distribution as far as control is concerned. When you are talking about relay type circuits, you have to think of it as two-sided---main power circuit and control circuit.
I pulled up a wiring diagram on the circuit, and the tree of power delivery is as follows:
Main power to liftgate wiper switch through fuse 12 of under-dash fuse center(central junction box).
Control runs through the GEM module with command from the control switch, through grounds, because the actual current flow is less on the ground side. Basically, the circuit can never operate if main power isn't fed, and a circuit cannot operate without a ground(the electrons' path back to the battery). An electronic relay circuit controls the rear wiper with command through the switch, which is on the ground side. Grounding-type switches hardly ever fail, because they are not carrying heavy current to speed up wear.
The relays that route power to the motors that work the washer pump and motor are all contained in the GEM module, which fail for multiple reasons besides what you are fighting. The reason why I mentioned the dome light, etc. is that there are door ajar switches in the liftgate that inhibit wiper/washer operation through the GEM for safety reasons. If you have a common problem between the lighting system and the wiper system, it aids in the diagnosis process.
I have found it very hard to guess what the problem might be without having the vehicle, a wiring diagram, and a volt/ohm meter. The problem you have proves hard to diagnose being a professional with a great deal of equipment and resources. My point is, even though you can actually change the parts on the vehicle, sometimes it is really difficult to know what part to change or wire to repair.
From what I have seen , the GEM module is probably your most likely cause, not the switches or fuses. On the other side of that, I have also seen many failures with the door ajar switches, which inhibit wiper operation and actuate the courtesy/dome light.
Look for a common problem, and if you really feel that you need to remove the back door panel, there should be very little screws, if any. You just have to start gently start prying on it so you can see where it is anchored at, and remove necessary screws as you find them. Usually on the back doors, it is mostly plastic pins that hold it on.
I really hope you can use this info, and if not, feel free to follow up! Shaun.
