What Causes Windshield Wipers Not to Return to Position?
2 Answers
There are three main reasons why windshield wipers do not return to position: 1. Drive Motor: Malfunction of the wiper drive motor. 2. External Factors: Issues with the wiper's external components. 3. Wiring: Problems with the electrical wiring. Below are the repair methods for windshield wipers not returning to position: 1. Check if the motor is functioning properly: Follow the principle of checking external factors first and simpler issues before more complex ones to save time. Turn off the wiper motor, then turn it back on to check if it operates normally. If it does, the motor can be ruled out as the cause. 2. Check if the wiper is stuck or has an open circuit: After confirming the motor is fine, proceed to inspect other potential issues, such as whether the wiper is stuck or has an open circuit. 3. Check for insufficient lubrication: If none of the above issues are found, examine whether hardware components lack lubrication, causing excessive friction that prevents the spring from automatically returning to its original position. Apply lubricating oil to the surface of the components if necessary.
The most frustrating experience with windshield wipers stopping halfway was last winter. Rushing to work early in the morning, I turned on the wipers only to have them get stuck in the middle of the windshield and not return, nearly making me late. Later, the mechanic told me that nine times out of ten, this happens because the reset switch inside the wiper motor is faulty—the motor doesn't receive the stop signal when it reaches the bottom. Another possibility is that the transmission linkage is bent; frequent bumps on the road can easily deform the metal rods. If the wiper arm isn't installed correctly, it can also interfere with the return motion—never force the wiper blade back by hand! Additionally, frozen rubber blades or leaves stuck in them can cause jamming, so always clear them first before testing.
