It works in wipe mode, but when I turn it off, the fuse goes. Perhaps it is the bit that parks the arm - the wiper stops just before the park position. I would appreciate suggestions: what bits to check and where are they ?

George Antony

Don's post has you pointed in the right direction. On my '89 the wiper harness feeds through the passenger side hinge, so youmight want to try that side first. Usually you can see the broken wiring when the hatch is fully open.

Here's a WAG:

A tailgate harness — one or both, located in the hinges — freyed and broken. A wire or two are touching ground. Very common problem in the 245's.

You can install a new harness.

You can "sneak" the broken wire through the hinge and splice it (you'll find enough slack for at least one splice).

You can rewire using instrument test lead wire, available at a radio/electronics supply store such as Radio Shack. Ordinary wire will not last.