The rear wiper and heated rear window on my Peugeot 206sw has stopped working. It appears that the feed is via the rear window element. I guess I have to buy a new window?

Steve R, January 2010

some major manufacturers rely on tailgate hinges for electrical items fastened on tailgate to earth them, over time the hinges rust/wear etc and cause problems like you mention. you could try running a new earth [by-passing hinges] and see if it sorts your problems.after you make sure fuses are ok!

k, January 2010

On many estate cars the continued flexing of the wires to the tailgate as it opens and closes can result in the wires eventually breaking. As others have suggested, it would be worth checking the continuity of those wires. If there is a break, or breaks; splice in a length (or lengths) of new wire to get the power flowing to the rear screen heater and rear wiper again.

ChicksFan, January 2010

i dnt think you will need a new window if the wiper isnt working either. either the power is going to it are the circuit broke after it.. ( no earth )

id check and replace the fuse then check to see if powers going to it. use a test light. if it is then check on down the circuit to see were it ends. if its not then check be4 it

hope this helps

conor, January 2010

the rear screen heater element will work through a relay due to the amount of current this will be drawing.
test the supply fuses
test the power supply to the rear heater switch
test from the switch output to the relay
test for power leaving the relay output
test for power arriving at the rear heater terminals
lastly remove the rear heater supply connections now test across the heater element for continuity

wirecutterman, January 2010