How To Fix Windshield Wipers Stuck In Upright Position - WikiHow

Home » How To Fix Windshield Wipers » How To Fix Windshield Wipers Stuck In Upright Position - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix Windshield Wipers Stuck in Upright Position PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Accessing the Wiper Transmission
    • |
  • Adjusting the Wiper Transmission
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 257,441 times.

Windshield wipers are a necessity for driving, but can often cause pesky issues. They commonly get stuck in the upright position when not in use because a small metal tab that the wiper transmission is supposed to catch on gets bent out of place. The wiper transmission is the mechanism that moves the wipers, so when it doesn’t catch correctly they get stuck in a different position. To fix this, open up the hood of the vehicle and remove everything covering the windshield wiper transmission. Then, use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to knock the small tab back into place so the transmission catches on it again. Keep in mind that the exact procedure won't be the same on all vehicles.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Accessing the Wiper Transmission

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Clear any ice or debris from the windshield. 1 Clear any ice or debris from the windshield. Scrape off any ice and snow with an ice scraper. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris stuck between the top of the hood and the bottom of the windshield.[1]
    • Sometimes the buildup of ice, snow, and other debris is what causes windshield wipers to slow down or become misaligned over time. Clearing away everything in their path will allow you to realign them.
  2. Step 2 Open the hood of the vehicle. 2 Open the hood of the vehicle. Open your driver’s side door and look beneath the steering wheel for a latch that has an image of the hood on it. Pull the latch to release the hood, then walk around to the front of the hood and feel underneath the crack for another latch. Squeeze the latch, lift up the hood as far as it will go, and put the rod that holds it up in place.[2]
    • Depending on the model of vehicle, you might have to put the rod in place by either lifting it up from by the engine or lowering it down from the underside of the hood and sticking it in a hole that holds the tip in place. Some more modern vehicle hoods might stay in place without the use of a rod.
    • Check your vehicle’s manual before you proceed to see if there are any instructions for your specific model of vehicle regarding stuck windshield wipers. The general process for fixing stuck windshield wipers on many vehicles is the same, but it’s always a good idea to see if you can find additional info.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Pull off the foam strip from the plastic cover that sits below the windshield. 3 Pull off the foam strip from the plastic cover that sits below the windshield. Grab the driver’s-side-end of the foam strip that rests at the bottom edge of the plastic cover underneath the windshield. Peel it carefully back along the entire length of the plastic cover.[3]
    • This will allow you to access the windshield cleaning fluid’s line to disconnect it as well as remove the plastic cover that protects the wiper transmission.
    • Remember that this process may vary depending on the make and model of vehicle. There may be certain steps that don't apply or parts that are located in different areas.
  4. Step 4 Pull the windshield washing fluid’s line out of the clips that hold it in place. 4 Pull the windshield washing fluid’s line out of the clips that hold it in place. The fluid line is a thin black tube located right under where you just removed the foam strip from. Leave the line sitting loosely on top of the plastic cover.[4]
  5. Step 5 Remove the windshield wiper arms. 5 Remove the windshield wiper arms. Pry up the caps that cover the bolts which hold the wipers in place using a flathead screwdriver. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts, remove them and set them aside somewhere safe, then slide the wiper arms off the bolts that they sit on below the windshield.[5]
    • You have to remove the wipers to pull off the plastic cover that protects the wiper motor assembly and transmission.
    • In some models of vehicles, you might only have to remove the driver’s side wiper.
  6. Step 6 Pry off the caps protruding along the length of the plastic cover. 6 Pry off the caps protruding along the length of the plastic cover. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the rubber or plastic caps up anywhere that you see them to expose the bolts that hold the plastic cover in place. Put these in a safe place so you can put them back on later.[6]
    • There are usually about 3-4 of these caps. Make sure you remove them along the entire length to expose all the bolts that hold the plastic cover in place.
  7. Step 7 Take off the plastic cover. 7 Take off the plastic cover. Lift off the plastic cover after you have removed all the bolts that hold it in place. Set it aside so you can access the windshield wiper’s motor assembly.[7]
    • If you encounter any resistance when trying to pull the cover off, double-check that you removed all the bolts. If you have done so, it won’t be hard to lift out of place.
  8. Step 8 Locate the windshield wiper transmission on the driver’s side. 8 Locate the windshield wiper transmission on the driver’s side. Look on the driver’s side and identify the mechanical parts that the driver’s side windshield wiper was attached to. It usually looks like an oval-shaped plate attached underneath the arm that moves the windshield wiper.[8]
    • Some vehicle models might have another set of plastic trays that cover the transmission. If you don’t see the mechanical parts yet, try to pull off any other plastic covers that you see to find them. They might be held in place by another plastic clip of some sort that you need to pry up.

