To turn off the rear windshield wiper on a Ford Focus, locate the wiper control stalk on the steering column and move it to the off position. A rear windshield wiper can be a useful feature for improving visibility during rainy or snowy conditions.
However, there may be instances when you need to turn it off, such as when driving on dry roads or in situations where the wiper is obstructing your view. In the Ford Focus, turning off the rear windshield wiper is a simple task that can be done with a few quick maneuvers.
By knowing the location of the wiper control stalk on the steering column and how to manipulate it, you can easily and quickly turn off the rear windshield wiper, ensuring a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead.
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Step 1: Gather The Necessary Tools
Wrench
Screwdriver
Pliers
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you can turn off the rear windshield wiper in your Ford Focus, you need to ensure that you have the right tools for the job. Don’t worry; you won’t need an entire toolbox for this task. Just a few basic tools will do the trick.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrench | A wrench will be handy for loosening any bolts or nuts that hold the wiper arm in place. |
| Screwdriver | A screwdriver will be needed for removing any screws that secure the wiper arm to the car. |
| Pliers | Pliers can be useful in gripping and maneuvering any small components or connectors during the process. |
Now that you know what tools you will need, let’s move on to the next step of turning off the rear windshield wiper in your Ford Focus.
Step 2: Locate The Rear Windshield Wiper Assembly
Once you are ready to turn off the rear windshield wiper on your Ford Focus, the first thing you need to do is locate the rear windshield wiper assembly. This assembly consists of the rear windshield wiper motor, the wiper arm, and the wiper blade. By finding this assembly, you will be able to easily access the necessary components to turn off the wiper.
Find the rear windshield wiper motor
The rear windshield wiper motor is the power source that controls the movement of the wiper arm and blade. To find the motor, follow these steps:
- Open the rear trunk of your Ford Focus.
- Look for a removable panel on the inside of the trunk near the rear windshield.
- Remove the panel by either unscrewing it or releasing the clips that hold it in place.
- Once the panel is removed, you should be able to see the rear windshield wiper motor.
Note: The exact location of the motor may vary slightly depending on the model year of your Ford Focus. However, it is typically located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Identify the wiper arm and blade
The wiper arm and blade are the visible components that make direct contact with the rear windshield. To identify these components, follow these steps:
- Stand outside the rear of your Ford Focus.
- Look for a long, slender arm extending from the rear windshield towards the center of the vehicle.
- The wiper blade is attached to the end of this arm and is responsible for clearing the windshield.
Note: The wiper arm and blade will be connected to the rear windshield wiper motor via a small linkage assembly. Avoid applying any excessive force or pressure to this linkage, as it may cause damage to the assembly.
Once you have successfully located the rear windshield wiper motor, wiper arm, and blade, you are ready to proceed to the next steps on how to turn off the rear windshield wiper on your Ford Focus.
Step 3: Remove The Wiper Arm
The next step in turning off the rear windshield wiper of your Ford Focus is to remove the wiper arm. This is an essential step in the process, as it allows you to access the motor and other components of the wiper system.
Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
To begin, start by gently lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield. Make sure to do this with care to avoid any damage to the glass or the arm itself. Lifting the arm will provide you with better access to the nut that holds it in place.
Use a wrench to remove the nut holding the wiper arm in place
Once the wiper arm is lifted, you will notice a nut at the base of the arm where it meets the motor shaft. To remove the wiper arm, you will need to use a wrench to loosen and remove this nut. Ensure that you have the correct size wrench to fit the nut securely.
Pro tip: Applying some WD-40 or a similar lubricant to the nut and threads can make it easier to loosen and remove.
Gently wiggle the arm to loosen it
After removing the nut, the wiper arm may still be attached firmly to the motor shaft. To loosen it, gently wiggle the arm back and forth while applying a small amount of pressure. This will help break any resistance or build-up that might be holding the arm in place.
Slide the arm off the motor shaft
Once the arm is loosened, you can slide it off the motor shaft. Be sure to guide the arm off slowly and steadily, ensuring that it does not snag on any other components. Taking your time during this step will help prevent any accidental damage.
