Have you ever been driving in the rain and struggled to see out of your rear windshield? If so, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, most cars have a rear windshield wiper that can help you clear away the rain and snow, but what do you do if you don’t know how to turn it on? In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to turn on your rear windshield wiper, regardless of the make and model of your car.
First, you’ll need to locate the windshield wiper control stalk. This stalk is typically located on the left side of the steering column. Once you’ve found the stalk, you’ll need to move it to the “rear” position. This will activate the rear windshield wiper. In most cars, there will be a separate switch for the rear windshield wiper, which is usually located on the dashboard. Once you’ve found the switch, simply flip it to the “on” position.
Once the rear windshield wiper is on, you can adjust the speed of the wiper by moving the stalk up or down. The higher the speed, the faster the wiper will move. You can also turn off the rear windshield wiper by moving the stalk back to the “off” position. Additionally, many cars have an intermittent setting for the rear windshield wiper. This setting will cause the wiper to swipe at regular intervals, which can be helpful for light rain or snow. To activate the intermittent setting, simply move the stalk to the “int” position.
Locating the Rear Windshield Wiper Switch
Identifying the rear windshield wiper switch can vary slightly depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, most vehicles follow a consistent layout that makes it relatively easy to locate the switch. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find it:
Step 1: Check the Steering Column
Start by scanning the left-hand side of the steering column. Look for a stalk or lever that controls the front windshield wipers. This stalk typically has a series of positions that toggle between different wiper speeds and intermittent modes.
Step 2: Look for a Secondary Lever
In many vehicles, the rear windshield wiper switch is located on a separate lever or stalk. This lever is usually situated below or adjacent to the primary wiper stalk, often to the left of the steering wheel.
Step 3: Examine the Dashboard
If you don’t find the rear wiper switch on the steering column, check the dashboard. Some vehicles have a centralized control panel where all the wiper functions are grouped together. Look for a button or switch labeled “Rear Wiper” or a similar designation.
Table: Common Rear Windshield Wiper Switch Locations
| Make/Model | Switch Location |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | Left-hand steering column, below the front wiper stalk |
| Toyota Camry | Dashboard, labeled “Rear Wiper” |
| Ford Focus | Right-hand steering column, below the headlights switch |
Activating the Rear Wiper
Activating the rear windshield wiper is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Locate the Wiper Stalk
The wiper stalk is typically located on the left-hand side of the steering column. It has a lever that you can move up and down to control the front windshield wipers.
2. Find the Rear Wiper Switch
On most vehicles, the rear wiper switch is located on the end of the wiper stalk. It may be a separate button or a switch that you push or pull.
3. Engage the Rear Wiper
Once you have found the rear wiper switch, you can engage it by pressing or pulling it. You may need to hold the switch for a few seconds for the wiper to activate.
4. Adjust the Wiper Speed and Interval
Most vehicles allow you to adjust the speed and interval of the rear wiper. To do this, you can use the dial or lever located on the wiper stalk. Turning the dial clockwise will increase the speed of the wiper, and turning it counterclockwise will decrease the speed. Moving the lever up or down will change the interval between wipes.
| Wiper Speed Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Intermittent | Wipes at regular intervals |
| Low | Wipes at a slow, steady speed |
| High | Wipes at a fast, steady speed |
| Mist | Wipes intermittently at a very slow speed |
Setting the Wiper Speed
Once the rear windshield wiper is turned on, you can adjust its speed to match the intensity of the precipitation. Most vehicles offer a range of speeds, from low to high, which can be selected using a dial or button located on the dashboard or steering wheel. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set the wiper speed:
1. Locate the Wiper Speed Control
The wiper speed control is typically located on the dashboard or steering wheel, near the other wiper controls. It may be a dial, a button with multiple settings, or a lever.
2. Choose the Desired Speed
Select the desired speed setting by rotating the dial, pressing the button, or moving the lever. The speed settings are usually labeled as “low,” “medium,” and “high,” or with specific intervals (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
3. Observe the Wiper Movement
Once you have selected a speed, observe the movement of the rear windshield wiper. Adjust the setting as needed to achieve the desired wiping frequency and coverage.
4. Consider Visibility and Precipitation
Choose a wiper speed that provides adequate visibility while driving in the rain or snow. For light precipitation, a low speed may be sufficient, while heavy precipitation may require a higher speed.
5. Wiper Speed Settings and Estimated Intervals
| Wiper Speed Setting | Estimated Interval Between Wipes |
|---|---|
| Low | 5-10 seconds |
| Medium | 2-5 seconds |
| High | 1-2 seconds |
Switches in the Car
Most modern cars have a switch on the dashboard or steering column that controls the rear windshield wiper. The switch is usually labeled with an icon of a rear windshield with a wiper blade. To turn on the rear windshield wiper, simply flip the switch to the “on” position.
Rear Wiper Lever
Some cars have a separate lever for the rear windshield wiper. The lever is usually located on the left side of the steering column. To turn on the rear windshield wiper, pull the lever towards you.
Turn Signal Stalk
In some cars, the turn signal stalk also controls the rear windshield wiper. To turn on the rear windshield wiper, push the stalk down towards the floor.
Automatic Rear Wipers
Some cars have automatic rear windshield wipers that turn on automatically when the front wipers are activated. The automatic rear wipers are usually controlled by a sensor that detects rain on the rear windshield.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The rear windshield wiper is not working
- Check the fuse for the rear windshield wiper. The fuse is usually located in the fuse panel under the dashboard.
