Repair Topics / Windshield Wipers

• How to change wiper blades
• How to replace a window motor
• How to check an electrical window motor and switch

MORE: Car window questions

Question: 2002 Dodge 1500 Ram 4x4, mileage: 80,000. My wiper motor gets very hot & eventually stops working. The voltage at the motor is OK. I have replaced the switch, motor, linkage (transmissions) & am still having the same problems.

Answer: If the ground connections are not tight the motor will draw extra amps causing it to run hot. Also, disconnect the linkage from the motor and verify that it is not binding causing an extra load on the motor.

Question: 1997 Chevrolet S10 Blazer, mileage: 129,000.  2 days ago when it started raining the wipers would not turn on. Washer motor did not work either.   Changed the fuse.  They still did not work.  The next I bought a rebuilt wiper motor.  I checked 1 more time before changing and the wipers were working.  Does the wiper motor have a circuit breaker that resets itself and is ok to leave it alone or should I go ahead and change it out.

Answer: You probably are having trouble with the control module for the windshield wiper motor.  Change the wiper control module.

Question: 1999 Lincoln Town car, mileage: 130,000.  The wipers go to straight up position when turned off. Is this a problem in the wiper motor or is there a relay in the circuit, which controls this function?  If so, where is would this relay be located?  None of the service manuals I've seen mention this problem.

Answer:   Sounds like your problem is in the windshield wiper motor.  Replacing it should fix your problem. The park switch is shorted internally.

Question: 1999 Buick Regal, mileage: 63,000.  When I turn the wipers off, they stop straight up.  Other than this, they work fine.  Even the intermittent position.

Answer:   The windshield wiper motor has a park circuit built into it.  Yours, apparently, is not working properly and the entire motor will have to be replaced if this turns out to be your problem.

Question: 2004 Honda Accord, miles: 34,000 The wipers on my car stopped working several days ago.  When I tried to turn on my wipers the washer fluid started working at the same time with the wipers and would not stop.  After turning off the car, they stopped.  I turned on the car after several minutes and the wipers began working non-stop once more.  After turning the car off and then back on again, the wipers would not work, although the washer fluid does.   I thought that the problem may be with the multi- function switch that turns the wipers on, but after replacing it with a new one, the wipers still do not work.  Could you help me figure out what the problem may be?  Thank You!

Answer:   The problem with your windshield wipers is probably due to a faulty windshield wiper motor.  In all probability if you replace it, your problem will be solved.

Question: 1999 Mercury Sable,  mileage: 84,500.  Hello and thank you for your help: I have a bad windshield wiper governor and I would like to know where it is located.  I have looked at the switch, it is in perfect working order, and I can hear rapid clicking coming from behind the dash when the wipers are not working correctly.  I have come to my conclusion based upon the following: 1. Wipers will not wash windshield when wipers are on (intermittent, slow, or fast)  2. When wipers are on intermittent, they will stop in various places on the windshield.  3. Wipers work fine in slow or fast mode.  4. Motor sounds like it should sound.

Answer:   From what you have described, we believe your windshield wiper switch may be defective.

Question: 1999 Mercedes Benz, mileage: 105,000.  I have problems every now and then, mostly when it rains , I wash the car, or when the weather is heavy,  my windshield wiper fluid and wipers on the front lights just go haywire. My original windshield wipers come on and my park lights come on, not all at one time but usually one or the other.  I have taken the fuses out of the wiper fluid and the windshield wipers and kept them out to stop it from coming on but the park lights still come on when something underneath the hood gets wet and stays on long enough to drain the battery.  I was told that it may be the fuse box need replacing or a stuck relay but that was before I noticed the only time it does it is when its wet.  Do you have any idea what it could be?  I thought maybe the fuse box top was not on all the way in the back which allows water to seep through but I don't know if that's were the problem is at all.  I want to take it to the shop to get fixed but when I take it it was never doing it and they were just guessing what the problem could be but now that I'm 99% sure it happens when it rains maybe I can get something a little more concrete.  Please advise.

Answer:  There is an electronic controlled for the windshield wipers and from what you described, somehow it is getting wet when it rains and shorting out.  Replacing the controller and finding the source of the moisture, should cure your problem.

Question: 1999 Chevrolet Astro, mileage: 100,000.  Hi, every time I use the blinker (left or right), the windshield wipers come on!  How do you fix that?

Answer: You will need to replace the wiper control module.

Question:   1999 Chevrolet S10 mileage: 93,000.  Hi Guys, I am having trouble with my windshield wipers on my truck.  The delay works part of the time.  It either stops or has no delay.  Recently, the low wiper setting stops working and there is a grinding sound.  If I hit the fast wiper setting, it goes away and my wipers work again but at the low speed.  Is my motor going out or is something slipping that I can fix?  In addition, can you recommend a manual that explains how to get at the motor and components?  I have a Hayes manual and it does not tell me what I need to know.  Thank for you help!

Answer: You will need to replace the wiper control module.

Question: 2002 Plymouth Voyager, mileage: 71,000.  Bob and Ken, I hope you can help.  My  Voyager has two (2) problems at this time, Problem #1: While driving, the windshield wipers come on by themselves, can be for one time or several.  I was told by one place that it was the switch (on steering column) and by another that it's with the motor. Help!  Problem #2: While turning, usually to the right, there is a noise, sounds like (aaarrruph).  I was told this was the rack & pinion by one person, and the other didn't have a clue.  I have heard of others with Chrysler mini-vans that have the same noise. 

Answer:  Answer #1: Scan body control module for faults or codes.  Answer #2: Faulty motor mounts allowing the engine to shift or move during turns. 

Question: 1999 Dodge Caravan, mileage: 135,000.  The wipers come on by themselves, a lot of times when cornering / using the turn signals.  Our neighbor's 1996 Town & Country does the same thing.

Answer:  Replacing the turn signal/wiper switch assembly will probably fix the problem.

Question: 1999 Chevrolet Impala, miles: 89,000. The windshield wipers stop intermittently. There is no common factor or reason why they stop, other than it is raining and I am not under the hood or steering column trying to figure it out. Some time if I switch the wipers to high, they will restart. I will appreciate any help you can afford me.

Answer: You will need to replace the wiper control module.

Question:   1999 Chevrolet Camaro, miles: 108,000. Last year during the winter I turned on the wipers, they were frozen, and the motor went but the wipers never. Now instead of staying down they stay up. What will make them stay down instead of up? They still work.

Repair Topics / Windshield Wipers