What are the reasons for the non-responsive automatic wipers?
3 Answers
Possible causes include faults in the vehicle's automatic wiper sensor, wiper switch, wiper wiring harness, or wiper motor. Below is relevant information about wipers: 1. Precautions: There is no fixed replacement interval. When abnormal noises occur or the wipers fail to clean effectively, timely repair or replacement is necessary. Note that disassembling and installing wipers requires good manual skills; otherwise, mechanical damage may easily occur. Therefore, entrusting the replacement to professionals is more worry-free. 2. Overview: Wipers, also known as windshield wipers or windscreen wipers, are devices used to wipe away raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. Due to legal requirements, almost all vehicles worldwide are equipped with wipers. Rear windows of vehicles such as hatchbacks and SUVs are also fitted with wipers. Besides cars, other means of transportation like trains and trams are equipped with wipers. Some engineering machinery, such as cranes, also have wipers installed.
I've encountered the issue of rain-sensing wipers suddenly failing several times. Last time on the highway during a heavy downpour, they just wouldn't move, and I had to manually press the button repeatedly. After researching, I found these common problems: oil film or bird droppings on the sensor area of the windshield can interfere with light reflection, preventing rain detection; the sensor itself may age and fail, especially in cars over five or six years old; loose circuit connections or blown fuses could be the culprit; or the sensitivity setting might be too low to detect light rain. It's recommended to clean the sensor area with a soft cloth during monthly car washes—usually located behind the rearview mirror in that black zone. If you notice decreased sensitivity, try restarting the vehicle for a system reset. If that doesn't work, a professional module inspection at the shop is necessary.
As a long-distance driver who frequently travels, I'm all too familiar with the reasons why automatic wipers slack off. The most troublesome situation is when there's an oil film on the windshield – rainwater spreads into a thin film instead of forming droplets, causing the sensor to essentially 'play blind.' I've also encountered cases where installed ETC devices or dashcams had wires that pinched the sensor harness, leading to signal interruption. Additionally, car owners who apply metallic window tint should be aware that some dark films can block infrared signal transmission. Before every rainy season, I conduct a simple test: splash some water on the windshield to observe if the wipers activate automatically. For maintenance, regularly removing oil film with neutral detergent works best – no need to buy special cleaners, as dish soap diluted with water works just as well.
