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Fix a car wiper that will not wipe

We'll check the wiper fuse, relay, motor, and linkage—or tell you when to call a mechanic.

Troubleshooting · Home appliances
15–45 min
What you'll need
  • Fuse puller or needle-nose pliers
  • Replacement fuse (same amperage as original)
  • Replacement wiper blades (if streaking)
  • Wiring diagram or service manual (optional)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, rule out fuse and relay, then isolate the linkage or motor fault.

  • Turn the ignition to accessory or run. Turn the wiper switch to low, then high.
  • Good: No movement at any speed—wiper fault. Proceed to Check fuse and relay.
  • Bad: Wipers move—if they streak, replace the blades.

Check fuse and relay

Goal: Rule out a blown fuse or failed relay.

  • Locate the wiper fuse in the fuse box. Pull and inspect it. Replace if blown with the same amperage.
  • If the fuse blows again when you turn the wipers on, a short exists—call a mechanic.
  • Swap the wiper relay with a same-size relay from another circuit. Turn the wipers on. If the wipers work with the swapped relay, replace the original relay.
  • Good: Fuse and relay are good. Proceed to Motor and linkage.
  • Bad: Fuse blows again—call a mechanic.

Motor and linkage

Goal: Check the wiper linkage and motor.

  • Inspect the linkage under the cowl. Look for broken or disconnected rods. If the linkage is broken, call a mechanic.
  • Locate the wiper motor under the cowl. Disconnect the connector. Apply 12V and ground to the motor terminals (check a wiring diagram). If the motor runs with direct power, the fault is wiring, relay, or switch—call a mechanic. If it does not run, replace the wiper motor.
  • Good: You found and fixed the fault—replaced motor or linkage.
  • Bad: Motor runs with direct power but not with the switch—call a mechanic.

When to get help

Call a mechanic if:

  • The wiper fuse blows again when you turn the wipers on.
  • The wiper linkage is broken.
  • The wiper motor runs with direct power but not with the switch (wiring or switch fault).
  • You are not comfortable working under the cowl.

Verification

  • The wipers move at all speed settings when the switch is on.
  • No blown fuse or failed relay.
  • The wiper linkage is intact and connected.
  • The wiper motor runs when the switch is on.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the wipers do not move at any speed setting.
  2. Fuse and relay Check and replace the wiper fuse; swap the relay to test.
  3. Linkage Inspect the wiper linkage for breaks or disconnection.
  4. Wiper motor Test the motor with direct power; replace if failed.
  5. Call a pro Fuse blows again, motor or linkage damaged—call a mechanic.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether the wipers work on any speed
  • Fuse and relay test results
  • Linkage condition
  • Wiper motor test result
  • Steps already tried

Do the wipers move at any speed?

Turn the wiper switch to low, then high. Check all settings.

Turn the ignition to accessory or run. Turn the wiper switch to low, then high. Good: no movement at any speed—wiper fault. Bad: wipers move—if they streak, replace blades.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

No action needed or replace blades

The wipers move. If they streak, replace the wiper blades. No further action for motor.

Done

Is the wiper fuse good?

A blown fuse stops power to the wiper motor. Check the fuse box.

Locate the wiper fuse in the fuse box. Pull and inspect it. A blown fuse has a broken wire inside. Replace with the same amperage. If it blows again when you turn the wipers on, a short exists—call a mechanic. Good: fuse intact or replaced. Blows again: call a mechanic.

Yes No (blown)

You can change your answer later.

Replace fuse and test

Replace the wiper fuse with the same amperage. Turn the wipers on. If it blows again, a short exists—call a mechanic. If it holds, the wipers should work.

Done

Do the wipers work with a swapped relay?

Swap the wiper relay with a same-size relay from another circuit to test.

Swap the wiper relay with a same-size relay (e.g. horn or headlights). Turn the wipers on. Works: original relay failed—replace it. Still no work: proceed to linkage and motor.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace relay and test

Replace the wiper relay with a matching part. The wipers should work.

Done

Is the wiper linkage intact?

A broken or disconnected linkage can stop the arms from moving.

Inspect the wiper linkage under the cowl. Check for broken or disconnected rods. If the linkage is broken, replace it or call a mechanic. Intact: proceed to motor test. Broken: call a mechanic.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Does the wiper motor run with direct power?

Test the motor with 12V and ground to isolate a motor fault.

Locate the wiper motor under the cowl. Disconnect the connector. Apply 12V and ground to the motor terminals (check a wiring diagram). Runs: fault is wiring, relay, or switch—call a mechanic. Does not run: motor failed—replace the wiper motor.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace wiper motor

Replace the wiper motor with a matching part. The wipers should work. Call a mechanic if access is difficult.

Done

Call a mechanic

The motor runs with direct power but not with the switch—wiring, relay, or switch fault. Or the linkage is broken. Call a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a car wiper not wipe?
Common causes: blown wiper fuse, failed wiper relay, failed wiper motor, or broken linkage. Check the fuse and relay first, then the motor and linkage.
Can I fix a car wiper that will not wipe myself?
Yes, for fuse and relay replacement and wiper blade replacement. Wiper motor and linkage repairs often need basic tools; call a mechanic if you are not comfortable.
When should I call a mechanic for a car wiper that will not wipe?
Call a mechanic if the wiper fuse blows again when you turn the wipers on, the motor or linkage is damaged, or you are not comfortable working under the cowl.

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