Reasons for Car Wiper Malfunction?
2 Answers
Car wiper malfunctions are primarily caused by the following reasons: 1. Fuse blown: loose wires or poor contact; damaged or poor contact in the wiper control switch; armature winding open circuit or gear reducer. 2. Low voltage or poor switch contact: dirty contact surface between the wiper blade and glass; poor lubrication in motor bearings and gear reducer gears; poor brush contact or weak spring. 3. Wiper blade fails to self-reset: the wiper motor cannot stop at the automatic stop position, mostly due to a damaged control switch, poor operation of the automatic reset device, or an open circuit in the connecting wires.
When the windshield wipers stop working, I need to consider the common causes. A blown fuse is the most frequent issue, especially after heavy use during rainy days, requiring a check of the fuse box for its exact location. Aging wiper motors can also lead to failure, particularly in older vehicles where internal components may wear out or burn from overuse. If the linkage mechanism gets stuck due to ice or dust, the wipers won't move—a common problem in winter. Poor contact in the switch button or broken wiring is another major issue, such as loose plugs or short circuits, which can paralyze the entire system. So, when encountering a malfunction, start by checking the fuse, avoid attempting complex repairs without expertise, and seek professional inspection as soon as possible to ensure driving visibility and safety come first.