I checked the fuse, that seemed to be fine, but replaced it anyway, still nothing. What's the most likely scenario, broken motor? What's the best way to approach fault finding with this?

 

most likely bad wiper motor, thats usually what it is.

 

Okay, well, I haven't looked into this yet but get this, I start the car in the parking lot outside the local store the other day, it was raining so I noticed, as I started the car up, the rear wiper did one swipe, then nothing. Switch won't make it come on, does that sound like a faulty switch or could there still be a fault with the electronics in the motor?

 

I wish all repairs were this easy. I just did nothing for a few months, now it's working again??

 

Hi Sjonnie,

I'm battling a problem with my rear wiper (V70 '04) and have found many postings about the wiring being faulty (runs through the left hinge).

My wiring was excellent, so I continued to search and have so far found that the gears and arm of the wiper have too much friction.

I have yet to find a solution, but if your wiper fails again, try to listen if you hear a slight clicking noise coming from inside the wiper-assembly. Sounds very much like a relay switching.
If you do hear this: it's a current limiting sensor build in by Volvo to prevent the motor (and/or fuse) from burning. It heats up due to too much current being passed and it switches off. When it cools down, it will give it another try, but will switch off again, etc.

I will continue to post any progress I make onto all Volvo forums (3 so far) I find, as there have been many people who have this problem, but the solution is not often included...

 

My issue was likely the bearings on the motor-axle.

Here's a full write-up of the solution.