Got a car or truck with one windshield wiper not working? Maybe snow or ice is on the windshield and one wiper isn’t moving. This post explains why this happens and how to fix it yourself.
Steps to Fix One Windshield Wiper Not Working
Steps to take if one windshield wiper stopped working
- Cycle the Wiper Arm to the Park Position
Before shutting the car off, cycle the wiper arm to the park position to make sure the transmission is in the park position
- Mark the Position of the Wiper Blades with Tape
Mark the position of the wiper blades on the windshield with a piece of painter’s tape
- Remove the Cover from the Wiper Arm
With the hood up, remove the cover from the wiper arm with a flat blade screwdriver
- Turn the Wiper Arm to See If There Is a Broken Motor or Loose Bolt
To see whether there is a broken motor or the bolt is loose, turn the wiper arm back and forth. If the nut stays in position, the wiper arm has loosened up. Sometimes you need to remove the wiper arm and clean the threads, and sometimes you can just tighten the bolt.
- Check the Condition of the Wiper Arm
Remove the nut with a socket and ratchet. Disconnect the washer hose. Pull the wiper arm up and off. If the threads are too worn down, you may need to replace the wiper arm.
- Clean the Threads
If the threads have debris, clean them with a 90-degree hook pick
- Check the Threads on the Wiper Transmission
Check the grooves on the wiper transmission. If the threads are too worn down, you may need to replace the wiper transmission.
- Clean the Threads
If the threads have debris, clean them with a 90-degree hook pick
- Reinstall the Wiper Arm Once Clean
When reinstalling, align the wiper blade with the tape on the windshield. Tighten the bolt to the wiper arm and replace the cover.
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