Windshield wiper motor. Windshield wipers are among the usual accessories of a vehicle and are an integral part of the car.
Windshield wipers are a simple but important part of a car and help the driver see as clearly as possible in rainy and snowy weather, and they even remove dirt and debris from the windshield to maintain a clear view of the road, which is an important condition for safe driving.
Signs of a Bad Windshield Wiper Motor
Here are a number of symptoms you can look for that can help you know exactly when and why you should consult a mechanic.
1. The Wipers Do Not Move at All
If you turn on the wiper and the wipers do not work at all, it is possible that your wiper motors are not getting any power. This is likely a problem with the wiper relay, but in rare cases, the wiper motors themselves may fail, so you will need to consult a mechanic to have them replaced.
If the issue is with the relay or wiring, you will save the cost of replacing the motors. But if the wiring and relay do not seem to be the problem, you will unfortunately have to pay the cost for new wiper motors.
2. The Wipers Operate Slower Than They Normally Would
If you see that your wiper is operating slower, meaning not at the speed it used to, thick dirt or deposits may be stuck somewhere in the moving part of the motors, causing the motors to slow down due to increased friction. In this case, you should have it checked and cleaned by a good mechanic.
The motors need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned to free the motor. This would mean that your wiper module has not completely failed and can be repaired by a certified mechanic.
3. The Wipers Operate at Only One Speed
If you turn on the wiper motors and set them to different speeds, you may notice that there is no speed difference between the settings; that is, the slowest speed is exactly the same as the fastest speed. If this is the case, it is highly likely that the intermittent relay of your wiper system, not the motor, is faulty, since the motors themselves are still working.
In this case, your problem will not be as costly as replacing the motors, as your mechanic will accurately diagnose the issue and replace the intermittent relay, restoring the different operating speeds of your wiper module.
4. The Wipers Operate Abnormally
A wiper is programmed to operate in a repetitive up-and-down motion. If your wipers get stuck in the middle or do not start immediately, this could indicate faulty wiring or a bad relay. In the worst case, it could also be a faulty motor.
In such cases, it may be difficult for a person without proper knowledge to diagnose the problem correctly and accurately, and an inspection by a certified mechanic is essential to avoid replacing a component that is not actually faulty.
5. The Wipers Do Not Stop at Their Designated Spot or Do Not Stop Without Returning to the “Rest” Point.
Wiper motors are programmed to return to their rest point after stopping, that is, at the bottom of the windshield, one above the other. This is crucial, as the wiper blades should not rest anywhere in the middle of the windshield, as this could impair visibility.
If the wipers do not return to their starting point, this could indicate misaligned arms if they were recently replaced. If they have not been replaced and you are still experiencing this issue, the problem could very well be related to the motors.
Unfortunately, every component or part of a vehicle fails at one time or another, due to excessive use, unexpected damage, or excessive wear. Windshield wipers may not work properly for a number of reasons. Sometimes, only the wiper blades are damaged, which is not difficult to replace. If your wipers are working fine but the system still does not function as it should, or if you think it is due to the motor, you will need to consult a mechanic and have your wiper system checked.
Solutions
Usually, an ordinary person is not able to diagnose and solve motor-related problems on their own, as they do not have the right tools and relevant information to perform a repair or replacement. But replacing damaged wiper arms and blades can be done with little knowledge, as the owner does not have to disassemble anything.
However, with faulty motors, a certified mechanic should be consulted to accurately diagnose and locate the problem.
Self-diagnosis should start by checking the fuses, as often only faulty fuses and relays can be replaced by the owner themselves.
Relays can be diagnosed by the clicking sound they make when powered on, indicating that the internal magnetic circuit is working as desired….