How to Determine If the Wiper Motor is Faulty?
3 Answers
To determine if the wiper motor is damaged, first ensure the car's ignition switch is in the power-on state, open the front hood, and then activate the wipers. If you can hear the motor running, it is functioning normally; otherwise, the motor is likely damaged. Below are specific reasons for car wiper damage: 1. Clogged pipes. Frequently driving on unpaved roads allows tiny dust particles to enter the wiper's spray nozzles. Over time, the dust dries up and blocks the nozzles, preventing the wipers from spraying water. Simply insert a brush into the wiper spray nozzles to clean out the dust or attached debris, and turn on the wiper spray switch while cleaning. 2. Insufficient washer fluid. The wiper's washer fluid container is located in the engine compartment. If the water level is too low, it will also prevent water from spraying. In this case, simply add water to the washer fluid container. 3. The wiper's washer fluid container has enough water, but no water sprays when the switch is activated. Open the washer fluid filler cap and turn on the wiper spray switch.
I remember that time when my car's wipers suddenly stopped working, it was really scary, and I quickly pulled over. To determine if the motor is broken, you can start the car and listen for any unusual buzzing or clicking sounds near the motor location. Normally, there should be a smooth operating sound. If there's no sound at all or the noise is harsh, it might be a motor issue. Then, try pressing the wiper switch and observe if the wiper arms move. If they don't budge at all while everything else is functioning normally, the motor could be the source of the problem. It's also a good idea to check the relevant fuse in the fuse box to see if it's blown, as this can easily be confused with a motor failure. If the fuse is fine, it's more certain that the motor is faulty. Finally, I make it a habit to regularly clean debris around the wiper system to prevent water accumulation from corroding the wiring and avoid similar failures. Remember, wipers are a critical safety component—don't delay addressing any issues to avoid compromising driving visibility.
As someone who enjoys DIY car repairs, I find diagnosing wiper motor failures quite straightforward. Start with the basics: with the engine running, turn on the wiper switch and listen for any grinding or freewheeling sounds from the motor – it should operate smoothly without unusual noises. If the sound is abnormal or completely absent, the motor windings may be burnt out. You can unplug the motor connector and use a multimeter to check for 12V voltage. If there's voltage but the motor doesn't run, chances are the motor is dead. Also inspect the linkage mechanism and gear set for jamming – sometimes external binding causes excessive load that burns out the motor. I recommend lubricating related components every six months to extend their lifespan. If these steps don't resolve the issue, you'll need to replace the motor.
