Focus 5dr 2001 rear wiper problem

I would appreciate any comments or tips in trying to solve the following problem.

My rear wiper exhibits the following problem:

1) On switching the rear wiper on, it only does about one-third of a sweep before stopping, it then does about another third (not exact) on the next intermittent wipe, and so on repeated. 2) On using the long pull water spray multiple wipe option, the wiper will perform a number of sweeps, but end parked at a random position on the rear screen.

From googling, it would appear to me that there is a loss of power in the wire providing continuous power to the wiper, possibly due to a break in the wire.

Do you agree with this diagnosis, and if so, do you know where the break is likely to be, and where and how I would have to connect into the cable to repair the problem?

Thanks Paul R

Reply to
Paul R
Loading thread data ...

Any fault with tailgate electrics is likely to be a wire break where the wiring passes from the body to the tailgate.

Your diagnosis seems reasonable. The ignition feed comes from fuse 43; this also feeds the electric windows, so if they are working you can eliminate the fuse.

Next step is to remove the tailgate trim to access the wiper motor multi- plug. There are two wires at this point coloured white/red, and green/ blue.

Your car may be a facelift, or pre-facelift model. According to Haynes, the pre-facelift model used the white/red as the permanent feed. Again according to Haynes, the colours are shown the other way around for facelift models; the permanent feed is shown as green/blue! However, Autodata shows green/blue as the permanent feed for all models. I suspect the earlier Haynes manual is wrong. (As it is in many respects.)

Your options depend at what resources you have. If you have a test lamp or multi-meter, you could measure for voltage at the connector (with the ignition on). Try moving the loom around where it comes through from the body to see if the feed is intermittent.

Alternatively, you could run a temporary feed from the battery +ve to the connector using a length of wire to see if the problem is eliminated. If you use this approach, I would advise fitting an inline fuse at the battery end of the test wire.

Post back for further help,

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

Thanks Chris. I eventually got round to investigating the problem - not wishing to freeze to death outside in the recent ice and snow. I took the quick and easy approach and released the flexible rubber hose between the Focus tailgate and the body - to find one completely broken cable Green/Blue (power to the wiper) - plus three others fraying plus the washer tube split (I had wondered about some recent water ingress)! Quick splice around the broken green/blue and I now have a fully working rear wash/wipe.

I will create a new topic for the broader detail of what I have done for future reference by others.

Paul R

Reply to
Paul R

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.