We have noticed a lot of vehicles coming in with windshield wiper problems.
A wide range of issues can affect this area – from windshield wipers that need to be replaced to deeper concerns.
To maintain visibility, it’s important to have these concerns addressed early on – especially with the long nights of winter and the inclement weather this season may bring.
What can cause windshield wiper problems?
Many items can be culprits behind windshield wiper problems. These components include:
- Windshield washer fluid
- Windshield wipers
- Fuses
- Windshield wiper arm
- Windshield washer nozzles
- Switch control
- Windshield washer pump
- Control module
- Windshield wiper motor
- Hoses
- Windshield wiper transmission
Why aren’t the windshield wipers clearing my windshield?
When driving along one day, you might go to clear the windshield of smudges but little or no windshield washer fluid comes out. Maybe the reservoir needs to be refilled, or there could be a leak.
Another factor to keep in mind is the temperature protection level of the fluid. If it doesn’t have a good temperature protection level, the windshield washer fluid can freeze in the reservoir and pump.
Are your windshield wipers leaving streaks when they swipe across the windshield? Has an auto repair shop told you that one or multiple wiper blades are torn? It’s probably time for new windshield wipers.
When the wiper blades become worn, it may lead to squeaking or chattering sounds.
A chattering noise could also indicate that the windshield wiper arms aren’t using the right kind of pressure.
Why isn’t windshield washer fluid spraying out?
If no washer fluid is being released and you know there’s plenty of fluid in the system, the problem may lie with the windshield washer nozzles. They can get clogged or break.
A bad windshield washer pump is another potential reason why the windshield washer fluid might not be making it to the windshield.
We recommended a new pump for a Hyundai Santa Fe. The washers weren’t working and the technician couldn’t hear the motor running.
Why aren’t my windshield wipers working?
Sometimes, there’s a problem with the windshield wiper motor. This could prevent the windshield wipers from moving when you turn them on or spray washer fluid.
The motor broke on a Mitsubishi Eclipse and needed to be replaced.
It’s also possible that something is wrong with the windshield wiper transmission or multiple parts.
This was the case with a Lincoln Town Car, where the wipers only worked for one cycle, and a Chevrolet Malibu that had inoperable windshield wipers. After making sure the fuses and relays were working on the Malibu, we found that the transmission had fallen off of the motor.
Both the Lincoln Town Car and Chevrolet Malibu needed a new wiper transmission and wiper motor.
If you’re hearing a clunking when the wipers are moving, it could be the wiper transmission linkage assembly.
How do we solve windshield wiper problems?
Diagnostic testing for windshield wiper problems begins with checking the signal from the switch to the motor.
If the function of the switch works, we will make sure we’re getting continuity from the fuse panel. Our technicians also confirm that no fuses are blown.
From there, we will test to the motor. Once we get to the motor, we can test voltage, amperage and basic linkage.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.