How to Stop Windshield Wipers in the Middle Position?
4 Answers
Here are the steps to stop windshield wipers in the middle position: 1. First, power on the vehicle and activate the wiper function, setting the wipers to any speed setting. 2. Observe the wipers, and when they reach the desired middle position, turn the ignition key to the OFF position. This will cause the wipers to stop at the center of the windshield. Below is some extended information about wipers: 1. Windshield wipers, also known as wiper blades or windscreen wipers, are primarily used to remove raindrops and dust from the vehicle's windshield, thereby improving driver visibility and enhancing driving safety. 2. Due to legal requirements, almost all vehicles worldwide are equipped with wipers.
As an experienced auto mechanic, I've seen too many cases where wipers stop in the middle of the windshield. The most common causes are faulty wiper position sensors or relay failures. The sensor tells the wipers where to park - if it malfunctions, the wipers lose their positioning and stop randomly. The relay is a small device controlling current flow; when worn or short-circuited, wipers get stuck mid-cycle. Another frequent issue is jammed or aged gears inside the wiper motor, especially after heavy use where gear wear causes sticking. If you're handy, you can check if the fuse is blown by locating the corresponding wiper fuse in the fuse box. But most times, I recommend skipping DIY attempts and visiting a professional repair shop for equipment diagnostics to prevent minor issues from escalating. Regularly clearing leaves or ice buildup under wiper arms before driving helps reduce failure rates.
I've been driving for over a decade, and last week my windshield wipers suddenly stopped in the middle of the windshield during a heavy rainstorm, completely blocking my view. I immediately pulled over and turned on my hazard lights. After checking, I found that the wiper switch had poor contact—a few gentle taps temporarily fixed it, but for safety's sake, I replaced the switch entirely. From experience, when wipers stop mid-swipe, it's usually an internal control component issue, like a short circuit in the switch or oxidized wiring. If this happens while driving, don't force the wipers—turn them off, wait a few seconds, then restart. If that doesn't work, turn off the engine and check for debris obstructing the wiper arms. Leaving it unrepaired risks complete wiper failure, which is dangerous in rain. Get in the habit of cleaning your wipers and the lower windshield edge monthly to extend their lifespan.
When I was a beginner, I also encountered the wiper getting stuck in the middle position. This is usually due to a position detection failure in the wiper system, such as a faulty relay or sensor malfunction, causing the system to stop in the wrong place. Don't force it. After parking, check under the wiper arm for small branches or dirt blockages. If there's none, it might be an electrical issue requiring professional repair. A simple fix is to turn off the engine and restart it to see if the wiper can reset. For safety, if visibility is poor in the rain, turn on the hazard lights and pull over to wait.
