My rear window wiper has two problems: First, the wiper does not always move but I can hear something when it is turned on, and Second, when it does work it will not wipe the area its supposed to clear. The middle part is not touched. How do I troubleshoot?

 

Explorers had rear wiper motor problems. Try turning the rear wiper on, then go to the back and try to move the wiper arm manually, if it starts working then you have a bad wiper motor. 90% of the time the problem is in the rear wiper motor.

And there is an updated wiper arm to cure the missing middle of the glass issue. Or you can bend the arm to create more tension against the glass.

 

I have a similar problem with my rear wiper. Initially, when I put the wiper on it would sound like its coming on but wouldn't move. I went and looked and found that the wiper was getting stuck in the gap between the glass and the door. If I put the wiper on the glass, it will eventually make its way back below the glass, during driving. Any ideas to keep it from getting caught in that gap?? Even though last time I tried the wiper, it no longer sounded like it was even coming on anymore.