What is the reason why the Roewe i5 wiper cannot be lifted up?
3 Answers
The reason why the Roewe i5 wiper cannot be lifted up is: the vehicle is designed to retract the wiper after the engine is turned off. To lift the wiper, you need to turn on the wiper, wait until the wiper is lifted, and then immediately turn off the ignition switch. At this time, the wiper will stay on the windshield, and then you can manually lift the wiper blade. To restore it, place the wiper blade on the windshield, and after powering on or starting the engine, pull the wiper lever. Taking the 2020 Roewe i5 as an example, it is a compact car with a body size of: length 4601mm, width 1818mm, height 1489mm, wheelbase of 2680mm, fuel tank capacity of 45l, and a body weight of 1270kg.
Recently while driving my Roewe i5, I found the wipers absolutely wouldn't lift up, making it a pain to replace the wiper blades. After consulting some veteran drivers, I learned it's a design feature - the Roewe i5 locks its wipers in the low position after parking to prevent accidental lifting that might hit the hood or windshield. To unlock them, you need to activate maintenance mode: within a few seconds after turning off the engine, push the wiper control stalk to the mist position, and the wipers will automatically move up to the service position for easy replacement. If you don't follow this procedure and force them up, you risk damaging the wiper arm linkage, which could cost hundreds to repair. Regular maintenance is also important - keep the wipers clean and lubricated to prevent rust and sticking, which would make things worse. This is a frequent topic in owner groups, and everyone recommends checking the manual for proper procedures to avoid the hassle I went through.
I've gained some experience in car repairs, and the fact that the Roewe i5's wipers can't be lifted is largely due to its mechanical design. The wiper system has a linkage with minimal clearance to the hood, so it parks in a safe position when turned off to prevent collisions. To lift them, you need to use the maintenance mode: start the engine, then turn it off, and immediately move the wiper lever to a specific position. If this doesn’t work, it could be an electrical issue like a faulty wiper motor or sensor, or the wiper arm pivot may be stuck due to wear. I once dealt with a burnt-out motor myself—replacing the part took some effort. Also, in winter, frozen lubricant can cause this problem; try spraying some WD-40. Overall, it's not a major flaw but requires proper operation and maintenance. Taking half a minute to check before driving daily is a good habit.
