What Causes the Windshield Wiper to Spray Water Without Moving?

[OLayla]

The following are the reasons why the windshield wiper sprays water but does not move: 1. Check the wiring and motor: Inspect whether the wiring is loose or if the motor is damaged. Turn off the engine, open the hood, and activate the spray switch. If you hear the motor working, it indicates the motor is fine; otherwise, the issue could be loose wiring or a damaged motor. 2. Check the fuse and spray nozzles: Inspect the fuse in the wiring. Check if the spray nozzles are clogged. You can use a thin metal wire to unclog them, but be careful not to break it inside. 3. Pay attention to cleaning: Check if there are any substances or residues on the wiper blades—clean them and then test again. Also, look for tree sap, insect residue, etc., on the windshield; clean it thoroughly and try again.

[MilesMarie]

I was really worried last time when my windshield wipers only sprayed water but didn't move, so I specifically researched and consulted experienced mechanics. This issue usually lies in the mechanical parts: the most common problem is a faulty wiper motor, possibly due to worn carbon brushes or short-circuited coils. Another possibility is transmission mechanism failure, such as loose linkage joints or a stuck gearbox. Rusty wiper arm shafts getting stuck are also very common - my old car back home had exactly this issue. A blown fuse can cause this too, though you can usually still hear the motor humming. Electrical circuit problems are rare, with switch contact failure being the most likely. In winter, be careful of wiper blades freezing to the glass - forcing them to move can easily damage the motor. I suggest first checking for unusual sounds, then manually testing the resistance by moving the wiper arms, and finally inspecting the fuse box. Fix any problems immediately - driving without wipers in rain is too dangerous. Don't repeat my mistake of driving home wiping the windshield with a cloth - still gives me chills thinking about it.

[OVanessa]

Buddy, I've fixed hundreds of cars, and windshield wiper motor issues are a piece of cake. Nine times out of ten, it's a motor failure—either the rotor's jammed or the bearings are rusted. They're especially prone to water ingress and short circuits during rainy days; last typhoon season, I fixed three cars a day with this exact problem. The remaining cases might be a disconnected linkage ball joint—just wiggle the wiper arm to check for looseness. In rare cases, it's a broken transmission gear; listen for any clicking noises. Electrical issues are actually uncommon unless the wiring's been modified. Emergency fixes: pour warm water if frozen, spray rust remover if rusted. But don't follow one customer's lead and hammer the motor—you'll end up replacing the entire windshield! Prevention's simple: spray anti-rust lubricant monthly, use antifreeze washer fluid in winter, and rinse off sand particles when washing your car. That'll avoid most failures.

[VonLincoln]

With 20 years of running a repair shop, I encounter the issue of wipers not moving but only spraying water almost daily. Focus on these four aspects: First, motor assembly failures are the most common; second, corroded or detached linkage rods; third, seized wiper arm pivot shafts; fourth, electrical system abnormalities. If the motor is faulty, you can hear the relay click but no movement—testing the voltage will confirm the issue. Transmission problems are visible under the hood as deformed parts. A seized pivot shaft often comes with squeaking sounds; applying some engine oil can free it. A blown fuse is the easiest fix—just replace it with a new one in five minutes. The most troublesome issue is a short circuit, requiring segment-by-segment line testing. For vehicles over five years old, I recommend quarterly lubrication checks for the wiper linkage, especially before the rainy season.