How to Fix Wipers That Won't Wipe?
5 Answers
Methods to repair wipers that won't wipe: 1. Open the hood and check if the transmission linkage is dislocated; 2. Inspect whether the fuse is intact; 3. Disconnect the motor wire plug, turn on the power, and use a multimeter to measure if there is voltage; 4. If the fuse is intact but the motor has no voltage, check the wiring and the combination switch for the turn signals; 5. A burnt motor will have a scorched smell; 6. If normal voltage is measured at the wiper motor when the power is turned on, consider that the motor may be damaged. Steps to remove the wiper: 1. Lift the wiper arm off the vehicle's windshield; 2. Keep the wiper perpendicular to the windshield and steady; 3. Locate the plug at the contact position between the wiper rubber blade and the metal arm; 4. Press the plug to remove the old wiper.
When my windshield wipers stopped working, I remember it was raining that day, and I was so scared that I quickly pulled over to check. First, open the hood and look at the fuse box, find a fuse labeled for the wipers, and if it's blown, just replace it with a new one—super easy. This is usually the most common cause. If replacing the fuse doesn’t work, it might be that the wiper motor is burnt out. The motor is located near the wiper arms; unplug it and test if there’s voltage input. If there’s no voltage, it means the motor is broken and needs to be replaced. The linkage or transmission arm might also be loose or rusted and stuck. Try gently moving the wiper arm by hand to see if it moves freely. Don’t forget to clear snow or ice from the wiper blades, as freezing can hinder movement. If you encounter this situation, don’t risk driving—wait for clear weather and take it to a professional shop for repairs. After all, wipers are crucial for driving visibility.
I just worked on the wipers, and the key steps involved a systematic check: start simple by inspecting if the wiper switch near the driver's seat is faulty—turn it a few times to listen for any sound, as silence may indicate poor contact. Then move to the front of the car, open the cover of the wiper arm to locate the motor, and use a multimeter to check the voltage input. If there's no reading, replace the fuse or inspect the wiring. If everything seems normal, remove the motor to test if it spins freely with sufficient power; if it lacks strength, the motor is likely aged and needs replacement. Also, check if the linkage is bent or detached, a common issue in older cars. Regularly replace the wiper blades once a year and clear leaves blocking the drainage holes to prevent problems. After repairs, don’t forget to spray some wiper fluid to test the performance, ensuring smooth operation to avoid issues on the road.
Wiper system malfunctions may involve multiple components: The most common issue is a burnt-out motor failing to drive the wiper arms, often caused by prolonged continuous use or voltage instability. Deformation or rust in the linkage mechanism can also jam the movement—check by manually pushing the wipers to see if they move with difficulty. A blown fuse typically indicates a short circuit or overload issue; after replacement, observe if it frequently blows again to identify the root cause. Aged and stiff wiper blades may also prevent proper swinging, which can be improved by cleaning or replacing them. Overall, these factors interact with each other, and troubleshooting requires step-by-step testing from simple to complex. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating linkage joints every six months, is recommended to extend wiper lifespan and reduce unexpected failures.
I always remind my friends not to drive too fast when the wipers aren't working. The emergency solution is to try manually pushing the wiper arm after parking. If it moves smoothly, it might be a switch issue requiring inspection of the driver-side control buttons. Also, check the wiper fuse in the fuse box—replace it immediately with one of the same amperage if it's blown. Long-term prevention includes avoiding continuous use of the highest wiper speed in heavy rain to prevent motor overheating, and using warm water to thaw frozen wipers before starting them in winter. Monthly checks to ensure the wiper fluid reservoir is full, along with adding wiper fluid to prevent component corrosion, can significantly reduce the risk of sudden failure. Don't overlook timely comprehensive diagnostics at a specialized repair shop to prevent hidden wiring issues.