    Tip: This is the windshield wiper transmission that makes both of the wipers move. You only need to work on it on the driver’s side.

    9. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Adjusting the Wiper Transmission

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Look for a metal tab that is bent away or down from the transmission. 1 Look for a metal tab that is bent away or down from the transmission. There is a little metal tab on the right-hand side below the moving parts of the transmission. It is supposed to touch the transmission so that the transmission locks on it when you turn off the wipers to keep the wipers in the down position.[9]
    • Over time, this tab can get bent down or away, which is the main reason wipers get stuck in the upright position. When the transmission catches on this tab properly, it reverses direction and returns the wipers to the down position.

    Tip: You can run the wipers to see where the transmission is spinning past the metal tab rather than catching on it to see exactly how much you need to bend it back into place.

  2. Step 2 Use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to hit the tab back into place. 2 Use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to hit the tab back into place. Hold a flathead screwdriver in your non-dominant hand and place the tip against the tab. Wield a hammer with your dominant hand and hit the top of the handle of the screwdriver to knock the tab back until it is almost touching the transmission.[10]
    • The number of times you need to hit the tab depends on how bent it is. Keep tapping it carefully back into place until it looks like the transmission will catch on it.
  3. Step 3 Turn the wipers on and off to check if the transmission catches on the tab. 3 Turn the wipers on and off to check if the transmission catches on the tab. Turn the key in the vehicle’s ignition to the accessories setting and turn the windshield wipers on to make the transmission move. Let the transmission run through a cycle, then turn off the wipers and look at the transmission to verify that it is now caught on the metal tab.[11]
    • If the transmission is still not catching, keep using your hammer and screwdriver to tap the tab a bit closer to the transmission and test it again until it catches on the tab when the wipers are off.
    • Note that you are doing this before you reattach the wipers. You are just testing out the mechanical parts of the transmission to verify that you have made sufficient adjustments before putting it all back together.
  4. Step 4 Replace the plastic cover over the wiper transmission. 4 Replace the plastic cover over the wiper transmission. Slide the plastic cover back into position and bolt it back into place. Put the caps that cover the bolts back on.[12]
    • The caps protect the bolts from the elements so they don’t rust, so it’s important to put them back on.
  5. Step 5 Reattach the wiper arms. 5 Reattach the wiper arms. Place the wipers back onto the bolts that attach them to the transmission so that the wiper blades are horizontal on the windshield. Screw the nuts back onto the bolts to secure the wipers back into place, then push the bolt covers back on top of the nut and bolt.[13]
  6. Step 6 Clip the washer fluid line back into place and replace the foam covering strip. 6 Clip the washer fluid line back into place and replace the foam covering strip. Snap the window washer fluid’s tube back into the clips on the plastic cover that hold it in place. Press the foam strip back into place at the bottom edge of the plastic cover to cover the fluid line.[14]
    • If the windshield wiper blades are old and worn out, this is a good time to replace them with new ones before you start using them again.
  7. Step 7 Run the wipers to test them. 7 Run the wipers to test them. Turn the windshield wipers on and run them through a cycle. Turn them off to confirm that they rest in the down position when off.[15]
    • If the wipers are resting in a partially-upright position, you might not have connected them at the right angle. To fix this, remove them again when they are in the resting position and reattach them so they are fully in the down position when the wipers are turned off.
    • If the wipers are still not resting in the down position when they are turned off, there might be an electrical issue or another problem. If this is the case, take your car to have a mechanic check it out and find a solution.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Why do my windshield wipers stay up? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer Generally, when windshield wipers get stuck in the upright position it's because of a small metal tab that the wiper transmission is supposed to catch on gets bent out of place. You can access the wiper transmission by pulling off the foam strip and plastic cover that sits below your windshield. Then, you can use a flathead screwdriver and a hammer to knock the tab back into place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 32
  • Question Can you drive without windshield wipers? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer No, it's illegal to drive a vehicle without windshield wipers. It's also extremely dangerous. Without windshield wipers, you can't clear debris, objects, or rainwater that impede your ability to see the road off of your windshield. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4
  • Question Why would wipers stop working? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 15
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Check your vehicle’s manual to see if there are any model-specific troubleshooting tips for fixing windshield wipers stuck in the upright position. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
  • If the wipers will not come off, spray them with some WD40 where they attach to the bolts to lubricate them and help them slide off. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not forcibly remove any of the parts during this process. If you have difficulty accessing the wiper transmission, it is probably best to have a mechanic make the necessary adjustments. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Don’t ever try to push the wipers down into their correct resting position or you can end up breaking them. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Wrench

