What to Do When the Windshield Wiper Stops Moving While in Use?

[VanBeckett]

Solutions for windshield wipers that stop moving while in use: 1. Check if the connection between the wiper arm and the linkage is correct; 2. Lift the wiper and inspect the rubber blade for any damage and the elasticity of the rubber. If the blade is aged or cracked, replace the wiper; 3. Set the wiper switch to various speed positions and check if the wiper maintains a consistent speed at different settings, especially in intermittent mode, to ensure normal operation; 4. Inspect the motor's operation for any abnormalities, check for wear between the linkage components, and ensure there is no lack of lubrication in the linkage.

[AlexLynn]

It's quite frustrating when I suddenly find the windshield wipers not working, especially since I often drive out and encounter this issue. First, I immediately find a safe place to pull over and check, avoiding any risks in the rain. The most common reason for wipers not moving is a blown fuse. I locate the wiper circuit fuse in the fuse box under the hood and replace it with one of the correct amperage. If the fuse is fine, it might be the motor's overheating protection. I wait a few minutes for it to cool down and try again. Another possibility is that the linkage or transmission mechanism is rusted and stuck. I try spraying some lubricant or gently moving the wiper arm by hand to free it. If the motor is broken, I can tell by the absence of any humming sound, and then it's time to replace the motor. However, I don’t force it—if I lack the right tools, I just head to a repair shop to avoid causing more damage, spending extra money, and wasting time. For regular maintenance, I make a habit of spraying some rust inhibitor on the wiper components to prevent this issue.

[DiCayden]

As an ordinary driver, the first time I encountered the wipers not moving, I was extremely worried, afraid of not being able to see the road clearly. I would immediately slow down and pull over, ensuring safety before checking the switch settings, sometimes accidentally set to intermittent mode. Check if there are branches or snow blocks stuck on the wiper arms, remove them, and try again. If it still doesn't work, refer to the user manual to locate the fuse, usually under the panel on the driver's side, pull it out to see if it's blown, and replace it with a new one if it is. If you're not familiar with circuits, don't tamper with them; drive directly to a nearby repair shop for help. Driving in the rain is dangerous, stay alert and use hazard lights and defogging functions to aid visibility. During regular car washes, I make it a habit to clean the wiper mechanism to reduce the chance of malfunctions.

[CamilleFitz]

Based on my experience, there are several common failure points when wipers stop working. First, check the fuse and replace it with the correct specification if it's blown. If the fuse is intact, the issue might be with the motor—no startup sound indicates a motor problem. Alternatively, it could be poor wiring contact; use a multimeter to test the voltage. For mechanical parts like rusted linkages, apply some WD-40 for lubrication. Damaged switches or relays can cause loss of control signals and require professional testing. If the problem is severe, replace the parts directly without delay to avoid issues during rainy days. Regular maintenance of the wiper system can prevent these problems.

[DelAndrew]

When I encounter wiper issues, I fix them myself to save money. After turning off the engine, check the fuse box—replace any blown fuses. If they're intact, test for voltage at the motor socket (a test pen works best). If there's power but the wipers don't move, the linkage might be jammed; I remove the wiper arms to clean and lubricate them. For a faulty motor, order a new part online—installation is simple on some models. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and watch repair videos if unsure. After driving, I apply rain repellent to maintain the wipers for longer lifespan.