How To Turn On Back Windshield Wipers

Operating the rear windshield wiper in your vehicle can often seem less intuitive than using the front wipers. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step explanation of how to locate and activate your back windshield wipers, ensuring clear visibility when reversing or driving in adverse weather conditions.

Locating the Control Mechanism

The first step involves identifying where the rear windshield wiper controls are located within your vehicle. Unlike the front wipers, which are almost universally controlled via a stalk on the steering column, the rear wiper controls can vary significantly depending on the make and model of your car.

Examine the Wiper Stalk

The most common location for the rear wiper control is on the same stalk that controls the front wipers. However, instead of simply moving the stalk up or down like the front wipers, the rear wiper control will typically involve an additional feature. This could be:

A rotating collar at the end of the stalk.

A push button located on the stalk.

A separate set of markings indicating the rear wiper functions.

Example: Many Honda and Toyota models utilize a rotating collar at the end of the wiper stalk. To activate the rear wiper, you would rotate this collar to a setting typically marked with a symbol of a rear windshield wiper (a vertical line with a small arc). Often, there are two settings: one for intermittent wiping and one for continuous wiping.

Check the Dashboard or Center Console

If the rear wiper control is not located on the wiper stalk, it might be found on the dashboard or center console. Look for a button or switch with the rear windshield wiper symbol. The switch may be labeled with terms like "REAR WIPER" or abbreviations such as "R. WIP."

The button could be a simple on/off switch.

It may be a multi-position switch that allows you to select different speeds or an intermittent setting.

Example: Some older Ford and GM vehicles have a dedicated button on the dashboard to control the rear wiper. This button often needs to be pressed multiple times to cycle through different modes or turn the wiper off.

Consult the Owner's Manual

If you are unable to locate the rear wiper controls using the methods described above, consult your vehicle's owner's manual. This manual will provide a detailed diagram of the dashboard and steering column controls, including specific instructions on how to operate the rear windshield wiper.

The owner's manual is the definitive guide to your vehicle's features.

It contains important information on operation and safety.

Activating the Rear Windshield Wiper

Once you have located the control mechanism, activating the rear windshield wiper is usually a straightforward process. The specific steps will depend on the type of control your vehicle uses.

Using a Rotating Collar on the Wiper Stalk

If your vehicle uses a rotating collar on the wiper stalk, follow these steps:

1. Locate the rotating collar at the end of the wiper stalk.
2. Identify the markings on the stalk that correspond to the rear windshield wiper functions. These markings usually include an "OFF" position, an "INT" (intermittent) position, and an "ON" (continuous) position.
3. Rotate the collar to the desired position. For intermittent wiping, rotate to the "INT" position. For continuous wiping, rotate to the "ON" position.
4. To turn off the rear wiper, rotate the collar back to the "OFF" position.

Example: On a Subaru Outback, the rotating collar often has detents for OFF, INT, and ON. Rotating the collar until it clicks into the INT position will activate the rear wiper in intermittent mode.

Using a Push Button on the Wiper Stalk

If your vehicle uses a push button on the wiper stalk, the activation process will typically involve pressing the button.

1. Locate the push button on the wiper stalk.
2. Press the button once to activate the rear wiper. The wiper may operate in intermittent mode initially.
3. Press the button again to change the wiper speed or mode. Some vehicles may cycle through intermittent, continuous, and off modes with each press.
4. To turn off the rear wiper, continue pressing the button until the wiper stops.

Example: Some Mazda models use a push button. One push might activate intermittent wiping, a second push continuous wiping, and a third push might turn the wiper off.

Using a Dashboard or Center Console Button or Switch

If the rear wiper control is located on the dashboard or center console, follow these steps:

1. Locate the button or switch labeled "REAR WIPER" or with the rear windshield wiper symbol.
2. Press the button or flip the switch to the "ON" position to activate the rear wiper.
3. If the switch has multiple positions, select the desired speed or mode.
4. To turn off the rear wiper, press the button again or flip the switch to the "OFF" position.

Example: A classic Jeep Cherokee might have a rocker switch on the dashboard. Rocking the switch up turns the rear wiper on, and rocking it down turns it off.

Using the Rear Windshield Washer

Many vehicles also have a rear windshield washer feature, which sprays washer fluid onto the rear window to help clear away dirt and debris. This feature is often integrated with the rear wiper controls.

Integrated Washer Function

The rear windshield washer is often activated by pushing the wiper stalk away from you (towards the dashboard) or by pressing and holding the rear wiper button on the dashboard for an extended period.

Pushing the stalk typically activates both the washer and the wiper.

The wiper will usually run for a few cycles after the washer fluid is sprayed.

Example: On many VW and Audi models, pushing the wiper stalk forward will activate the rear washer. The wiper will automatically engage to spread the fluid and clear the window.

Separate Washer Control

In some cases, the rear windshield washer may have a separate button or switch located near the rear wiper controls. Look for a button with a symbol of a windshield with spray coming from it.

Pressing the button will activate the washer.

The wiper may activate automatically, or you may need to activate it separately.

Troubleshooting

If your rear windshield wiper is not working, there are a few things you can check:

• Check the Fuse: A blown fuse is a common cause of wiper malfunctions. Consult your owner's manual to locate the fuse for the rear wiper and check if it is blown.
• Check the Wiper Blade: A worn or damaged wiper blade can reduce the effectiveness of the wiper. Replace the blade if necessary.
• Check the Washer Fluid Level: If the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the rear washer will not function. Refill the reservoir.
• Inspect the Wiper Motor: If the wiper motor is faulty, the wiper will not operate. This may require professional repair.

Practical Advice

• Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of your rear windshield wiper controls before you need them.
• Regularly inspect your rear wiper blade for wear and tear, and replace it as needed.
• Keep your washer fluid reservoir filled to ensure that the rear washer is always ready to use.
• If you are unsure how to operate your rear windshield wiper, consult your vehicle's owner's manual.

By following these instructions, you can confidently operate your vehicle's rear windshield wiper and maintain clear visibility in all driving conditions.