You Might Also Like

Remove Windshield WipersHow to Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades & Arms Tighten a Windshield Wiper Retaining NutHow toTighten a Windshield Wiper Retaining Nut Install Wiper BladesHow toInstall Wiper Blades Windshield Wipers Not WorkingWindshield Wipers Not Working: Causes & Repairs Clear Clogged Windshield WashersHow toClear Clogged Windshield Washers Change the Wiper Blades on Your CarHow to Replace 3 Types of Windshield Wiper Blades Turn on Windshield WipersHow to Operate Windshield Wipers: Turning Wipers On and Off Fix an Off Track WindowHow toFix an Off Track Window Manually Roll Up a Power WindowQuick and Easy Ways to Roll Up a Stuck Power Window Repair Electric Car WindowsHow toRepair Electric Car Windows Reset a Car's Automatic Window After Replacing the BatteryHow toReset a Car's Automatic Window After Replacing the Battery How toClean Windshield Wipers Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer PumpHow toTroubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Replace a Headlight Washer CoverHow toReplace a Headlight Washer Cover Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6226/how-to-fix-your-windshield-wiper-motors/
  2. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6226/how-to-fix-your-windshield-wiper-motors/
  3. ↑ https://bigalrepairs.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/how-to-fix-mazda-3-windshield-wipers/
  4. ↑ https://bigalrepairs.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/how-to-fix-mazda-3-windshield-wipers/
  5. ↑ https://bigalrepairs.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/how-to-fix-mazda-3-windshield-wipers/
  6. ↑ https://bigalrepairs.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/how-to-fix-mazda-3-windshield-wipers/
  7. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6226/how-to-fix-your-windshield-wiper-motors/
  8. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6226/how-to-fix-your-windshield-wiper-motors/
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=360s
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=389s
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=428s
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=473s
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=504s
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=489s
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1KfrDZLLcE&t=557s

About This Article

Ed Beery Co-authored by: Ed Beery Automotive Specialist This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. This article has been viewed 257,441 times. 31 votes - 74% Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 257,441 Categories: Auto Exterior and Interior Accessories | Car Window Repairs Article SummaryX

Windshield wipers stuck in the upright position won't work properly, but luckily there’s a straightforward way for you to fix them. First, check that there's no ice or debris making them stick. If there's no sign of debris, you’ll need to open the hood and pull off the foam strip at the bottom of the windshield. Then, disconnect the fluid tube, remove the wipers, and pry open the plastic cover with a screwdriver. Look for a metal tab on the driver’s side of the wiper transmission. You’ll need to place a flat screwdriver against the tab and hit it with a hammer until it’s almost touching the transmission. Finally, replace your wipers and plastic cover, and run the wipers to test them. For tips on what to do if your wipers are still upright after you’ve attempted the repair, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languagesJapanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 257,441 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Patty Bishop

    Patty Bishop

    Jan 27, 2021

    "Easy to understand and I'm grateful. Thank you."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ed Beery Co-authored by: Ed Beery Automotive Specialist 31 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 257,441 Patty Bishop

Patty Bishop

Jan 27, 2021

"Easy to understand and I'm grateful. Thank you." Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

Apology Language QuizApology Language QuizTake QuizTraffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizAm I Misogynistic? Get Answers HereAm I Misogynistic? Get Answers HereTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove Windshield WipersHow to Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades & ArmsTighten a Windshield Wiper Retaining NutHow toTighten a Windshield Wiper Retaining NutInstall Wiper BladesHow toInstall Wiper BladesWindshield Wipers Not WorkingWindshield Wipers Not Working: Causes & Repairs

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

Am I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizBumper Sticker GeneratorBumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Cars
  • Car Maintenance and Repair
  • Car Window Repairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --715

Tag » How To Fix Windshield Wipers