Imagine being on a long road trip, the rain pounding against your windshield obscuring your vision. You flick on your windshield wipers and the soothing rhythm of their blades brings a sense of relief. However, when the rain subsides and the sun peeks through the clouds, you realize that your back windshield wiper is still swishing away, seemingly oblivious to the fact that its services are no longer required. Left unchecked, this incessant wiper can become a nuisance, wearing out prematurely and potentially causing damage to the wiper motor. Fortunately, turning off the back windshield wiper is a simple task that can be accomplished in a matter of seconds.
To begin, locate the windshield wiper control stalk on the steering column. This stalk typically has several positions, including one for turning on the front wipers, another for setting the wiper speed, and a third for activating the back wiper. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the back wiper control may be a separate switch located on the dashboard or center console. Once you have identified the correct control, simply move it to the “off” position. The back wiper should immediately cease its operation, leaving your rear window clear and unobstructed.
In some cases, you may encounter a back windshield wiper that stubbornly refuses to turn off. This can be a frustrating issue, especially if you are in a hurry or trying to conserve battery power. If this happens, there are a few additional steps you can take. First, try turning the ignition key to the “accessory” position. This will power up the electrical system without starting the engine. With the key in the accessory position, move the windshield wiper control stalk to the “off” position and wait a few seconds. If the back wiper still does not turn off, try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. This will reset the electrical system and may resolve the issue. Once the battery is reconnected, the back windshield wiper should be functioning properly and respond to the wiper control stalk as intended.
Locate the Wiper Stalk
Identifying the wiper stalk is the initial step in deactivating the rear windshield wiper. It is typically situated on the right-hand side of the steering column, near the turn signal lever. The wiper stalk usually consists of a lever that can be moved up and down, as well as a rotating knob or switch.
Identifying the Wiper Stalk
The wiper stalk can be distinguished from other controls by its unique shape and function. It is typically a thin, cylindrical lever with a knob or switch at its end. The lever is used to control the speed and operation of the windshield wipers, while the knob or switch is used to select the specific wiper mode (e.g., intermittent, continuous, or off).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lever | Controls the speed and operation of the windshield wipers. |
| Knob or Switch | Selects the specific wiper mode (e.g., intermittent, continuous, or off). |
The wiper stalk is typically located within easy reach of the driver, allowing for quick and convenient adjustment of the windshield wipers. By understanding the location and function of the wiper stalk, you can effectively deactivate the rear windshield wiper when necessary.
Automatic Wiper Sensor Adjustments
Automatic wiper sensors are a convenient feature that can help you keep your windshield clear in various weather conditions. These sensors work by detecting moisture on the windshield and automatically adjusting the wiper speed accordingly. When the sensor detects moisture, it sends a signal to the wiper motor, increasing the wiper speed. As the moisture decreases, the wiper speed will gradually decrease until it turns off completely.
There are several ways to adjust the sensitivity of the automatic wiper sensor. Some vehicles have a dial or switch that allows you to choose between different sensitivity levels. Others have a button that you can press to temporarily override the sensor and manually adjust the wiper speed. Additionally, some vehicles have a rain-sensing windshield that can automatically adjust the wiper speed based on the amount of rain falling.
Here are some tips for adjusting the automatic wiper sensor settings:
1. Find the wiper sensor on your vehicle. It is usually located near the top of the windshield, behind the rearview mirror.
2. Adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to your desired level. If you find that the wipers are coming on too often or not fast enough, you can adjust the sensitivity accordingly.
3. Test the sensor in different weather conditions to make sure it is working properly.
Troubleshooting Automatic Wiper Sensor Issues
If you are having problems with your automatic wiper sensor, there are a few things you can check:
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Wipers are not coming on when it is raining | – The sensor is not clean – The sensor is not properly aligned – The sensor is faulty |
| Wipers are coming on too often | – The sensor is too sensitive – The windshield is dirty – The sensor is faulty |
| Wipers are not stopping when it is not raining | – The sensor is not clean – The sensor is not properly aligned – The sensor is faulty |
Disabling Rear Wiper Only
To disable the rear wiper only, follow these steps:
- Locate the wiper stalk: This is usually located on the left side of the steering column.
