If you have a problem with the wiper motor park position not returning to the resting position, it shows something wrong has developed within the windshield wiper system.
Possible causes include a weak wiper motor, a dirty windshield, damaged wiper transmission, incorrect wiper installation, etc.
This article will examine the causes of windshield wiper not returning to home position. Besides, we will also discuss fixes of this problem and provide answers to some related questions.
How Do Windshield Wipers Work?
While the design varies depending on your vehicle’s make and model, most systems function the same. Older vehicles without intermittent wiper function simply have a gearbox and motor, which are wired to the wiper switch.
The motor will have a “park switch” that remains closed after the main switch is turned off until the wipers are at their park position.
In some vehicles, the headlights also turn on whenever the wipers are on because the headlights are supposed to be on whenever it’s raining according to the traffic laws in many states.
What causes Windshield Wipers Not to Return Rest Position?
When your front or rear wiper stops in middle of window and does not return to the rest position, it may be electrical problems, dirt, or installation issues.
Once faced with this issue, first find the cause of the problem. Some causes of the windshield wipers stuck in the up position include the following:
#1. Weak wiper motor.
The wiper motor powers the wiper system in your vehicle. It is responsible for the wiper arm and blade movement.
It is possible that the wiper motor get damaged or wears down. As it begins to fail, the wiper movement will be disrupted, starting with a slow motion and eventually stopping.
#2. Dirty windshield.
Dirt and debris could easily get into the wiper system, causing the wiper to get stuck in a particular position. Dirt on the windshield is the most common cause of windshield wipers not coming to rest position.
Once dirt accumulates, it makes it difficult for the wiper to move correctly and you will hear a squeaky noise.
In most cases, dirt gets stuck in the blades, causing increased friction between the windshield and the wiper. Eventually, the wiper could get stuck in one position.
#3. Wrongly installed wiper.
You may have poorly installed windshield wiper, causing it to act up and seize. If you have replaced parts like the wiper’s motor, transmission, or relay and the windshield wipers not working properly, you may have an alignment issue.
#4. Damaged wiper arms or blades.
The arm of the wiper is responsible for holding the wiper blades in place. As the motor moves the wiper, the arms ensure it stays in place and is properly aligned. If the wiper arm is worn out, it will no longer be aligned and may not return to its resting position.
#5. Failing intermittent wiper relay.
The intermittent wiper relay is responsible for controlling the speed of the windshield wiper. It can do this by sending a series of signals to the wiper module, which uses it to control the wiper motor.
When the intermittent wiper relay is damaged, it could affect its speed and cause windshield wipers misaligned.
#6. Damaged wiper transmission.
The wiper transmission has to transfer power from the wiper motor to the wiper’s arm. If the transmission fails, you will have a less aligned wiper movement.
In cases like this, you might have a stuck wiper; now, the wipers do not return to rest position. The wiper could be stuck in that position even when the wiper is activated.
Diagnostic Steps
A systematic approach to diagnosis will help pinpoint the root cause of the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the wiper blades, arms, and linkage for any obvious signs of damage, obstruction, or disconnection. Check for loose connections or corrosion.
- Fuse Check: Locate the fuse for the windshield wipers in the fuse box (refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual). Inspect the fuse for any signs of damage. Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage if it’s blown.
- Wiper Switch Test: Test the wiper switch by cycling through all the speed settings. If the wipers operate erratically or not at all in certain positions, the switch may be faulty.
- Linkage Examination: Carefully examine the wiper linkage for stiffness or binding. Try manually moving the linkage arms to see if they move freely. Lubricate the joints with a silicone-based lubricant if they are stiff.
- Motor Testing: Testing the wiper motor directly requires some electrical knowledge. Using a multimeter, check for voltage at the motor connector when the wiper switch is activated. If there’s no voltage, the problem lies upstream (wiring, switch, or fuse). If there is voltage, the motor may be faulty.
- Parking Switch Assessment: The parking switch is usually integrated within the wiper motor. If you suspect a faulty parking switch, you may need to replace the entire wiper motor assembly. This usually requires removing the wiper motor from the vehicle.
What to do if Windshield Wipers do Not Return to Rest Position?
Fix your jammed wipers in minutes by following the step-by-step procedure.
#1. Clean the windshield.
One of the most common reasons behind windshield wiper not returning rest position is dust and debris.
