What are the reasons for car wipers not moving?
3 Answers
Here are the common reasons why car wipers stop working: 1. Wiper blade damage: If you usually neglect the maintenance of car wiper blades, you may find them severely damaged and non-functional during rainy days. Simply replacing a set of wiper blades will solve the problem. 2. Wiper motor damage: You can see the wiper motor after opening the car hood. Touch the wiper motor with your hand; if it feels hot, it indicates an internal short circuit in the motor. Replacing the motor will resolve the issue. 3. Wiper linkage failure: The wiper linkage has many connection points. If these points malfunction, the wiper won't work properly. You can judge whether it's a linkage fault by observing the wiper's operation. 4. Wiper fuse blown: To protect the car's circuits, each electrical device is equipped with a fuse. If the wipers don't work, check if the wiper fuse is blown. You can replace the blown fuse with a spare one from the car. 5. Wiper switch damage: Although the wiper switch isn't used frequently, car electronics can be unstable. If no issues are found in the above checks, consider that the wiper switch might be faulty. You can use a multimeter to test the switch's condition or directly replace it with a new one for testing. 6. Wiper circuit fault: Checking the circuit is a complex and time-consuming task. You need to be proficient in using a car multimeter, measuring voltage, resistance, and current, and combining this with practical knowledge to locate the circuit fault causing the wipers to stop working.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I've encountered the issue of wipers not working several times. The most common cause is a blown fuse, especially when overused during heavy rain. Wiper motor failures are also frequent—for instance, worn internal motor brushes or seized bearings may cause humming without movement, often due to water infiltration causing rust. Other possibilities include a malfunctioning wiper switch, poor relay contact, or mechanical linkage detachment jamming the entire system. Insufficient battery voltage can also paralyze the electrical system. I recall one heavy rainstorm when my wipers stopped; I pulled over immediately and checked the fuse—it was fine. Later, I discovered rust had completely seized the linkage hinge joint, requiring strenuous effort to address and ultimately a professional replacement. If this happens, don't stubbornly keep driving. Stop to inspect the fuse first, then listen for motor sounds to troubleshoot. If unfamiliar with circuits, find a reliable repair shop promptly—poor visibility in rain magnifies risks, and minor delays can escalate into major hazards.
I'm a car enthusiast and love tinkering with car parts. It's really frustrating when the wipers stop working! The issue usually lies in the electrical system, with a blown fuse being the primary culprit to protect the circuit from overload. Relay failures are also common, preventing the switch signal from reaching the wiper motor. If the motor's brushes are worn out or the bearings are stuck, the motor might spin but not move the wipers. On the mechanical side, bent linkage rods or slipping gears can jam the movement chain. Once, I checked it myself—when I turned on the wipers and there was no sound at all, it was a switch problem. If there's a humming sound but no movement, then the motor or linkage is the issue. Using a multimeter to test the fuse is quicker, while inspecting the linkage requires prying open the cover to check for rust. My advice: don't push through in the rain. Pull over safely, and if you know a bit, you can do some basic checks. For anything more complicated, it's better to get it repaired to ensure the wipers respond smoothly before hitting the road with peace of mind.