Now that you have successfully removed the wiper arm, you can proceed with any desired maintenance or replacement. Remember to follow these steps in reverse order when reinstalling the wiper arm.
Step 4: Remove The Wiper Blade
Lift the wiper blade away from the arm
First, you need to lift the wiper blade away from the arm. This can be done by carefully pulling up on the wiper arm to create some space between the blade and the windshield. Make sure to do this gently to avoid damaging the wiper arm or the windshield itself.
Depress the tab on the blade attachment
Next, you’ll notice a small tab on the blade attachment. This tab is what holds the wiper blade in place on the arm. To remove the blade, you’ll need to depress this tab. Using your thumb or a small flathead screwdriver, press down on the tab to release the blade from the attachment.
Slide the blade off the arm
Once the tab is depressed, you can easily slide the wiper blade off the arm. Be sure to slide it straight off to avoid any unnecessary twisting or bending. If the blade is stuck or doesn’t slide off easily, check that you have fully depressed the tab and try again.
And that’s it! You have successfully removed the rear windshield wiper blade from your Ford Focus. Now you can clean or replace the blade as needed and follow the above steps in reverse to reattach it when you’re done.
Step 5: Disconnect The Wiper Motor Wiring
After locating the wiper motor, the next step in turning off the rear windshield wiper in your Ford Focus is to disconnect the wiper motor wiring. This process is relatively simple and requires a few tools.
Locate the wiring harness connected to the wiper motor
To disconnect the wiper motor wiring, you first need to locate the wiring harness that is connected to the motor. The wiring harness is a bundle of wires that provides power and controls the movement of the wiper blade. It is typically attached to the wiper motor with a plug.
Use pliers to squeeze the tab and unplug the harness
Once you have located the wiring harness, you can use a pair of pliers to squeeze the tab on the plug and unplug the harness from the wiper motor. This tab is designed to hold the plug securely in place, so make sure to apply enough pressure to release it.
Note: When using pliers, be careful not to damage the wiring harness or the plug. Apply gentle pressure and avoid pulling on the wires directly.
Once you have squeezed the tab and unplugged the harness, you have successfully disconnected the wiper motor wiring. This will effectively prevent the rear windshield wiper from functioning.
Tip: It’s always a good idea to refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions on disconnecting the wiper motor wiring as the process may vary slightly depending on the model of Ford Focus you own.
Step 6: Remove The Wiper Motor
At this point, you have successfully detached the rear windshield wiper arm and disconnected the electrical connector. Now, it’s time to remove the wiper motor itself. This step is crucial as it allows you to gain access to the faulty motor or replace it if necessary. Follow the simple instructions below to effortlessly remove the wiper motor from its bracket.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the motor to its bracket
To begin, you’ll need a screwdriver that matches the type of screws used to secure the wiper motor to its bracket. Typically, you’ll find a couple of screws holding the motor in place. Carefully fit the screwdriver into the screw head and turn it counterclockwise to loosen and remove the screws. Be sure to keep the screws in a safe place since they will be reused when reassembling the wiper motor.
Gently pull the motor away from the bracket
Once the screws are removed, you can gently pull the wiper motor away from the bracket. Ensure that you pull it evenly and steadily to avoid any damage or unnecessary strain on the motor or its components. Take your time to ensure a smooth separation between the motor and the bracket.
Now that you have successfully removed the wiper motor from the bracket, you can proceed with any necessary repairs or replacements. Remember to exercise caution throughout the process to prevent any accidents or damage. With the wiper motor removed, you’re one step closer to resolving any rear windshield wiper issues on your Ford Focus.
Step 7: Cover The Hole
Now that you have successfully removed the rear windshield wiper motor from your Ford Focus, it’s time to cover the hole left behind. This step is crucial to prevent any water or debris from entering and possibly causing damage to the internal components of your vehicle.
There are two common methods you can use to cover the hole:
Method 1: Rubber Plug
A rubber plug is a simple and effective solution to seal the hole left by the wiper motor. Here’s how you can do it:
- Clean the area around the hole to ensure a proper seal.
- Measure the diameter of the hole to determine the size of the rubber plug you’ll need.