- Check the wiring for the rear windshield wiper. The wiring may be loose or damaged.
- Check the rear windshield wiper motor. The motor may be faulty.
- Check the rear windshield wiper blades. The blades may be worn or damaged.
- Check the rear windshield washer fluid. The washer fluid may be empty.
- Check the rear windshield wiper switch. The switch may be faulty.
- Check the rear windshield wiper relay. The relay may be faulty.
- Check surroundings: Before activating the wiper, make sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle, as the wiper’s motion can pose a hazard.
- Clear snow and ice: If there’s snow or ice accumulated on the rear windshield or wiper blades, remove it thoroughly before turning on the wiper. Frozen wipers can damage the windshield or wiper motor.
- Use fluid sparingly: Use windshield washer fluid sparingly, especially in cold weather. Excessive fluid can freeze on the windshield, obscuring visibility.
- Inspect wiper blades: Regularly inspect your rear wiper blades for wear or damage. Replace them promptly to maintain optimal wiping performance.
- Adjust wiper speed: Adjust the wiper speed to match the intensity of the precipitation. Higher speeds are suitable for heavy rain or snow, while slower speeds are sufficient for light mist.
- Avoid using wipers on a dry windshield: Never use your rear windshield wiper on a dry windshield, as it can cause scratches or damage to the glass.
- Keep wiper reservoir filled: Maintain an adequate level of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir to ensure the wipers can effectively clean the windshield.
- Beware of tailgaters: Be cautious when using your rear windshield wiper if you notice a vehicle closely following you, as the wiper’s motion can spray water onto the following vehicle.
- Consider rear wipers in snowstorms: In heavy snowstorms, rear wipers can be less effective due to snow accumulation. Consider using a snow brush to remove snow from the rear windshield for better visibility.
Safety Considerations
Before turning on your rear windshield wiper, it’s crucial to consider safety measures to ensure your well-being and avoid any accidents:
Locating the Rear Wiper Switch
The rear wiper switch is typically located on the dashboard or steering column. It may have a dedicated button or be integrated into a lever that controls other wiper functions. Look for symbols such as a stylized rear window or a depiction of a wiper blade.
Manual Activation
To manually activate the rear wiper, simply press or toggle the rear wiper switch. This will initiate a single sweep of the wiper blade across the rear window.
Intermittent Mode
Many vehicles offer an intermittent rear wiper mode. This mode allows you to set an interval for the wiper to sweep the window. To activate this mode, look for a switch or dial that adjusts the intermittent interval.
Variable Speed Control
Some vehicles feature variable speed control for the rear wiper. This allows you to adjust the speed of the wiper blade to match the intensity of precipitation. To adjust the speed, use the dedicated control knob or switch.
Mist Mode
Mist mode is a gentle setting that uses a light spray of water to remove light dust or fog from the rear window. Look for a mist mode button or switch to activate this feature.
Delay Function
The delay function allows you to delay the automatic activation of the rear wiper after you have shifted the vehicle into reverse. This can be useful for situations where you only need the wiper to operate when backing up.
Rear Window Washer Fluid
The rear window washer fluid is dispensed through nozzles located on the rear window. Make sure to keep the washer fluid reservoir filled to maintain proper wiper operation.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Rear wiper blades should be replaced periodically to maintain optimal performance. Look for signs of wear or damage, such as streaking or skipping. Most wiper blades can be replaced using a simple hook-and-release mechanism.
Troubleshooting Rear Wiper Issues
If you encounter problems with the rear wiper, check for common issues such as a blown fuse, faulty switch, or clogged nozzles. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for professional assistance.
Conclusion: Ensuring Clarity in Inclement Weather
Activating and adjusting the rear windshield wiper is crucial for ensuring clear visibility during inclement weather. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently operate the rear wiper system to maintain optimal visibility and safety on the road.
How To Turn On Rear Windshield Wiper
The rear windshield wiper is a valuable feature on any vehicle, especially during inclement weather. It helps to keep the rear window clear of rain, snow, and other debris, improving visibility and safety. Turning on the rear windshield wiper is a simple process that can be accomplished in a few easy steps.
First, locate the wiper control lever on the steering column. It is typically located on the right-hand side of the column, near the turn signal lever. The lever will have a symbol of a windshield with a wiper blade on it.
Next, move the lever to the “rear” position. This will activate the rear windshield wiper. The wiper will begin to sweep back and forth across the rear window.
To adjust the speed of the wiper, turn the dial on the end of the lever. The dial will have several settings, from low to high. Select the desired speed.
To turn off the rear windshield wiper, simply move the lever back to the “off” position.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my rear windshield wiper is working?
The rear windshield wiper should be working if you can see it moving back and forth across the rear window. If you cannot see the wiper moving, it may be turned off or there may be a problem with the wiper motor.
How often should I use my rear windshield wiper?
You should use your rear windshield wiper whenever the rear window is obstructed by rain, snow, or other debris. This will help to improve visibility and safety.
What is the best way to clean my rear windshield wiper?
The best way to clean your rear windshield wiper is to use a mild soap and water solution. Apply the solution to a clean cloth and wipe down the wiper blade. Be sure to rinse the wiper blade thoroughly with clean water.
