Windshield Wipers Not Working

I am sure that the importance of car windshield wipers need not be explained to anybody who has driven a car in stormy weather. If the windshield visibility is compromised because of wipers not working properly, it is imperative that you get them fixed as soon as possible. Personally, I remember a nightmarish situation when my car's windshield wipers stopped working while I was driving in the rain. It was extremely hazardous and unsafe.

The wiper's oscillatory motion is achieved through a worm gear mechanism connected to an electrical motor. The oscillatory, back and forth motion, is made possible because of this worm gear and an electrical switching mechanism. The reasons for dysfunctional wipers are of two types: mechanical or electrical. One needs to check for both cases.

Things to Check

To troubleshoot wiper problems, you need to thoroughly investigate problems with any of its operating parts. Here are some of the things that you need to check.

Check Wiper Motor
The motor is the driving force of the wiper. Feel the motor and listen to a humming sound. If there is no humming, the motor is the problem. Check if the motor is working properly and see to it that its electrical connections are made properly. If you find that the motor is dead and beyond repair, get it replaced immediately.

Check For Break in Connecting Wires
The connecting wires of the motor sometimes go loose and that may cause the wipers to stop working. Also check the battery plug connection which the motor has. Connecting the loose wires properly or fixing/replacing the plug might solve your problem.

Wiper Switch
Another wiper assembly part that can malfunction is the wiper switch itself. Check for switch malfunction and if you find that is indeed the problem, get it replaced from a mechanic.

Bent Wiper Arms
Bent wiper arms can cause the operation of the wipers to be hampered. If the wiper arms are bent beyond repair, get them replaced immediately.

Blown Out Car Fuse
A blown up car fuse could be the culprit that has stopped the wipers from working. Check the fuse assembly under the dashboard of the car. Replacing a blown fuse might fix your problem.

Sprayers Not Working - Things to Check

Sometimes the wiper's sprayer stops working which can be very annoying. The washer mechanism is a self cleaning mechanism for the windshield. Here are some of the things that you need to check in case it is not working.

Washer Motor
The windshield washer mechanism might have been impaired due to the malfunctioning of the wiper washer motor. Check if it's working and get it replaced if it is beyond repair.

Check Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Sometimes the washer doesn't work because the washer fluid levels are not filled to requisite levels. Filling in fluid might restore normal functioning.

Broken Washer Hose
The connecting washer hose that connects the reservoir to the nozzle, might be broken or worn out stalling the overall operation. Check the hose for leaks and get it replaced.

Clogged Washer Nozzle
Last thing to check is the nozzle of the washer for clogging. An obstruction in the washer nozzle might be the reason for sprayers not working. Using a pin, clean the clogged nozzle. This might restore the sprayer to the normal working condition.

These were some simple ways in which you can fix the problem. All it takes is a bit of mechanical and electrical investigative work to figure out the problem source.