2017 Ford Escape Rear Wiper Not Working
If the rear wiper on a 2017 Escape stops moving, moves slowly or behaves differently from what you expect, first separate a blade problem from a wiper-system problem. A worn blade causes poor wiping; it does not usually explain a motor that never moves.
Start with the symptom
| Symptom | What becomes more relevant | Related guide |
|---|---|---|
| Rear wiper never moves | F42 circuit, switch/control, wiring, connector or motor | Fuse box |
| Wiper moves slowly or stops partway | Ice/debris, mechanical resistance, motor or linkage/arm issue | This page |
| Wiper moves but leaves streaks | Blade condition and glass cleanliness | Wiper blade sizes |
| Rear washer works but wiper does not | The washer supply is working, so focus on the wiper side | This page |
| Wiper works but rear washer does not | Shared reservoir, washer pump/supply, hose or nozzle issue | Fuse box |
Where is the rear wiper fuse?
Ford's 2017 Escape fuse chart lists F42, 15A for the rear wiper in the engine-compartment power-distribution box. The full chart is available through Ford and is also linked from our 2017 Ford Escape fuse-box guide.
A fuse is only one part of the circuit. If F42 is good, the problem can still be related to control, wiring, a connector, the rear wiper motor or a mechanical problem at the arm. If a replacement fuse opens again, do not keep installing fuses; the underlying electrical fault needs to be found.
Why the rear wiper may turn on in Reverse
This can look like an electrical glitch if you do not know the Escape is designed to do it. Ford says that when you shift into Reverse (R) with the front wipers on, the rear wiper may automatically turn on to intermittent wipe.
So if the rear wiper operates only when reversing in wet weather, that can be normal vehicle behavior rather than a stuck switch.
Rear wiper works poorly but still moves
If the arm sweeps normally but leaves water behind, start with the blade rather than the motor. The common replacement size used by fitment catalogs for the rear of a 2017 Escape is 11 inches, but I still confirm the exact part number and connector with the blade manufacturer's vehicle lookup.
See the 2017 Escape wiper blade size guide for front and rear sizes, blade-fitment notes and winter considerations.
Slow movement or a wiper that stops partway
Before assuming the motor has failed, check for obvious external resistance such as heavy snow, ice or a blade frozen to the glass. Ford specifically tells owners to switch the rear wiper and ignition off before using an automatic car wash, another reminder that the rear arm and mechanism can be damaged if they are forced.
If the glass is clear and the wiper repeatedly moves slowly, stops in the wrong position or only works intermittently, that points beyond normal blade wear and deserves proper inspection of the motor, arm/mechanism and electrical supply.
Rear washer not working
Ford says the front and rear washer systems use the same washer-fluid reservoir. That gives you a useful comparison:
- If both front and rear washers stop working, fluid level and the common supply become more relevant.
- If the front washer works but the rear does not, the rear hose/nozzle path becomes more interesting.
- If washer fluid sprays but the rear wiper never moves, focus on the wiper side rather than the washer reservoir.
What about the rear wiper motor?
A failed motor is possible, but I would not replace it based only on the symptom "rear wiper stopped." Power supply, control, wiring, connectors and mechanical binding can produce similar results. A proper diagnosis confirms the motor is actually being commanded and supplied correctly before parts are replaced.
What I would check first
- Make sure the blade is not frozen to the glass or blocked by debris.
- Try the rear wiper with the liftgate fully closed.
- Note whether the rear washer works.
- Check whether the wiper behaves differently when Reverse is selected with the front wipers on.
- Use Ford's chart to identify F42 rather than pulling unrelated fuses.
- If the fuse is good and the motor still does not behave normally, move to proper electrical/mechanical diagnosis.