How Can You Troubleshoot Faulty Windscreen Wipers?
When it comes to the number of vital parts on any automobile, you may think about your braking systems to slow the vehicle down or radiators and thermostats to stop the engine from boiling. Yet there is one relatively simple part that can certainly stop you in your tracks if it happens to be raining. So what should you do if you're encountering issues with your windscreen wipers?
Down to Basics
The windscreen wipers themselves rely on mechanical action. The arms have to be connected to a set of cogs that receive power from a motor. In most cases, issues in this area can be traced back to the motor itself for a number of reasons.
Issues with Power
For example, you may be dealing with something as simple as a blown fuse or a bad relay. The relay receives a signal from the stalk and is supposed to supply power to the motor. However, it can sometimes fail and may need to be replaced. Alternatively, the switch or control module may have given up the ghost, while one or more wires may have frayed or broken.
Dirty Assembly
Sometimes, dirt can penetrate the assembly. This may build up as time goes by, especially when you consider that the wiper blades, arms, and associated mechanisms are in a very harsh environment. When dirt gets into the unit, it may cause the motor to slow down or stop altogether.
Breaking Gears
Inside the motor are a number of gears designed to allow the blades to move at varying speeds. Some of these interior parts are made from plastic, and it's not unheard of for them to break for no apparent reason.
Inconsistent Speed
The first sign of an issue may be wipers that cannot change speed. Alternatively, they may move very slowly across the screen, sometimes halting in the middle. This may be due to a low level of current in the wiring system or again, due to a buildup of dirt across the mechanical parts.
Poor Parking
Occasionally, the wipers will work when called upon to do so but may not park in the correct position. This is particularly annoying if they are in the driver's field of view, possibly due to a faulty parking switch. However, it could also be a sign of a much larger problem involving the central ECU.
Taking Action
So, if your level of frustration is growing as your windscreen wipers work intermittently or not at all, you need to take action. Take the vehicle into an auto electrics repair shop and they'll carry out certain tests to diagnose the issue.
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