- Select a rubber plug that matches the diameter of the hole.
- Insert the rubber plug into the hole and ensure it fits snugly.
- Apply gentle pressure to secure the plug in place.
Using a rubber plug provides a watertight seal and prevents any unwanted materials from entering your vehicle.
Method 2: Tape
Tape is another option to cover the hole left by the wiper motor. Here’s how you can do it:
- Clean the area around the hole to ensure a proper seal.
- Select a high-quality, waterproof tape that is suitable for automotive use.
- Cut a piece of tape that is slightly larger than the hole.
- Place the tape over the hole, ensuring it completely covers the opening.
- Press down firmly to secure the tape in place.
Using tape provides a temporary solution to cover the hole until you can find a more permanent solution.
Remember, it is important to cover the hole left by the rear windshield wiper motor to protect your vehicle from potential damage. Whether you choose a rubber plug or tape, make sure it provides a secure and watertight seal.
Step 8: Reinstall The Rear Windshield Wiper Assembly (Optional)
Now that you have successfully turned off the rear windshield wiper on your Ford Focus, you may want to reinstall the wiper assembly at some point. Whether you are replacing a faulty component or simply want to restore the functionality of your rear wiper, follow these steps in reverse order to ensure a proper reinstallation.
Reinstallation Steps:
- Step 1: Reinstall the Wiper Motor
- Step 2: Reinstall the Wiper Blade
- Step 3: Reinstall the Wiper Arm
- Step 4: Reinstall the Wiring Harness
Begin by carefully aligning the wiper motor with the mounting bracket. Once aligned, tighten the screws or bolts to secure it in place. Take your time to ensure a snug fit, as a loose motor may lead to reduced effectiveness or even complete malfunction.
Attach the wiper blade onto the wiper arm, making sure it aligns properly with the wiper motor. You may need to use a bit of force to snap the blade into place, but be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damage. Once attached, give the blade a gentle tug to ensure it is securely fastened.
Now it’s time to reattach the wiper arm to the wiper shaft. Carefully slide the arm over the shaft, ensuring that it is positioned correctly. Once in place, tighten the nut or bolt that secures the arm to the shaft. Again, be cautious of using excessive force.
Lastly, reconnect the wiring harness to the wiper motor. Align the connectors and push them together until you hear a click, indicating that they are securely connected. Give the wiring harness a gentle tug to confirm that it is attached properly.
Testing the Wipers
Once you have reinstalled the rear windshield wiper assembly, it’s essential to test the wipers to ensure they are functioning correctly. Activate the wiper switch and observe the movement of the wiper blade. Check for any unusual noises or erratic movements, as these could indicate a problem. If everything appears to be in order, you can rest assured that your rear windshield wiper assembly is successfully reinstalled and ready to keep your rear windshield clear during those rainy days.
Frequently Asked Questions For How To Turn Off Rear Windshield Wiper Ford Focus
How Do You Turn Off The Back Wipers On A Ford Focus?
To turn off the back wipers on a Ford Focus, locate the wiper control stalk on the steering column. Push the stalk upward once to turn off the rear wipers.
How Do You Turn Off The Back Windshield Wipers On A Ford?
To turn off the back windshield wipers on a Ford, locate the wiper switch on the stalk near the steering wheel. Move the switch to the off position to deactivate the wipers.
How Do You Turn Off The Back Windshield Wipers?
To turn off the back windshield wipers, locate the wiper control button on your dashboard. Press the button once or twice to turn off the back windshield wipers.
How Do You Turn Off The Rear Wiper On A Ford Cmax?
To turn off the rear wiper on a Ford Cmax, locate the wiper control stalk on the steering column. Look for the buttons or controls near the end of the stalk. Press the button or switch that corresponds to the rear wiper to turn it off.
Conclusion
Turning off the rear windshield wiper in a Ford Focus is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. By familiarizing yourself with the location of the wiper control button and following the instructions, you can quickly disable the rear wiper when it’s not needed.
Whether you’re driving in rainy weather or simply want to clean the rear window, this knowledge will come in handy. Keeping your car’s windshield free from obstructions ensures a safer driving experience for you and others on the road.
