* Wiper Motor: The motor itself could be faulty. It might be seized, burned out, or have internal electrical issues. This is a common point of failure.
* Wiper Switch: The switch on the steering column could be defective. It might be internally broken, or the connection to the switch might be loose or corroded.
* Wiring and Connections: Look for broken, corroded, or loose wires anywhere in the wiper system's wiring harness. Pay close attention to connections at the motor, switch, and any relays involved. These are particularly vulnerable to corrosion, especially in a vehicle that sees a lot of rain or off-road use.
* Wiper Relay (if applicable): Some models use a relay to control the wiper motor. A faulty relay would prevent the motor from receiving power. You'll need to locate the relay (often in a fuse box or under the hood) and test it or replace it as a suspect.
* Ground Connection: A poor ground connection can prevent the circuit from completing, leaving the wipers inoperable. Check the ground wire connection to the wiper motor and ensure it's clean and tight.
* Park Mechanism: If the wipers are stuck in the park position, there might be a problem with the park mechanism within the wiper motor or its linkage.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Visual Inspection: Start with a thorough visual inspection of all the wiring, connections, and the motor itself for any obvious damage.
2. Multi-meter Test: Use a multimeter to test the power supply at the wiper motor connector. If there's no power there, you need to trace the circuit back towards the switch and relay to find the break. You can also test the continuity of the wires themselves.
3. Check the Switch: You might be able to test the switch by using a test light or multimeter to see if it's sending a signal when activated. This often requires some disassembly.
4. Relay Test (if equipped): Test the relay by swapping it with a known good relay of the same type (if possible). Or, you can test it with a multimeter to see if it's switching correctly.
5. Test the Motor Directly (Advanced): If you suspect the motor, you can try bypassing the switch and relay (with the power OFF, of course) and applying power directly to the motor terminals to see if it runs. *Caution:* This should only be attempted by someone with experience in automotive electrical systems, as you risk damaging other components.
If you're not comfortable working with automotive electrical systems, it's best to take your Jeep to a qualified mechanic. They'll have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem efficiently.
