What is the reason why the rear wiper of the Range Rover cannot be turned off?
3 Answers
It is caused by the continuous closure of the wiper relay. This relay is located inside the wiper combination switch and requires replacement of the combination switch. Here is some relevant information about wipers: Function of wipers: Wipers, also known as windshield wipers or water wipers, are devices used to remove raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, thereby improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. Due to legal requirements, almost all cars worldwide are equipped with wipers. Working principle of wipers: They use a DC permanent magnet motor. The wiper motor installed on the front windshield is generally integrated with the worm gear mechanical part. The function of the worm gear mechanism is to reduce speed and increase torque. Its output shaft drives a four-bar linkage mechanism, which converts continuous rotational motion into left-right oscillating motion.
I've encountered this situation several times, and there seem to be quite a few reasons why the wipers can't be turned off, mainly switch issues or incorrect settings. For the Land Rover Range Rover, if the internal contacts of the wiper control lever are worn or dusty, they might get stuck in the on position and fail to reset. Additionally, poor wiring connections are a common factor, especially after a few years of vehicle use, where aging wires or rainwater corrosion can cause short circuits or breaks, preventing signals from reaching the control module. A faulty relay can also keep the wipers running continuously, as if the control switch is locked. Another possibility is that the auto-wiper function is accidentally triggered, with the sensor mistaking conditions for rain and activating automatically. It's recommended to first try restarting the vehicle by disconnecting the power for a few minutes and then testing again. If the issue persists, check the fuse box or seek professional inspection for safety—avoid tampering with the electrical system yourself to prevent accidents.
I once encountered a similar issue with my Range Rover where the wipers wouldn't turn off. It turned out to be a minor fault in the switch assembly. If the knob or button on the control lever is loose or dirty, the input signal gets blocked, making the wipers think they're in the 'on' position. Short circuits or open circuits in the wiring are also common, especially for rear wipers where the wiring runs from the rear to the center console—long-term vibration or moisture ingress can cause problems. Faulty relays or control modules can make the wipers act like they're stuck, requiring professional tools to read the error codes. Additionally, when the vehicle's battery voltage is low or the alternator is unstable, electrical system disturbances can trigger anomalies. It's advisable to first check if the voltage is within the normal range of 12-14 volts. A simple fix is to toggle the knob on and off a few times or clean the wiper linkage area to see if dust buildup is affecting movement. If that doesn't work, it's best to get it repaired early to avoid damaging more significant components.
