What Causes Windshield Wipers Not to Swing?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why car windshield wipers may not swing: 1. Open the hood and observe if the transmission linkage is dislocated. 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. 4. If the fuse is intact but there is no voltage at the motor, check the wiring and the combination switch for the turn signals. 5. If normal voltage is measured at the wiper motor when the power is turned on, the motor may be damaged. Here are some maintenance tips for car windshield wipers: 1. Clean the windshield every time you wash the car, and it's best to use glass cleaner to wipe the wiper blades, which will extend their lifespan. 2. Spray some cleaning solution, then activate the wipers to observe if the movement is smooth and listen for any loud "scraping" sounds. If present, it indicates the wipers are pressing too hard against the glass and need appropriate adjustment. After the wipers sweep one or two times, check if any water remains on the windshield and observe if any scratches are left.
The most common reason for wipers not moving is a faulty wiper motor. The motor is responsible for driving the entire system; if it's aged, water-damaged, burnt out, or seized, it won't operate. The linkage could also be problematic—rust, deformation, or breakage can prevent the force from being transmitted to the wiper arms. A blown fuse is also quite common; locate the wiper-related fuse in the engine compartment's fuse box and try replacing it with a new one. Wear or water ingress in the wiper switch button can cause poor contact, preventing it from turning on. In snowy conditions, accumulated snow can jam the wipers, leading to mechanical lock-up. Wiper failure is extremely dangerous when driving in the rain—blurred vision through the windshield increases the risk of accidents. It's advisable to first check simple fixes like the fuse, and if that doesn't work, promptly visit a professional repair shop to avoid bigger issues. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the wiper mechanism, can prevent sticking.
Last week, my car's windshield wipers suddenly stopped working, which gave me a cold sweat. The cause might be simple, like a blown fuse—just locate the corresponding one in the fuse box and replace it. If the wiper button isn't pressed properly or water has seeped in, cleaning it might help. If the wiper arm linkage is rusty or loose, try spraying some lubricant. The motor is the core power source; if it's broken, you'll need to replace it. In dusty areas, accumulated debris often clogs the moving parts. In such cases, after parking, manually wipe the windshield as a temporary solution, and avoid driving forcefully. I always keep a toolbox in my car just in case. Small issues can be fixed yourself, while major ones should be sent to the repair shop to save money and hassle.
