Owners of hatchbacks and station wagons Skoda Fabia second generation cars often encounter an unpleasant problem when the rear windshield wiper stops functioning. In rainy weather, this poses a serious safety risk, as visibility through the rear window is severely impaired and the automatic steering system cannot compensate for mud.
The malfunction can be caused by many reasons: from a banal fuse blown to failure of the electric motor itself or a break in the wiring in the door corrugation. A detailed analysis of the operation of the rear window washing and cleaning system specifically for the model will help you understand this. Skoda Fabia with 5J body.
Diagnostics of electrical circuit and fuses
The first step when identifying a problem is to check the electrical fuses. In the car Skoda Fabia 2, a separate element in the mounting block is responsible for the operation of the rear wiper. If the motor does not make any sound when you try to activate the lever, the circuit is most likely open.
Find the mounting block in the cabin, usually it is located on the left side under the dashboard. You will need a fuse layout diagram, which is often pasted on the block cover or available in the service book. Find the element responsible for REAR WIPER (rear wiper) or R WIPER.
Remove the fuse and visually check the integrity of the fuse link. If the metal is burnt out, replace it with a new one of the same rating. Do not attempt to use a higher amperage fuse as this may result in a short circuit and fire in the wiring.
Checking the performance of the wiper motor
If the fuse is intact, the next suspect is the wiper motor itself. On Skoda Fabia 2, this unit tends to wear out due to moisture and dirt getting inside the housing. Sometimes the problem lies in the mechanism jamming due to frozen ice or frozen lubricant.
To check, you need to remove the plastic trim of the rear door and get to the motor housing. Disconnect the connector and apply power to the contacts directly from the battery, observing the polarity. If the motor starts to rotate, then the problem is not with the motor, but with the control circuit or switch.
If there is no response when connected directly, the motor requires replacement. However, before doing this, it is worth checking the commutator brushes and the condition of the gearbox gears. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean the mechanism and replace the lubricant to restore its functionality.
Problems with the steering column switch
Sometimes the fault lies in the windshield wiper control lever itself, located on the steering column. The contacts inside the plastic block may oxidize or break off over time. This is a common problem for high mileage vehicles.
To eliminate this cause, you need to check the signal from the switch. This requires using a multimeter and disassembling the steering column unit. If the signal is not received by the body control module (BCM), the entire switch assembly must be replaced.
Pay attention to how the front janitor works. If it functions normally, but the rear does not, the problem is localized in the rear-wheel drive circuit or in the position of the lever responsible for the rear window.
Breaking wiring in the door corrugated
One of the most insidious and common faults on the Skoda Fabia 2 is a break of wires inside the rubber corrugated connecting the body and the back door. With the constant opening and closing of the door, the copper veins break down, losing contact.
Visually, the gap may be invisible, as the isolation often remains intact. It is necessary to carefully cut the corrugated corrugated in the bending places and check the integrity of each wire. Most often, the power wires and the mass signal are affected.
If you find a fracture, clean the ends and weld them, be sure to isolate the connection with a shrink tube. A simple twist is not suitable, as the vibration of the door will quickly destroy the contact.
- Doesn't work at all
- Works intermittently
- It only works when you press the wash button.
- I don't know how to check
Role of Body Control Unit (BCM)
In modern cars, including Skoda Fabia 2, many functions are controlled by electronic modules. The Comfort Unit (BCM) is responsible for the logic of the wiper. If the unit "hangs" or receives an error, it can turn off the power supply to the rear engine.
Sometimes it helps to reset the error by turning off the battery terminal for 10-15 minutes. This will reboot the electronics and can restore the system to work. If the problem comes back, computer diagnostics will be needed to read the error codes.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to flash the block or completely replace it. This is a complex procedure that is better to entrust to the specialists of a dealership or specialized service.
โ๏ธ Checklist for back janitor check
Mechanical malfunctions and traction
Even if the electric motor is in good working order, the wiper may not move due to mechanical trapezoid jamming. The tractions connecting the motor and the wiper lever can corrode or deform. It is also possible to shift the axis of rotation.
Check the condition of the plastic bushings at the ends of the tractors. If they are worn out, the backlash will be too large and the mechanism will not be able to transfer the force. Replace worn parts with new original or quality counterparts.
