Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.

I was driving to school a week ago and my windshield wipers were working. I turned them off then about 5 min later went to turn them on and nothing happened. They continued not to work the rest of the way to school ( about 20 min) I spent the day at school and when I came out to my truck that night they worked again! They have been acting up like this for the rest of the week. Last night they were working then suddenly just stopped. Then about 10 min later then randomly did two wipes then stopped again and now I can't get them working at all. Any idea what it could be? Thankyou!
My car ha
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring.
Your wiper motor is faulty.

There`s an electric motor solely dedicated to powering your windshield wipers. As an electrical appliance, this motor can short out which will cause your wipers to not move at all. The fuse in your motor can also blow which will cause the same outcome.

The Windshield Wiper Motor Relay is a part of your windshield wiper system. It controls the voltage input to the wiper motor. The relay senses the position of the wipers and transmits power to the wipers they are in their parked position.
There are 2 fuses for the wiper/washer system. If your windshield wipers work, then they are both good. One fuse is located in the under-hood fuse block (wiper fuse #14 , 25amp). The second fuse is located on the body control module, which is located inside the center console, behind the panel on the right side of it.
The windshield wiper module, or governor, controls the wiper motor operation. The module receives input from the wiper switch, and in some cases from various sensors as well. It is responsible for determining wiper speed and parking.
Electrical Faults

These include broken or frayed wires, clogged or loose connectors, and bad relay or blown fuse. It could also be a faulty wiper switch or wiper motor control module. Every component of the wiper motor wiring system performs a specific role. When it goes bad, the motor will not receive power.

There is an internal switch in the wiper motor that keeps the motor powered after you have shut it off to ensure the wipers park in the right spot. If that switch fails, the wiper motor must be repaired or replaced.
The first thing to check is the fuse. If the fuse is good, you can use a test light to make sure there is power at the fuse and to the wiper motor. Simply touch the test light to both metal tabs on top of the fuse and to the tabs on the wiper motor connector, with the power on, and, if it lights up, you are good.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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ANSWER : The blower switch and the plug connection on the back of the switch, as well as a faulty blower motor are likely, too. I would check the blower motor first as you can easily power the motor directly to see if it runs. If the circuit includes a blower motor resistor block, of course be sure to check if the resistor block has continuity (specified resistance in ohms) at each position. If the blower motor runs, I would check the switch as occasionally there will be a bad connection at the switch that eventually causes the blower not to work. The relay is easy to test and if it works consistently as commanded, you can assume there is no intermittent fault. Obviously, check the fuse in the circuit, too, but if the fuse is bad, that means there is a problem in the circuit that will have to be repaired. Fuses blow due to electrical faults (e,g., short circuits). If you desire, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic can diagnose the problem you are having in an electrical component diagnostic.

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ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.

Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.

My windshield wipers stopped working the motor seems to be working since when i turn them on you can hear a sound but they wont wi
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ANSWER : Hi – the sudden nature of this failure would suggest a fuse or other electrical link, but you have checked the obvious. Further diagnosis is needed to determine which component in the electrical power chain has failed – switch, electrical wiring, or the wiper motor itself. I would suggest an electrical component failure by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.