Strange Electrical Problems!

[Suzuki4me]

Shortly after I bought my used 1997 Suzuki Esteem GL Wagon, I noticed the middle rear brake light didn't work all the time and the rear window defrost didn't work. That was last year.

Then the middle rear brake light stopped working altogether.

Then the rear window wiper stopped working or only worked when the car was in reverse (strange but true!) a few months ago.

Now the front window wipers don't work and of course, we need those to work or we can't drive in the rain.

My husband checked the fuses and they seem OK. I don't want to pay big bucks for a mechanic to find the problem.

Any suggestions?

[Tim the Toolman]

Check the wiring harness between the hatch and the body. You can pull the harness out of the hatch a little bit where the rubber accordian cover is (on the right hand side), check the wires inside, you will probably find a number have broken from the hatch opening and closing over the years.. You can pull the harness out enough to repair it, but it should have a new length of wire spliced in between the hatch and the body, or it will just break again where you solder it..

PS Are you sure it's a '97? the wagon did not come out until '98..

Cheers,

Tim