Why is my windshield wiper arm not moving?

There are a few common reasons why your windshield wiper arm may not be moving properly:

The wiper motor is not working

The wiper motor is the mechanism that powers and moves your windshield wipers. If it is not functioning, it will prevent the wiper arms from moving. Some signs of a bad wiper motor include:

• Wipers not moving at all when turned on
• Wipers moving slowly or intermittently
• Burning rubber smell from the motor
• High pitched grinding or squealing noise

If you suspect the wiper motor is the culprit, you will likely need to replace it to get your wipers moving again. Wiper motors can fail due to normal wear and tear over time.

Testing the wiper motor

You can test to see if the wiper motor is working properly in a few ways:

• Turn on the wipers to see if they move at all
• Tap or wiggle the wiper arm while turned on to see if it activates the motor
• Apply direct power to the motor by touching positive and negative wires to the motor terminals

If the wipers still do not activate, it points to a bad motor that needs replacement.

Seized wiper linkage

The wiper linkage connects the wiper motor to the wiper arms and enables their back and forth motion. If the linkage seizes up or binds, it can stop the wiper arms from moving properly.

Signs of a seized wiper linkage include:

• Wiper arms stuck in one position
• Arms not moving smoothly through their full range of motion
• Scraping or squeaking noises coming from wiper area

Trying to move the wiper arms manually and feeling significant resistance would indicate a seized linkage. The linkage may need lubrication or replacement to get it moving freely again.

Lubricating the wiper linkage

You can try lubricating the wiper linkage first before replacing it. This includes:

• Lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield
• Spraying a lubricant like WD-40 on the linkage joints
• Manually moving the wipers fully back and forth
• Retesting to see if movement improved

If the arms still do not move smoothly, then the linkage may need to be replaced.

Broken or disconnected wiper arm

If your wiper arm comes loose or breaks at the hinge where it connects to the wiper motor, it will be unable to move across the windshield properly. Signs include:

• A loose or floppy wiper arm
• Wiper arm detached from the car
• Cracks or damage on the wiper arm near the pivot hinge

Trying to move the wiper arm manually and finding it completely detached would indicate a broken connection point. This would require replacement of the wiper arm.

Reconnecting a disconnected wiper arm

If the wiper arm just popped out of place but did not break, you may be able to reconnect it. This involves:

• Matching the hole on the wiper arm to the post on the wiper motor
• Seating the arm back over the post
• Reinstalling the locking clip or nut to secure the arm
• Checking that the arm can move freely without detachment

Faulty wiper switch or relay

Electrical issues with the switch or relay that controls your wipers can also prevent the wiper arms from operating. Faulty components that don’t properly send power to the wiper motor will stop motion.

Signs of a bad wiper switch or relay include:

• No noise from the motor when wipers are turned on
• Intermittent or chattering wiper function
• Being able to sometimes get the wipers to work by toggling the switch

Electrical testing of the switch, relay, power and ground connections would be needed to pinpoint the specific faulty part. It would then need to be replaced.

Testing the wiper switch

To test if the switch is functioning properly:

• Turn the switch to different settings while listening for a click
• Check for power going to the motor when switched on
• Ground the terminals manually to activate the wipers

If no click or power is detected, the switch should be replaced.

Bent or restricted wiper arms

If your wiper arms get bent out of shape or obstructed in some way, it can prevent them from moving properly across the windshield.

Some signs of bent or restricted wiper arms:

• Arms not making full contact with windshield
• Wipers only clearing part of the windshield
• Visual bend in the wiper arm shape
• Arms getting caught or tangled on objects like a hood opening

Trying to move the arms manually and feeling restrictions or reduced range of motion indicates a problem. The arms would need to be straightened out or replaced to restore full motion.

Fixing bent wiper arms

To fix mildly bent wiper arms:

• Remove the arms from the car
• Use pliers to gently straighten the arm back into shape
• Test the motion manually before reinstalling

Severely damaged arms will need complete replacement.

Foreign object interference

Sometimes debris, objects, or accumulated ice/snow can physically obstruct the wiper arms from moving across the windshield. Things like leaves, packing material, or fabric getting lodged near the wiper pivot could cause interference.

Signs of foreign object interference include:

• Seeing a visible object stuck in the wiper area
• Being unable to move the wipers manually
• Noticing a reduction in wiper movement since debris built up

Carefully clearing off any stuck debris or removing obstructions should restore normal wiper function.

Cleaning wiper arms and windshield

To clear wiper interference you can:

• Wipe off the wiper arms and windshield area
• Use a deicing product if frozen ice is blocking the wipers
• Remove any stuck leaves, packaging, or fabric debris
• Clear out snow buildup restricting wiper arm movement

Loose or worn out wiper blades

If your wiper blades themselves become loose fitting or excessively worn, it can affect how well the wiper arms move across the windshield.

Signs that worn wiper blades are causing poor arm movement include:

• Streaking and chatter marks left on the windshield
• Wiper arms lifting off the windshield when on
• Blades not making full contact with the windshield
• Squeaking noise when operating

Inspecting the blades and finding cracked rubber, clumping, or striping indicates they need replacement. Installing fresh wiper blades should restore proper contact and movement.

Replacing worn wiper blades

When replacing old wiper blades:

• Lift the wiper arm off the windshield
• Press the blade release tab and slide out the old blade
• Slide in the new replacement blade until it clicks in place
• Test that the blade sits flush and firm on the arm

Issues in specific wiper designs

Some more complex wiper systems on certain vehicle makes and models also have additional components that could malfunction and restrict wiper arm movement.

Mercedes-Benz wipers

On Mercedes-Benz vehicles, faulty operation of the windshield wiper gear drive shaft actuator motor can cause wiper issues. Replacing this motor may be needed to resolve wipers not moving.

BMW dual pivot arm wipers

BMW wipers use a dual pivot arm design. Problems with the pivot joints or support bridges can seize up the arms. Lubricating or replacing critical components may help get the more complex wipers moving properly.

Cadillac XLR hidaway wipers

The hidaway wipers on Cadillac XLR retract below the hood when not in use. Issues with the hidaway motor or mechanism could prevent the wiper arms from deploying to clear the windshield.

Conclusion

Windshield wipers not moving properly can have many roots causes:

• Failed wiper motor
• Seized wiper linkage
• Broken wiper arm
• Bad wiper switch or relay
• Bent or obstructed arms
• Debris interference
• Worn wiper blades
• Make/model-specific component failure

Carefully inspecting the wiper assembly and electrical connections can help narrow down the issue. Replacing any damaged or non-functional components is key to get your windshield wipers sweeping properly again.