Rear Wiper fuse blowing

[Linkfinger]

I recently had fuse number 43 blow which i thought was strange. I replaced the fuse and all was well for a day. Now, if I replace the fuse, it will blow every time I turn the ignition key. I removed the wiper relay and tested it in the forward wiper slot and it works fine. I tried the fwd relay in the rear slot, and the same thing happens (fuse blows). i am sure the relays are fine since they both work in the fwd wiper slot. I checked the wiring to motor and it appears to fine. I also disconnected the wiper motor cable, and the fuse still blows, so I it's not the motor. I am wondering if the ignition switch might have a problem, or do I possibly have a short (not looking forward to chasing that down). I fear taking it in since last time i did that for a wiring problem, the dealership just put in higher amperage fuse (numpties). I ended out finding the problem myself, but this one looks a little trickier. I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem. Currently its raining alot and without the rear wiper it's a little frustrating.

Thanks

[Sponsor]

[penguin]

Check the wiring harness where it goes from the body to the rear liftgate -- most likely it is shorting out due to a wire/insulation breakdown from the flexing of opening and closing the hatch.

[Linkfinger]

Oh yah...where's my brain. After looking at the schematic, that makes perfect sense. i will check that out right way. Thanks!

[Linkfinger]

I peeled back the rubber grommet for the wire harness (at the hatch) and found around 6 wires with insulation that had been cracked and exposed by about 1/4". Two wires were touching, but I am dumbfounded that more haven't shorted. I have a bit of work to do, but if anyone else is reading this, take a quick look at your car. If the wires aren't damaged yet, they will be in the future. This design is not acceptable and it looks like this should be checked periodically.

[penguin]

> This design is not acceptable and it looks like this should be checked periodically.

Actually, the design might be OK if they used better quality wires... there's no excuse for the wire insulation to crack under such use other than inferior/cheap wiring.