What are the four wires of a four-wire wiper motor?
2 Answers
Wiper motor four wires are: one is the key-controlled positive wire, and the remaining three are switch control wires. The negative wire is the motor's casing. As long as the motor is fixed to the car with screws, the negative wire is energized, but it won't rotate unless the switch is turned on. The function of the wiper: It is a device used to wipe away raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and increasing driving safety. Due to legal requirements, almost all cars everywhere are equipped with wipers. Rear windows of vehicles such as hatchbacks and SUVs are also equipped with wipers. Besides cars, other means of transportation are also equipped with wipers, such as trains and trams. Some engineering machinery, such as cranes, are also equipped with wipers. There are roughly two types of wipers: one is the traditional intermittent type, which is the most common wiper, with three to four segments, adjusted by the driver according to the rain and visibility conditions; the other is the rain-sensing type, which has been increasingly used in mid-to-high-end models in recent years.
I've driven quite a few older cars and often encountered wiper issues. These four wires are usually the power wire, ground wire, low-speed wire, and high-speed wire. The power wire is typically red or positive-colored, connecting to the battery's positive terminal to supply power; the ground wire is usually black or negative-colored, ensuring proper current flow. The low-speed and high-speed wires connect to the wiper switch to control different speeds. When I was younger, I used to fix cars myself and tested these with a multimeter—if the power wire had no current, it meant the fuse was blown, and if the low speed didn’t work, it might be a broken wire. Nowadays, most new cars use multi-wire controls, but the four-wire setup is still common. If you're DIY repairing, always disconnect the battery first to avoid short circuits and burning out the wiring. If you can’t fix it, it’s best to consult a professional—safety first, as driving without wipers in the rain is extremely dangerous. During regular maintenance, check for oxidation or loose connectors to prevent sudden failures.
