Why Won't the Car Wiper Move?
3 Answers
The reasons why the car wiper won't move are: 1. The fuse is blown, causing the wiper to malfunction; 2. The motor is burnt out; 3. There is a fault in the wiper linkage connection; 4. The wiper switch is faulty; 5. There is a fault in the wiper circuit. The solutions for a non-moving car wiper are: 1. Open the fuse box and check if the fuse is blown; 2. Check if the motor is damaged; 3. Replace the wiper blades if they are severely worn; 4. Observe the wiper's operation to determine if it's a linkage issue; 5. Use a multimeter to test the switch's condition; 6. Use an automotive multimeter to measure voltage, resistance, and current, and combine with practical checks.
I remember one time when my wipers stopped working. After checking for a long time, I found out the wiper motor was burnt out. This part tends to fail if it operates for too long or if there's a short circuit in the wiring. Don't rush to replace it—first check if the fuse has blown. Usually, the fuse box is located in the engine compartment or under the steering wheel. Try replacing the corresponding wiper fuse with a spare one. If the fuse is fine, check if the wiper arm is stuck by leaves or mud—cleaning it might get it moving again. Also, rust on the wiper linkage can cause it to jam. Try manually shaking it, but don't use too much force to avoid breaking it. Never ignore non-functioning wipers—it's extremely dangerous to drive in the rain without them. I recommend taking it to a reliable auto shop for inspection. During regular maintenance, spray some lubricant to prevent rust. I once saw a neighbor's car get into an accident because of this—it was really scary.
I've been repairing cars for several years, and non-functioning wipers are a common issue, which can generally be categorized into several types: Motor failure is the most prevalent. If the motor is damaged, you'll hear unusual noises or smell burning upon starting—immediately turn off the engine and disconnect the power. Fuse blowouts are the second most common issue; they burn out due to excessive current, and replacing them is a quick fix. Next, check the wiper switch—poor contact in the handle can prevent signal transmission, so try unplugging and reconnecting it. Another possibility is corrosion or seizing in the wiper linkage; spraying some WD-40 for lubrication might solve the problem. If you're doing it yourself, don’t shy away from the hassle—keep a multimeter handy to measure voltage accurately. Related issues like a dirty windshield can also affect performance, so clean it before testing the wipers. Safety first—if the wipers fail, don’t risk driving; pull over promptly and call for help.