Make sure that the janitor lever is tightly attached to the motor shaft. A weakened nut can lead to scrolling the shaft without movement of the lever itself, which is often mistaken for engine failure.
What to do if the janitor works with jerks?
If the wiper moves in jerks, most likely the problem is worn-out brushes of the engine or insufficient voltage. Check the contacts on the motor connector and make sure that the voltage does not fall below 12V when operating. Also check if the lubricant freezes in the gearbox in winter.
Algorithm of replacing the wiper motor
If the diagnosis showed that the engine is defective, it must be replaced. The process begins with the removal of the plastic lining of the back door. Unscrew the nut that holds the janitor's lever, and remove the lever itself.
Next, unscrew the motor mount bolts and disconnect the wiring connector. Install a new motor, observing the tightness of the gasket so that water does not get inside the cabin. Put everything back together.
After installation, be sure to check the operation of the wiper in different modes: single stroke, continuous operation and washing mode. Make sure that the path of the brush does not extend beyond the glass.
Before removing the lever of the wiper, be sure to mark its position with a marker or take a photo to correctly install the new lever in the factory position.
Specifics of winter operation and prevention
In winter, the backyard cleaner Skoda Fabia 2 is subjected to maximum loads. The ice crust on the glass creates a huge resistance that can burn the motor or break the gearbox plastic.
Never turn on the wiper if the glass is frozen or covered with a thick layer of ice. First, warm up the cabin and thaw the glass using an oven or special antifreeze.
Clean the machine from snow and dirt regularly. Lubricate the moving parts with silicone lubrication to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. This will prolong the life of the mechanism and save you from unnecessary repairs.
Regularly checking the integrity of the wires in the corrugated door is the most effective way to avoid sudden breakage of the rear wiper on the Skoda Fabia 2.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to turn on the back wiper if the brush is stuck to the glass or covered with ice. This can instantly burn the windings of the electric motor or break the gears of the gearbox.
โ ๏ธ Note: When replacing the motor, be sure to use the original lubricant for the gearbox. Cheap analogues can quickly dry or thicken in the cold, which will lead to repeated breakage.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you find a wire break in the corrugated, donโt just twist it with tape. Use soldering and heat shrinkage, as the vibration of the door will quickly destroy the weak twist.
| Component | Probable cause of the breakdown | Symptoms | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| fuse | Burnout due to power surge | Total lack of motor response | Low |
| Electric motor | Wearing of brushes, sticking of the gearbox | No sound, no movement, the smell of burning. | Average |
| Wiring (corrugated) | The fracture lived because of the vibration | The janitor is working intermittently or not working. | Average |
| Trapezoid | Corrosion, wear and tear of bushings | The wiper moves in jerks or gets stuck | High |
| BCM block | Software failure | Misdiagnosis, lack of nutrition | High |
Repair of the back janitor on Skoda Fabia 2 is a task that most car owners can handle on their own. The main thing is to consistently check the wiring and mechanics, not losing sight of simple reasons, such as a fuse burned out or a break in the wire in the door.
Remember that a good windshield wiper is critical for driving safety in bad weather. Donโt delay repairs for long to avoid more serious problems with your vehicleโs electronics in the future.
If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have the necessary tool, it is better to contact the professionals. Incorrect assembly can lead to water leakage into the cabin or damage to the door lining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the rear wiper on Fabia 2 only work when you press the washer button?
This indicates a faulty switch on the steering column or a break in the wire responsible for continuous rotation. The motor receives power only at the time of signaling to the washer.
How to check if the motor of the janitor is working without removing it?
You can supply power directly to the contacts of the motor connector using battery wires. If the motor is rotating, the problem is in the wiring or switch. If not, the engine must be replaced.
Where is the safety lock on the Skoda Fabia 2?
Usually this is a fuse with number 30 or 32 (depending on the year of release and configuration), located in the mounting unit to the left of the steering wheel. See the exact number in the diagram on the block cover.
Can I drive without a back janitor in winter?
It's not recommended. In winter conditions, the rear window is quickly covered with dirt and snow, which makes the view through it almost zero, creating an emergency situation.
What should I do if, after replacing the motor, the wiper still does not work?
Check the integrity of the wiring in the corrugated door and make sure the new motor is in good working order. It is also worth checking the presence of mass on the motor body and the correctness of connecting the connector.