What Causes Car Wipers to Stop Working?
3 Answers
When car wipers stop working, it indicates a malfunction. You can try opening the hood to check if the transmission linkage is dislocated or inspect whether the fuse is intact. For more professional diagnosis, you can disconnect the motor wire plug, turn on the power, and use a multimeter to measure if there is voltage. If the fuse is intact but there's no voltage at the motor, check the wiring and the turn signal combination switch. If normal voltage is detected at the wiper motor when the power is on, the motor may be faulty. When car wipers fail to move, you can check the following possible causes: 1. Open the hood to check if the transmission linkage is dislocated (this is the most common cause). 2. Check if the fuse is intact. 3. Disconnect the motor wire plug, turn on the power, and use a multimeter to measure if there is voltage. If the fuse is intact but there's no voltage at the motor, check the wiring and the turn signal combination switch. 4. Check if the motor is burnt out—a burnt motor usually emits a scorched smell. If normal voltage is detected at the wiper motor when the power is on, the motor may be faulty.
It was raining heavily that day when my windshield wipers suddenly stopped working, making it almost impossible to see the road. I quickly pulled over to check. The most common issue with wipers not working is a blown fuse, which can be fixed by replacing it. It could also be a faulty wiper motor, as the motor is the core driving component and prone to failure due to aging or water damage. Another possibility is a short or open circuit, such as frayed wires or loose connections, which can cut off power. If the wiper blades are stuck by debris or frozen, they won’t move either. Switch problems are also common—if the contacts are burnt out, the wipers won’t respond. It’s best to start with the simplest checks, like inspecting the fuse box and ensuring the wiper arms move freely, then proceed step by step. Safety first—timely repairs can prevent dangerous accidents.
In the maintenance cases I've encountered, wiper failure is quite frequent. The main causes include aging and burnout of the wiper motor, especially prone to overheating after continuous use. Blown fuses are commonplace and can be restored by replacement. Linkage mechanism failures are also common, such as rusted joints seizing up, requiring lubrication or replacement. Wiring issues like short circuits can blow fuses or relay failures can interrupt power supply. Poor switch contact is also a frequent issue, leading to signal interruption. The inspection process is straightforward: first test the fuse, then manually wiggle the wiper arm to check resistance; if it doesn't move, it might be a motor issue. Rainy day solution: use windshield cleaner for temporary cleaning. Develop the habit of regularly cleaning wiper blades and checking connections to prevent issues before they arise.
