Hi all, we have a 2004 Ford freestar (3.9L, v6, base model) that we bought used. From the very beginning the rear wiper for the back hatch door windshield never worked. Just recently we learned the 3rd brake light on the back hatch door isn't working either. I figured just a bulb was out but upon doing some checking, I learned that 3rd brake light is actually an LED strip ($$$). Further research on the web showed a person talking about how the 3rd brake light and the back door windshield wiper are one unit. Does anyone know if this is true? Has anyone had this problem before? Is it possible that both the 3rd brake light and the back windshield wiper not working are because of a common fuse or relay? What fuses / relays should I check for both the the wiper and the 3rd brake light. How do we gain access to the back brake light and the rear wiper? As always, any and all advice and assistance is appreciated!

 

Your owners manual should have the fuse and location info in it.
Since there appears to be more than one problem, stoplamp /wiper I would think one fuse would not cover both features. Instead, there may be a broken wire or two in the flexing wires that lead to the components on the hatch itself. Common problem.

 

The rear hatches tend to get water inside due to design and age. Possible it's just a matter of poor grounding inside. where one lives (snow belt) can make it worse. Once you get the hatch cover off, you should be able to see if it's corrosion causing your issue.