Why Are My Windshield Wipers Not Working?
There are several different things that could go wrong with your windshield wipers. If your windshield wipers aren’t working, it’s a good idea to get to the root of the problem and fix it ASAP. This guide will help you figure out what’s wrong with your wipers.
Is Your Windshield Wiper Fluid Not Coming Out?
It can be quite frustrating to be unable to clean a dirty windshield while you’re driving. If the wiper fluid in your car isn’t spraying on the windshield, there’s something wrong with the windshield washer assembly. The most common issues that prevent wiper fluid from coming out are:
- Empty washer fluid tank
- Frozen or dirty wiper fluid
- Blown windshield washer pump fuse
- Windshield washer pump failure
- Clogged windshield washer nozzles
The first thing you want to do is check the washer fluid tank. In doing this, you'll see if there's a problem with the windshield wiper fluid. You want to make sure that the tank isn't empty. If it is, fill it up with windshield wiper fluid.
It's also possible that the fluid is frozen or dirty. If it's frozen, you can replace it with fluid that can't freeze as easily. If the fluid contains dirt and/or debris, remove the tank, clean it out, and then put fresh fluid in it.
If the fluid looks fine, the problem may be a little more complicated. Here's what you need to do:
- Check the windshield washer pump fuse
- Make sure it hasn't blown.
- Check the windshield washer pump to see if it has failed
- Turn on your vehicle and try to wash your windshield with the wiper fluid. If you can't hear the pump, and the fuse is good, it's likely that the pump is dead.
- Check the windshield washer tubing and nozzles
- Look for any damage, leaks, or clogs.
Are You Unable To Turn Off Your Windshield Wipers?
If your windshield wipers won't turn off, you're likely dealing with a motor or electrical problem. Here are the most common reasons windshield wipers won't turn off:
- Windshield wiper control switch being stuck in the “on” position
- Failed wiper park switch
- Windshield wiper relay being stuck in the “on” position
To get to the root of the problem, try these things:
Check The Windshield Wiper Control Switch
If the switch is in the “on” position, turn it off. If it’s in the “off” position and the wipers are still running, change the speed of your wipers. If the wipers don’t change the speed in accordance with the switch, the switch has failed and you need to replace it.
Check The Wiper Park Switch
In some vehicles, the park switch is inside the motor. In other vehicles, the park switch is a separate unit. The switch is responsible for ensuring that the wipers “park” at the bottom of the windshield after you turn them off. It also turns off the wiper motor when the wipers are at the bottom of the windshield. A failed park switch will fail to notify the wiper motor that the wipers have been turned off. The motor will keep powering the wipers.
Check The Wiring And Connectors
There may be an interruption somewhere in the windshield wiper assembly. There may be a loose wire or a bad connector that’s preventing your wipers from turning off. To check the wiring and connectors:
- Give the wiring and connectors a physical inspection
- Test the ground connection with a voltmeter
Check The Windshield Wiper Relay
When the windshield wiper relay has failed or is stuck in the “on” position, the wipers won’t turn off. Check the relay and see if it’s the reason behind this issue.
Are Your Windshield Wipers Out Of Sync?
When your windshield wipers are out of tempo, one of the wipers may be loose. For example, the wiper arm nut mounting may have come loose. The best way to determine why your wipers are out of sync is to physically inspect them. Find out which wiper is loose, find out why it's loose, and then fix it.
The most common reason your wipers come loose is a frozen windshield. When your wipers are stuck to a frozen windshield, they may break loose from the wiper arms when you turn on the wipers.
Are Your Windshield Wipers Making A Strange Noise?
Are your windshield wipers making a sound you're not familiar with? The first thing you want to do is locate the source of the noise. If the motor is making that sound, then there's something wrong with it. In that case, the motor will likely need to be replaced.
Are the wiper blades making that sound? Chances are the blades aren't compatible with your windshield. That, or the blades have become too dirty to properly clean your windshield. In that case, clean the blades with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. If your car is a little older, it’s possible that the spring in the wiper arm has gone bad. When that happens, the spring is no longer applying enough pressure against the windshield.
Have Your Windshield Wipers Gone Dead?
When your windshield wipers just won't turn on, first check the fuse. If the fuse is good, there's most likely an issue with the motor. First, listen for the motor. If you can't hear it, the motor is dead. When you're experiencing windshield wiper motor problems, the go-to solution is to replace the motor. Another possibility is that the wiper blades have somehow gotten detached from the wiper arms. If you can still hear the motor, inspect the wiper system to find out why your wipers aren't functioning.
Need Replacement Windshield Wiper Parts?
If there's something wrong with your wipers, chances are you need to replace a part or two.We likely have the part(s) you need. You'll find OEM windshield wiper parts for a wide variety of makes and models at wholesale prices here. If you need help finding the right part(s) for your vehicle, please don't hesitate to contact us.