What Causes Windshield Wipers Not to Return to Position?

[ArcherLee]

Windshield wipers not returning to position may be due to poor contact in the wiper motor or battery circuit, or poor contact in the motor's wiring. Additional information: 1. Introduction: The windshield wiper is an important accessory installed on the windshield, designed to remove rain, snow, and dust that obstruct the view. Thus, it plays a crucial role in driving safety. 2. Principle: The electric motor in the windshield wiper drives the output shaft through a worm gear on the armature shaft and drives the output gear via an idler and idler shaft. The output arm connected to the wiper linkage is then operated by the output shaft. When the motor rotates, the output arm and linkage are driven to move back and forth.

[SanLaila]

Last time I was driving, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped returning to their original position and got stuck in the middle, which was quite annoying. At first, I thought it was just stuck due to heavy rain, but later I realized it might be a mechanical issue, such as a loose connection on the wiper arm or a jammed linkage. It could also be an electrical problem, like a faulty motor or a burned-out relay. In cold weather, ice and snow buildup on the wiper joints make them more prone to getting stuck. I recommend parking in a garage or regularly cleaning the wiper blades to prevent ice accumulation. If this happens, don’t force them to move—try simple de-icing or inspection first. If that doesn’t work, take the car to a repair shop promptly, as poor visibility during rain increases the risk of accidents. Remember, regular maintenance can save a lot of hassle.

[DeFrancisco]

From my experience in car repair, the most common reasons for windshield wipers not returning to their original position are wear and tear of mechanical components or faults in the electrical system. For example, an aging wiper motor may lack sufficient power output, or the linkage gears could be deformed and jammed. Additionally, poor contact in the switch or a blown fuse can interrupt the signal, preventing the wipers from returning. External factors like mud and water blockage during rainy days can also cause temporary failure to return. I recommend car owners first check the corresponding fuse by pulling it out from the fuse box. If it's not blown, gently shake the wiper arm to see if there's any looseness. It's best to fix such issues as soon as possible to avoid safety hazards from obscured vision during rainy days. Regularly spraying some lubricant can help prevent jamming.

[Preston]

It's quite dangerous when the wipers fail to return to their position. I've encountered this several times while driving in the rain when they just stopped working. The reasons are usually mechanical jamming or electrical faults, such as a bent linkage arm jamming the wheel or an overheated motor going on strike. It could also be due to frozen joints in snowy weather. Every time this happens, I immediately pull over to check, and after a simple cleanup, they resume working. Regular maintenance of the wiper system can reduce such issues, like applying antifreeze before winter. Don't ignore minor problems, as poor visibility can easily lead to accidents.