Why does the rear wiper keep moving and cannot be turned off?
3 Answers
The main reason why the rear wiper keeps moving and cannot be turned off is that the rear wiper switch might have been accidentally pressed. There is a control switch at the top of the wiper switch; pulling it back can solve the issue. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Alternative names and functions: The wiper is also known as a windscreen wiper, water wiper, or windshield wiper. It is a device used to wipe off raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. 2. Scope of application: Legally required, almost all vehicles worldwide are equipped with wipers. Rear windows of hatchbacks and SUVs also have wipers. Besides cars, other means of transportation like trains and trams are also equipped with wipers, as well as some engineering machinery.
I've been driving for decades and encountered this issue several times. When the rear wiper keeps moving and can't be turned off, the most common causes are internal faults in the control switch, such as worn or stuck contacts causing continuous signal transmission; or issues with that small relay where the contacts get stuck and fail to cut off the current. Sometimes the motor itself is problematic, with gear jams or internal short circuits preventing the wiper blade from stopping. Moisture-induced corrosion and short circuits in the wiring are also common, especially when the car is parked outdoors in rainy environments. I remember my old car had a relay failure that caused the wiper blade to spin relentlessly, wearing out quickly and draining the battery. This isn't just an annoyance—it can also distract you and compromise safety. I suggest quickly trying to toggle the switch through different settings to see if it resets; if that doesn't work, locate the fuse box using the owner's manual, pull the rear wiper fuse to temporarily disable it, and then schedule a thorough inspection at a reliable repair shop. They'll use professional tools to test the wiring or replace components. To prevent this issue, try parking in dry areas to minimize moisture exposure.
How annoying, the rear wiper won't turn off! I just dealt with this last month and was frantic at the time. The switch stalk might be broken, with contacts sticking or the control lever bent and jammed; sometimes it's that little relay box acting up, with contacts failing to bounce back; the motor itself could also be short-circuited causing continuous operation. If the car is relatively new, you might also need to consider software bugs interfering with system commands. Don't delay—letting it run continuously will accelerate wiper blade wear and waste electricity for nothing. Here's what I tried: first, confirm it's not a case of the switch being in the wrong position; then check the manual to locate the fuse and pull the corresponding one in an emergency to temporarily shut it down and avoid bigger problems; finally, take it to the repair shop where I spent a few hundred bucks replacing the switch. After repairs, be careful not to splash water on the control area when washing the car to prevent short circuits.
