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Windshield wipers move very sluggishly: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing windshield wipers move very sluggishly, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Binding Wiper Linkageaddress soon

Over time, the grease inside the wiper linkage pivot joints dries out, or water intrudes and causes rust. This creates severe mechanical drag that the motor struggles to overcome.

Failing Wiper Motoraddress soon

The internal brushes of the wiper motor wear down, or the internal gear grease hardens, causing the motor to lose torque and operate sluggishly.

Poor Electrical Ground or High Resistanceaddress soon

Corrosion at the wiper motor's electrical connector or ground point reduces the voltage reaching the motor, resulting in slow operation.

Misaligned or Binding Linkage Installationminor

If the wiper linkage or motor was recently replaced, the linkage arms may be misaligned, rubbing against the cowl, or the pivot nuts may be overtightened, causing mechanical binding.

Low System Voltageurgent

If the vehicle's charging system is failing, the low voltage will cause all electrical motors (including the wipers) to run slowly. This is usually accompanied by dim lights and starting issues.

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