How To Reset Windshield Wipers (3 Simple Fixes), by Mystery Mechanic on YouTube. 3 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on a flat surface and switch off the engine. Note where the wiper arms sit now so you can compare after each fix.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal with a wrench. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes so the body control module fully powers down.
Reconnect the negative terminal and turn the ignition on. Run the wipers through a full cycle to see if they park correctly.
If that fails, open the fuse box under the hood or dash and find the wiper fuse using the diagram on the lid or in your owner's manual.
Pull the wiper fuse and check the wire inside. A typical wiper fuse is 20 to 30 amps, but confirm the exact rating on the fuse box diagram.
Replace a blown fuse with one of the same amperage, then test the wipers again.
For the arm reset, switch off the wipers and lift the base cap off each wiper arm to expose the nut on the shaft.
Remove the nut, lift the arm off the splined shaft, and set it back on in the correct rest position at the bottom of the windshield.
Tighten the nut firmly, refit the cap, and run the wipers through a full cycle to confirm they park in the right spot.
Tips and common mistakes
Always try the battery reset first, since it costs nothing and fixes many newer cars with body control modules.
Match the fuse amperage exactly. A higher-rated fuse can let a short circuit damage the wiring.
Mark the old arm position with tape before removing it so you can see how far off it was.
If all three fixes fail, the park switch inside the motor, the wiper relay or the linkage is likely worn and needs a mechanic.
Questions
Why do my wipers stop in the middle of the windshield?
The wiper motor has lost its park position signal, or the arms have slipped on their shafts. A battery power cycle or an arm reset usually fixes it.
Will disconnecting the battery reset my wipers?
On many newer cars, yes. The body control module relearns the rest position after a full power cycle of about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I drive with wipers stuck halfway up?
Only if you can see clearly and it is not raining. A wiper stuck in your view is a safety risk, so fix it before driving in wet weather.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
