On my 1982 Volvo 245 DL station wagon, I find the wiper on the back not working. What do you think it may come from? need a new motor? check on fuses?

Common situation on the older wagons is where the shaft goes through the tailgate. It gets corroded and freezes up. Then the motor burns up and sometimes a little wiring. Not a bad idea to put an inline fuse their to protect the motor. It is fused in the cluster up front, but thats along way from the motor when it is being overworked by a corroding shaft. Check to see if you have power across the fuse panel up front, then check to see if you have power before the motor, then see if the power is reaching the motor. If so remove the wiper shaft and see if the motor works. Just basically, follow the power downstream until you find it stops, then acertain why.

Statistically, the tailgate wiring is the likeliest. However, do ascertain what the problem is before ripping out the wiring. In mine it was some electronic component on the wiper motor that kept smoking the fuse. Just as well I took it to a mechanic (for lack of time) instead of working on probabilities.

George

Look at the wires that run through both hinges when the tailgate is closed. You will probably see the little buggers broken.

Of course you should always check the fuse, and be alert for corrosion between the fuse and its holder.

The most likely culprit, however, is the wires that pass through the hinges. They fatigue and break every 5 to 10 years, depending on how often you open the hatch.

The wires are special ultra-fine fiber wires to withstand the flexing. Don't try to replace them with wire from Ace Harware.

You can buy a new wiring harness (not expensive if purchased on-line) or you can solder in extensions down in the door and pull the wire up six inches, cut out the bad spot and cut the ends off the wires (with plugs), and resolder the ends of the wires (with plugs) on to the cut end of the wire bundle. I've done this twice so far. Next time, I think I'll splurge for a new harness.

Trace around the hinges with a pencil before you start so that you tighten them back exactly where they were. Use a step ladder and some scrap boards to support your rear door while the struts are off and the hinges are unbolted.

The whole job takes only an hour or two, and it is a clean, easy task. The fine wires are a little difficult to solder, so if you are not handy with a soldering gun, just buy the harness.

Could be any of that, but one thing to look at is the wiring at the tailgate hinge. A common malady. Had to rewire mine at that area. The insulation of the wires get dry and brittle and the wires break after opening and closing the gate for years.