QFiver

*Sorry Rear Wiper Arm off*

Wow Clem! That's really annoying!! Got me thinking aswell now! Not sure what happened with my first one but on inspection after the 2nd rear screen was fitted here's what iv found. The rear screen heater (disconnected) had 13.7v going to it whilst running which is standard. After around 12-15 min (standard)it reduced power by 0.1v at a time until it cuts off. Spoke to Audi and this is correct, rather than the relay shutting off completely due to possible Thermo Shock. I left the rear wiper arm off and checked for play in the motor. On further inspection iv noticed some polishing on the rear wiper arm spring as if it has maybe been in contact with the rear screen. Not sure if this was the problem with the first screen or whether maybe too much windscreen bond had been fitted to the 2nd screen causing to come further up towards the glass. Been running about without the rear window wiper arm on for a few days to test it. Will put the rear heater on tomorrow as its to be frosty (with eyes closed and buttocks clenched!) and report back. Ordering a new wiper arm and blade aswell.

Hi Gareth Yes the shattered glass in the wiper motor area must've been there from the first glass shattering, so that couldn't of caused the original. I can't inspect the surface area as the glass has already been fitted. Iv ordered a new wiper arm and blade as its a cheap option to rule out. Will update if I find anything else. Cheers

Hi Gareth Everything was checked thoroughly prior to the 2nd glass installation. I spoke with Audi and no known manufacturing issues or reports of this happening. I have tested the rear screen for the timer relay on the rear window. Full 13.8v when vehicles running and after around 12 - 15 min the heater cuts off and drops 0.1v at a time to cool down, Audi say this is correct. My only suspicion is the rear wiper motor. When I removed the wiper motor completely I found a couple of spec of glass in there and wondering if it has caught the screen through the grommet but to be honest I very much doubt it got caught in there. I will leave the wiper arm off to start with and run it for a few days etc and report back.

Hi Steve Q Thanks for responding. Yes i saw these posts but unfortunately no clear answer. The fact this happened twice with me in a week makes me think there I'd a flaw in either the heated screen or the wiper motor. Very strange! Tried calling the dealer yesterday but no answer with the holidays. Will try again today.

I have an Audi Q5 2016 and last week the rear boot window shattered whilst travelling along the road. It was a cold frosty morning and therefore put it down to either a possibile minute chip and Temperature Shock. However I had a replacement screen fitted and low and behold the same thing happened again a day later. This time the weather was mild but pouring with rain. Rear wiper doesn't appear to have any play in it, I wondered if that could've been an issue or Rear Window Heater not shutting off correctly? Are there any common faults at all?