What are the reasons for the wiper not returning to its original position?
3 Answers
The reason for the wiper not returning to its original position may be due to aging of the wiper rubber or the presence of dust and other foreign objects between the rubber and the windshield. The wiper is also known as the windshield wiper. Below is a detailed introduction about car windshield wipers: Overview: The windshield wiper is an important automotive component installed on the windshield, used to remove rain, snow, and dust that obstruct the view on the windshield glass. It plays a crucial role in driving safety. Wipers can generally be divided into vacuum wipers, electric wipers, and wipers with electronic control units. Composition: An electric windshield wiper usually consists of a wiper arm, wiper blade assembly, rubber blade, blade holder, blade support, wiper arm spindle, wiper base plate, motor, reduction gear, drive linkage, drive linkage hinge, wiper switch, and wiper switch knob.
Last time I was driving in the rain, the wiper stopped midway and created a terrible visibility issue. I checked and found that the linkage was jammed by fallen leaves, which got fixed after cleaning. If this persists, the motor gears might wear out or the linkage could deform, causing rotation issues. Additionally, poor switch contact can prevent it from returning to position. Before the rainy season, I habitually check if there's any obstruction on the wiper arms. I remember a friend last year had loose wire connections, causing a short circuit that nearly burned out the motor. Safety comes first when driving in the rain—if you encounter this problem, pull over immediately with hazard lights on, don't force it. Start with simple checks like obstructions before moving to complex motor issues. Regular lubrication of joint components can extend their lifespan, saving both money and hassle.
When my wipers don't return to their resting position, I first check the mechanical components. Common issues include obstructions in the linkage or wiper arms, such as leaves or small stones. Next, I examine potential motor aging problems - damaged internal gears can prevent full rotation back to the home position. Electrical faults may also occur; blown fuses or poor relay contact can interrupt signals. The control switch getting stuck in a middle position might also cause the wipers to stop midway. I've tried DIY troubleshooting in my home garage, following step-by-step tests: first checking for loose connection points, then replacing the corresponding fuse in the fuse box. Performing a quick test before driving in wet weather helps prevent sudden failures. Regular maintenance of the wiper system, including cleaning and lubricating the joints, reduces wear-related issues.
