Why does the Buick Excelle's windshield washer spray but the wipers don't move?
4 Answers
Buick Excelle's windshield washer sprays but the wipers don't move may be due to damaged wiper blades, motor failure, wiper linkage issues, or a blown wiper fuse. Here are the specific details: Damaged wiper blades: Wiper blades are exposed to the elements and can become severely damaged over time, preventing them from functioning properly. If this occurs, simply replace the wiper blades. Wiper motor issues: If there's an internal short circuit or failure in the motor, the wipers won't operate correctly. Replacing the motor will resolve this issue. Wiper linkage failure: The wiper linkage has multiple connection points, and if any of these fail, the wipers won't work properly. You can check the wiper operation to determine if it's a linkage issue and repair it promptly. Blown wiper fuse: The wiper motor has a fuse, and if it blows, the wipers won't function. You can replace the blown fuse with a spare one from your car or visit a professional 4S store for replacement.
This situation is quite common, and the cause is mostly in the wiper drive system. If the wipers can spray water but don't move, it indicates that the water pump and nozzles are functioning properly, and the issue lies with the components that move the wiper arms. The usual culprits are an aging or burnt-out wiper motor—this part drives the entire mechanism, and once its internal coils are damaged or waterlogged, it stops working; or the linkage mechanism may be jammed, especially in muddy conditions after rain or in icy winter areas, where dust or ice debris can cause stiffness. A blown fuse is also a possibility—check the fuse box inside the car (usually under the steering wheel) to see if the wiper-related fuse is intact. Poor switch contact or a broken circuit can also cause similar issues. It's recommended to perform a simple self-check first: without starting the vehicle, manually try to move the wiper arms to see if they move smoothly. If they are flexible but don't move, it might be a motor issue; if they are stiff or make clicking sounds, the linkage may be jammed. Also, listen for any faint humming sound from the motor. Avoid forcing the wipers to prevent further damage. If the issue persists, take the car to a repair shop as soon as possible—replacing the motor or adjusting the linkage usually doesn't cost much, around 100 to 200 yuan. Regularly cleaning debris like leaves around the wiper base can help prevent jamming issues.
Last time my car had the same issue—the washer fluid sprayed but the wipers didn't move, which was really frustrating! Turned out the linkage was rusted and stuck, but a simple lubrication fixed it. Here's what you can try: Start the vehicle and turn on the wipers while paying attention to any slight sounds or vibrations near the front of the car. If there's noise but the arms don't move, the transmission gears might be damaged. If there's no sound at all, the motor is likely dead. First, check the fuse—look for the one labeled "WIPER" in the small box under the dashboard. If it's blown, replace it with a new one. Don't overlook potential switch button contact issues—press it repeatedly to see if there's any response. If possible, use a multimeter to check if the wires are live. Avoid running the wipers on dry glass during normal use, as it can wear out the motor faster. Getting it repaired early is crucial—don't wait until rainy days when poor visibility can lead to accidents. I recommend inspecting the wiper mechanism every six months for peace of mind and safety.
Wipers Not Moving but Washer Works – It's Dangerous! Possible causes include: motor failure, linkage jam, or circuit interruption. Normal washer function indicates the water supply system is OK, so the issue is isolated to the drive mechanism. Immediate action: Check if the fuse is blown and test the switch in different positions. If no improvement, avoid risky driving – have a technician use a multimeter to check voltage at the motor input to diagnose the fault. Don't attempt disassembly yourself to avoid complicating repairs. Safety first: Driving without wipers in rain/snow severely compromises visibility.