- Move the stalk down to the first position: This will turn off the rear wiper while leaving the front wipers active.
- If necessary, move the stalk down to the second position: This will disable all wipers.
The following table summarizes the different positions of the wiper stalk:
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Up | Front wipers on |
| First Down | Rear wiper on, front wipers off |
| Second Down | All wipers off |
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to turn off the back windshield wiper, it is essential to take the following safety precautions:
1. Park the Vehicle in a Safe Location
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat, stable surface with the parking brake engaged.
2. Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal
Locate the negative battery terminal and disconnect it using a wrench or socket set. This will prevent any electrical shocks.
3. Gather Necessary Tools
You will need a socket wrench or ratchet, a screwdriver, and possibly some electrical tape.
4. Wear Gloves and Safety Glasses
Protect your hands and eyes from potential debris or electrical hazards.
5. Locate the Wiper Motor
Find the wiper motor, which is usually located under the rear windshield.
6. Unplug the Electrical Connector
Disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor.
7. Remove the Wiper Arm
Use a socket wrench or ratchet to remove the nut that secures the wiper arm to the motor shaft.
8. Turn Off the Wiper Mechanism
Depending on the vehicle model, there may be several ways to turn off the wiper mechanism:
a. Manual Switch
Locate the manual switch that controls the rear windshield wiper and turn it off.
b. Relay
Find the relay that controls the wiper motor and remove it. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the location of the relay.
c. Fuse
Locate the fuse that powers the wiper motor and remove it. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the fuse panel location.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are several other factors to consider when turning off the back windshield wiper:
1. Vehicle Model: The location and operation of the back windshield wiper control may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
2. Safety Precautions: It is generally not recommended to turn off the back windshield wiper while driving in inclement weather, as it can impair your visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
3. Automatic Shut-Off: Some vehicles have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the back windshield wiper after a certain period of time or when the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
4. Troubleshooting: If you are having difficulty turning off the back windshield wiper, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
5. Intermittent Wiping: Some vehicles offer an intermittent wiping feature that allows the back windshield wiper to operate at variable speeds, which can be useful in light rain or drizzle.
6. Wiper Fluid: It is important to ensure that the back windshield wiper reservoir is filled with wiper fluid, as this is essential for effective wiping.
7. Wiper Blades: Worn or damaged wiper blades can reduce the effectiveness of the back windshield wiper, so it is important to regularly inspect and replace them as needed.
8. Rear-Defogger: Many vehicles have a rear-defogger that can help clear condensation from the back windshield, which can improve visibility and reduce the need for the back windshield wiper.
9. Vehicle Settings: Some vehicles allow you to customize the settings for the back windshield wiper, such as the speed and frequency.
10. Weather Conditions: The visibility and weather conditions should be carefully considered before turning off the back windshield wiper. In heavy rain, snow, or fog, it is advisable to keep the wiper operating for maximum safety.
How To Turn Off Back Windshield Wiper
To turn off the back windshield wiper, locate the wiper stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. The wiper stalk is usually a black or gray lever with a symbol of a windshield wiper on it. Move the wiper stalk down one notch to turn off the back windshield wiper.
If you are unable to turn off the back windshield wiper using the wiper stalk, there may be a problem with the wiper motor or the wiring. In this case, you will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it repaired.
People Also Ask About How To Turn Off Back Windshield Wiper
How do I turn off the back windshield wiper on my Ford F-150?
To turn off the back windshield wiper on a Ford F-150, locate the wiper stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. The wiper stalk is usually a black or gray lever with a symbol of a windshield wiper on it. Move the wiper stalk down one notch to turn off the back windshield wiper.
How do I turn off the back windshield wiper on my Toyota Camry?
To turn off the back windshield wiper on a Toyota Camry, locate the wiper stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. The wiper stalk is usually a black or gray lever with a symbol of a windshield wiper on it. Move the wiper stalk down one notch to turn off the back windshield wiper.
How do I turn off the back windshield wiper on my Honda Civic?
To turn off the back windshield wiper on a Honda Civic, locate the wiper stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. The wiper stalk is usually a black or gray lever with a symbol of a windshield wiper on it. Move the wiper stalk down one notch to turn off the back windshield wiper.
