Success! Worked my way around to unhooking the washer pump and it seems like there was a problem with the pump or the connection to the pump. Took it off, cleaned reconnected and tested. Now both wiper and washer working! Thanks all feedback and suggestions!

Thanks, but the fuse blows with all the cables to the rear door disconnected so afraid I will not get that far... As you said above the switch is negative but the fuse is positive... Clear as mud as we say over here...

Thanks for replying! The rear crossmember is due for replacement so doubt that has been done before. Thanks for the heads up on a negative switch. May save me some hours of frustration!

Thanks for this. I have disconnected the wires behind the rear light and they looked good there. Fuse still blew with cables unplugged and did check the wiring through the rear door, so problem must be in front of that. Where is the loom at the front located? Have a multimeter and have used...

Just bought a 2003 Defender Td5 and it is great, but has a few minor issues and struggling to find out the problem with the rear wiper that blows the fuse as soon as I turn on the ignition with the switch in the off position. I have checked the wires to the rear door and they are fine. I...