The micro dust particles on the windshield glass get collected on wiper pads. Whenever you run the wipers, they get jammed at a certain position. So, clean the windshield so that the debris is removed if there is any.
#2. Take away the driver-side wiper.
Next, what you have to do is to open the hood of the car. To do that, open the driving seat door. Now look for the latch underneath the steering wheel, pull it carefully. It’s so easy to recognize the latch as it has an image of the hood.
When you successfully open the hood, it’s time to remove the driver-side wiper. For that purpose, you will require a screwdriver using which you can detach the wiper.
Gently, pull it off and set it aside. Now, check the wiper for any faults. The replacement would be required in case of any fault.
#3. Pull off the foam stripe And plastic cap.
You can get back the wiper to its resting position by reaching the transmission. Reaching the transmission is easy by removing a few of the equipment.
Firstly, you have to remove the foam, which is placed inside the driver-side wiper (that you removed earlier). Remember, you do not have to remove the entire foam.
Take the partial foam out only. Now, slowly and carefully pull away from the plastic caps thereafter remove the plastic cover partially. Here, you will be able to see the transmission.
#4. Locate the transmission.
So, you have reached the transmission! You are almost done with the task to fix the windshield wipers not returning rest position.
Just locate the transmission in the parallel position which will help to place the wipers in symmetry. Turn on the car and run the wiper until they come to their resting position. Once the wipers are in the rest position, turn off the engine.
The next and last step involves hitting the tab. So, grab a flathead screwdriver and a hammer to get things done.
Pliers would work too. Make sure that you hit the tab until it gets to the point where the transmission locks it.
Now, test the wipers whether they are repaired or not. If it’s working well and setting back to rest after turning it off, you are good to go. But, if it’s still sticking to some position, keep on moving the tab until it’s done.
In the end, place everything back collectively.
FAQs.
Q: Why do my wiper blades stop in the up position?
When you find your wipers getting stuck in an upright position, you should try to check the metal tab that your car’s wiper transmission needs to catch on.
Once the small metal tab gets bent, it stays out of place and causes the wipers to remain stuck at varying positions. Nevertheless, you have to get it fixed to ensure your car’s wipers start functioning right.
It would help if you access the wiper transmission, and you can get started by getting the car’s hood opened.
Then, remove all those things you find covering the wiper transmission. Continue by using a harmer and a flathead screwdriver to get the small tab knocked into place.
Q: How do I get my wiper’s park position to reset?
Incorrect calibration of your windshield’s wiper position would cause the blades to have a wrong orientation, making them stop even in the middle of your windshield.
Such action may be attributed to the wipers loosening up after some time or due to stress from clearing ice films or other particles.
If you notice that your wiper motor won’t return to the park, you have to push the windshield’s wiper linkage to the motor. You have to get the hood opened and remove the plastic cover below the windshield to access the wiper blade connection.
Q: How do I fix my windshield wiper alignment?
There are often lines on the windscreen of most cars that tells where the wipers should park.
If you find your windshield wipers not resting at that point, there may be a need for a realignment. Start by getting the hood opened and remove the wiper arm at the lower area of the windscreen.
As you unscrew the wiper arm, position it at the right point – the line you find. Then, screw the wiper arm back and test the wiper by turning the knob on and off to see where it lies. Hopefully, the wipers should be in the correct position.
Q: How can I reduce the speed of my wiper motor?
An increased wiper speed can cause some visual fatigue, even though they may come in handy on a rainy day. However, you can quickly reduce the speed, which would help ensure a clear vision and reduce the wipers’ workload.
The speed gets reduced by moving the wiper speed up or down. This knob is present on the wiper’s lever. Remember, the need to change wiper blades depends on frequent use. Hence, a reduced speed would lessen the wear on the rubber blades.
Q: Why are my windshield wipers dragging?
When you find your windshield wipers dragging across the glass, it may be due to the rubber blades’ dryness. In essence, there is no much lubrication that makes them move freely, and applying some water would work right.
Thus, the washer fluid can also help make the windshield wet and cause the wipers to move with much ease.
However, you can purchase a suitable lubricant and apply some on the windshield wiper. These lubricants are available in various auto stores. You would need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use them on the rubber blade.
Final Words
Your windshield wiper can develop a fault like any other vehicle system. It consists of the wiper motor, relay, transmitter, and module. Once one of these components fails, you can have a wiper that will not return to the rest position.