Windscreen wipers stopped working

[tezread]

HiOK my first and hopefully last issue - my windscreen wipers have stopped working. They froze suddenly when on the motorway! I have read somewhere you can reset the windshield wiper maintenance option as sometimes its the computer telling you the blades need replacing so they stop working altogether? I have also read it could be a wiper motor issue? Any idea on potential cost to fix this guys?

[Guest 2]

I doubt that would be programmed like that as its a serious safety issue.

Ideally you need a fault code scan - MFGF is in Stoke on Trent if that's handy for you?

[EG-4.0TDI]

Find the fuse and pull it out - then replace it. Should be in the fuse box on the right driver's side and could just be a glitch.

However, it has been known for either (a) the mechanism to become sticky which causes the motor to overheat and cut out - in which case get it addressed quickly or (b) the motor to outright fail. The latter is an expensive exercise as the part, fitting and required coding all take a fair bit of time.

When mine went, the wipers did a brief impression of Michael Flatley's feet before parking permanently in the middle of the screen - very dramatic. Fortunately I was only spraying the window to remove flies; could have been deeply unfunny had it been properly raining.

Good luck and hope yours is straightforward!

PS sorry, just noticed your request for costs. Worst case, if it's a new motor fitted and coded its about £600 from main dealer if I recall correctly (some of that is making sure the linkages are all free and lubed up and whilst there in there you want to get the scuttle drains checked as well to make sure they're clear).

[tezread]

mine did the Micheal Flatley thing as well and froze in the middle of the windscreen. When I switch the wipers on I can hear the mechanism turning as if its working normally but there is no movement.

[EG-4.0TDI]

Interesting - I'm surprised anything is still moving after a 'Flatley'! When mine parked in the middle of the windscreen that was it - no movement ever again and there was a slight burnt smell from the wiring connection harness. Hence new motor and attendant expense.

The fact you can hear movement suggests it might be a linkage problem and something has broken in which case you might get away with a cheaper fix.

Anyway, keep us posted - will be interested to hear what it transpires to be...

[tangerineshep]

MMM just recalled turning mine on and thinking 'they're a bit slow', is there something preventative that I should be doing so they don't go boobs north!?

I think with my autobox issues, I could do without a £600 bill to get the wipers sorted!!!

[mikey v6012]

i have had this problem on my a4 a couple of times and on both occasions it has been seized linkage. easy fix take apart clean and grease .