Table of Contents
How do you diagnose a bad windshield wiper motor?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Windshield Wiper Motor
- Wiper blades move slower than programmed.
- Wiper blades only have one speed.
- Wiper blades don’t move.
- Wiper blades don’t park in the correct position.
Why do my windshield wipers only work sometimes?
This is usually caused by the wiper motor not getting the power that it needs due to a bad relay. In most cases, a professional mechanic will replace the intermittent wiper relay and the controls at the same time to ensure all of the supporting connections work smoothly together.
How does an intermittent wiper motor work?
Most wipers have a low and a high speed, as well as an intermittent setting. When the wipers are on low and high speed, the motor runs continuously. But in the intermittent setting, the wipers stop momentarily between each wipe. It can require almost constant attention to keep the wipers operating properly.
How do you fix an intermittent wiper relay?
Part 1 of 1: Replacing your intermittent wiper relay
- Materials Needed.
- Step 1: Locate your relay. Many late model vehicles can have multiple locations for fuses and relays.
- Step 2: Remove the relay. With the ignition in the off position, remove the relay.
- Step 3: Install the new relay.
What happens when a wiper relay goes bad?
When the relay is faulty, the windshield wipers will only work at the same speed that the last relay signal was sent. If you make a change in the settings and the wipers don’t react, it’s most likely due to a malfunction in the intermittent wiper relay.
What causes windshield wiper motor failure?
If your windshield wipers are moving slower than normal, then you may have dirt or other debris stuck somewhere. This can cause the windshield wiper motor to move slowly, and even work harder than it has to. All this work will eventually cause the motor to give out.
How do I reset my windshield wiper motor?
Use a socket wrench to remove the nut located at the center of the wiper motor. This nut connects the arm linkage to the motor. Turn the wipers on, then back off, so the motor completes a full cycle and returns to the correct park position.
What causes intermittent wipers to stop working?
How do you test a wiper motor relay?
If no continuity, as the solenoid is powered, then the relay is bad. If you suspect the switch, simply turn the switch “on” and check for 12 volts from the switch output to any body ground. If 12 volts are not measured, then the switch is bad.
Why does my windshield wiper keep working intermittently?
If the problem is not in the switch, then there could be a bad relay in the circuit (if so equipped), loose fuse, bad ground, and/or the motor could have a bad (intermittent) connection on the armature. Also, of course, you could have a combination of these electrical faults.
Why is my wiper blade motor not working?
Similar to the issue above, if you notice that your wiper blades are operating at a different speed or intermittent setting than you selected, it’s a good indication that the relay is damaged and needs to be replaced. This is also a symptom that you don’t want to avoid as it may cause the wiper blade motor to overheat and break prematurely.
What are the symptoms of a bad intermittent wiper relay?
1. The windshield wiper blades have one speed 2. The windshield wiper blades don’t work 3. Wiper blades operate at speeds different than you selected 4. Humming noise when the wipers are on
When do you need to speed up your windshield wipers?
Whether you’re driving in a torrential downpour or simply need to clear those bugs off the windshield, having the ability to slow down or speed up your windshield wipers comes in quite handy.