Mercedes Windshield Wiper Problem

In this article, we will discuss common Mercedes-Benz windshield wiper problems. Did your Mercedes wipers stop working? If your wipers move, but you are having difficulties with the windshield washer fluid not spraying, you should read this article on Windshield Washer Fluid problems.

This article is broken into two main parts:

• Common Mercedes-Benz Windshield Wiper Problems
• Troubleshooting Mercedes Windshield wipers that stopped working

The goal of this article is to address Mercedes-Benz-related windshield wiper problems that you may face. Here is a list of possible issues:

• Mercedes Wipers are Not Working
• Windshield Wiper Switch Stopped Working
• Mercedes Windshield Wiper Stays Running / Won’t Stop
• Mercedes Benz windshield wipers are not working
• Mercedes windshield wiper problem
• Mercedes E, S, C Class Wipers quit moving
• Mercedes Wipers stuck on top

Mercedes Wiper Problems

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I- Windshield wiper motor runs, but the arms don’t move.

The gear teeth on the wiper motor shaft may wear out and cause the wipers to stop moving. Other possibilities that can cause these symptoms are:

• Windshield wiper arms or linkage broken.
• The bolt that holds the wiper arms in place is loose.

Solution: 

Ensure the link between the wipers and the wiper motor is not broken. Next, try tightening the bolt that holds the wiper arm in place.

II- The turn Signal, Horn, and Wipers all have stopped working

There may be a problem with the controller area network or the front signal acquisition module (SAM). You must connect your Mercedes-Benz to a diagnostic scanner and read the fault codes. You would need a scanner to read all control units on your MB. A scanner that can read Front SAM Control Unit fault codes is the YOUCANIC full system scanner. You could also try disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it. In very few cases, this trick could solve your wiper problem.

III- Installed new wipers, and the wipers stopped working.

You changed the windshield wiper blades. Now the windshield wiper will no longer work. Make sure the hood is closed. This is a safety feature. It will not allow the wipers to operate if the hood is open.

IV- Wiper hesitates to move or moves very slowly

This is a common problem with the mono wipers  (single wiper arm) found on Mercedes-Benz E, C, and CLK class (W202, W210, W208). Typical symptoms are:
-a slow wiper movement as the wiper moves on the windshield.
-windshield wiper fuse blows

Solution

You should lubricate the wiper mechanism at the center (bottom) of the windscreen. Remove the cover from the wiper arm and use a lithium grease such as Liquid Wrench White Lithium Grease. Here is a helpful tutorial on lubricating the windshield wiper mechanism on a Mercedes-Benz.

V- Mercedes Windshield Wipers work erratically.

This problem is common and is typically caused by defective Light and Rain Sensors for Automatic Headlights and Windshield Wipers.  If this sensor is defective, the wipers may move too fast or slow for no reason.

Solution

The solution to this problem would be to replace the rain sensor. This will fix the problem when the wiper operation is so erratic that you can hardly use them. The rain sensor is located behind the rearview mirror. It has a plastic cover that will pop out. Usually, there are no screws for the cover; it simply snaps on top of the sensor.

It is also possible that your wipers may need to be calibrated using Star Diagnostic Scanner.

Temporary Fix

You could temporarily unplug the electrical wire from the rain sensor. Your wipers will work at a constant speed when turned on. The automatic wiper function will not work. Therefore if you set the wipers in one setting, they will stay at a constant speed. It will work like the old-school wipers used to. This may disable other features in your car. For example, your lights will no longer turn on automatically when you enter a tunnel.

Guide: Mercedes Windshield Wipers stopped working

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Did your Mercedes windshield wiper blades stop moving? If the windshield wiper blades on your Mercedes-Benz have stopped working, follow these steps to troubleshoot this problem.

Step 1: Check the windshield wiper fuse. This is an easy procedure, and you should be able to perform this task at home. Your Mercedes-Benz has three to four fuse boxes. They are on the side of the dashboard, engine bay, rear seat, or trunk. Find your car’s fuse chart and the corresponding fuse for the windshield wiper motor. Make sure the fuse is not burned out.

Once you remove the fuse,  a good one should look like the one in the picture above. If the fuse has burned out, replace it with a new one with the same ampere rating. Fuses are inexpensive, and it may be wise to purchase a box of 100+ assorted fuses, which you can find on Amazon.

It is common for the fuse to burn out if you press the window switch to activate the wipers, but the wipers have frozen, or there is snow on the windshield. Replacing the fuse may be all you need to do to fix the wiper problem on your Mercedes-Benz.

Step 2: If the fuse is ok, you should next check the power to the windshield wiper motor. You will need to use a digital multimeter such as the Mastech Series Digital AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter. Set your multimeter to measure DC Voltage. Unplug the power cable from the windshield wiper motor and check for power. Ensure you are pressing the windshield wiper switch to activate the wipers, or you will never get any reading. 

Step 3: If the power goes to the windshield wiper motor, you should get a reading between 11 and 14 volts.

Did you get an acceptable reading? Yes  or No

Then you most likely have a faulty windshield wiper motor. Power is going to the motor, but the windshield wiper motor fails to operate. You will need to replace the windshield wiper motor. Replacement motors can be found online; see these eBay listings on Mercedes-Benz windshield wiper motors (eBay link). A new aftermarket replacement motor for Mercedes-Benz cars can cost as little as $35.

Replacing the wiper motor is a straightforward procedure.

Continue to the next step.

Step 4:
If you are not getting power to the plug that goes into the windshield wiper motor, you need further troubleshooting.

The next item to inspect would be the windshield wiper switch or what is also called the combination switch. The combination switch is located in the steering column. To replace it, you will need to remove the airbag and steering wheel.

Step 5:  List of possible wiper malfunction causes.

• Defective windshield wiper relay. Below you can see the location of a relay in the fuse box. You will need your Mercedes-Benz class’s fuse and relay chart to find the exact location.
• The wiring harness is defective. It could have been damaged during an accident.
• The controller area network is damaged, or the front signal acquisition module is bad.
• A Broken linkage between the wiper arm and the wiper motor.

  Report a problem in the comments section  

 

What is the Best Scanner for Diagnosing Mercedes-Benz Problems?

If you’re experiencing problems with your Mercedes-Benz, the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner can be an invaluable tool for troubleshooting and diagnosing the issue. This scanner is designed specifically for use with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, allowing you to access and analyze data from your car’s various systems and modules.

With the YOUCANIC scanner, you can perform various diagnostic functions, including reading and clearing fault codes, monitoring live data, performing component activation tests, and more. This allows you to identify the root cause of the problem and take appropriate action to fix it, whether it involves replacing a faulty component, adjusting to a system setting, or performing more extensive repairs.

By using the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner, you can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the mechanic and performing repairs yourself. Plus, with the ability to access real-time data and diagnostics, you can stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and prevent potential problems before they occur.