Windshield wipers move slow and get stuck

My windshield wipers started moving really slowly while it's raining. I didn't think about it for a while because it's been dry, but today I tried to turn them on with a dry windshield, and they got stuck in the middle – just partially up. When I lifted the blades from the windshield, they ran, but still very slowly. What would cause this?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
A few different items can cause the windshield wipers to work slow. The most common causes are the windshield motor beginning to fail, poor electrical connection at the windshield motor, or high resistance at the wiper motor. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose your window issue and perform any repairs required.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

When windshield wipers are slow, it may be caused by a problem with the wiper motor. Sometimes the mechanical components inside the motor are clogged and it can impact the motor speed. If you experience this, you should contact a garage as soon as possible.
The most likely cause is a burnt-out windshield wiper fuse in your vehicle`s fuse box. Locate the fuse and replace it with a functioning one, and your wipers should work again. If the problem isn`t the fuse, it could be your windshield wiper`s transmission. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it inspected.
There are two moving parts in the wiper, that is the wiper motor and the wiper transmission. If you hear a clicking sound it could mean that the motor is trying to move a locked transmission or jammed motor gear. The gear could have been stripped off its teeth and is causing a clicking sound while rotating.
A control signal is produced by digitally processing the pulse signal. The control signal is applied to a wiper driver circuit to adjust the operational speed or timing in accordance with the control signal.
Common signs include the wiper blades only working on one speed or a different speed than you selected, not working at all, and making humming noises.
Windshield wipers are powered by a small electric motor, usually mounted on the firewall or under the cowl (the area under the windshield`s base). The motor activates linkage that moves the wiper arms back and forth.
When adjusting the windscreen wipers, you must twist the wiper blades over the wiper arm. Be very careful when doing this because the material is flexible and can easily break if too much force is applied or it`s twisted too much. Therefore, always adjust the angle in small steps only.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Windshield wipers move slow and get stuck
ANSWER : A few different items can cause the windshield wipers to work slow. The most common causes are the windshield motor beginning to fail, poor electrical connection at the windshield motor, or high resistance at the wiper motor. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose your window issue and perform any repairs required.

my rear windshield wipers move very slow and sometimes even stop. I am sure they could never move snow
ANSWER : When wipers move slowly or not at all, that can indicate a couple of things. The wiper motor may have failed. It could be damaged internally or simply worn, not producing enough power to even move the wiper correctly. Also, loose or damages linkage between the wiper motor and wiper arm can be at fault. There can also be an electrical issue that is reducing power to the wiper motor.

TIP: Neither front or rear wiper motors or linkages respond well to the heavy weight of snow. It is always best to clear the vehicle of snow before driving off, and not relying on the wipers to clear a heavy snowfall. That damages the linkage and motor over time, or even immediately in many cases.

Have a certified technician inspect the rear wiper system to locate the exact cause.

Intermittent Windshield Wipers move 1/4 of the way
ANSWER : Your windshield wiper motor controller is not able to control the motor to bring it to the park position. The problem is in the wiper motor most likely or the body control module since you have same issue with the rear wiper also. Sine you are under basic warranty I would suggest having the dealer check to see if it is a covered repair. If not then a mechanic like one from YourMechanic can check and do the repairs for you.

Wiper has to manually be lifted before working – 1996 Chevrolet Beretta
ANSWER : You will have to replace the "wiper arm shaft" and/or wiper arm for the side which isn’t working. Both of these components have very small splines which interlock when the nut is tightened. A heavy snow or ice load can cause the splines to break down, or strip, rather than damage the electric motor. A certified technician from YourMechanic can replace the windshield wiper arm at your home or office.

Windshield wipers getting stuck in random positions
ANSWER : Hi there. Even though you have replaced the wiper motor, there is an issue that most overlook. There is wiring that goes into the motor. If this wiring is corroded, this will cause your window motor to stop in random positions. I’d suggest having a certified mechanic diagnose your wiper issue further in person in order to find the wire(s) at fault. From this inspection, they will be able to perform the repairs needed to resolve the issue.

Transmission gets stuck when I shift it out of 1st gear sometimes and it takes a lot of force for me to move the shifter 2013 Dodge Viper
ANSWER : Hi there – your Viper uses the Tremec TR-6060 transmission, which handles the torque from the Vipers engine reliably, but is a bit balky in the shifting department. Using synthetic transmission fluid will help, especially in colder climates, and moving the shifter into 1st while still in motion will help (it uses a 3-cone synchronizer for 1st gear, so motion actually helps engagement). Break-in and some miles should help here, but it’s a bit of a horse. Enjoy!

How much to install a windshield wiper motor
ANSWER : Hi there. It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to that often dictates the price for replacement of a windshield wiper motor. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don’t have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office. Simply submit a quote request for a windshield wiper motor replacement including your vehicle information and we’ll be able to send you a quote.

Windshield wipers not moving.
ANSWER : The wipers on your vehicle are powered by a multi-speed motor that is controlled by the wiper switch and a relay module. A set of gears, crank arm, and linkage attach the motor to the wipers. If you hear the motor running and the wipers barely move, the problem is likely in the linkage. A professional will be able to remove the cowl and underhood seals to determine the exact cause. I suggest you have a certified technician inspect your wipers to pinpoint the cause of your problem.