2020 Corvette Wipers Not Parking Correctly? Here's How to Fix It

Summary

The most common and effective solution for wiper problems, based on owner reports, is cleaning and re-tensioning the electrical contacts within the wiper motor's gearbox. This low-cost DIY fix resolves issues where wipers stop mid-sweep, become slow, or fail to park correctly.

What Actually Works

Solutions are ranked by frequency of successful reports and cost.

1. Clean & Re-tension Wiper Motor Contacts (Most Common Fix): Cited in the majority of discussions as the definitive solution.

   • Process: Remove the wiper motor, open the gearbox cover, and clean the oxidation from the three copper contact plates. Gently bend them to increase spring tension for better electrical connection.
   • Success Rate: Very high. Owners report this single action fully restores normal wiper operation.
   • Cost: $0 - $20 for basic cleaning supplies.

2. Replace the Wiper Motor Assembly: The next step if cleaning contacts fails.

   • When to Consider: If the internal gears are stripped, the motor is burnt out, or cleaning doesn't work.
   • Cost: $150 - $400 for a new or rebuilt motor unit.

3. Check/Replace the Wiper Linkage or Arms: A less common but possible cause.

   • When to Consider: If the motor runs but wipers don't move, or there's visible damage/play in the mechanical linkage.
   • Cost: $50 - $150 for linkage parts.

Troubleshooting

Follow these steps to isolate the problem before buying parts.

1. Listen for the Motor: Turn the wipers on. Can you hear the motor running even if the wipers don't move? If yes, the issue is likely mechanical (linkage, arms). If no, the issue is electrical (motor, contacts, switch).
2. Test the Park Function: Turn the wipers on and then off. Do they stop randomly or fail to return to the base of the windshield? This is a classic symptom of worn contacts inside the motor gearbox.
3. Inspect the Mechanical Parts: Manually lift the wiper arms and check for smooth movement. Binding, looseness, or stripped plastic parts in the linkage will be obvious.
4. The Direct Diagnostic: Given the data, the first diagnostic step should be to inspect the wiper motor contacts, as this is the root cause in most reported cases.

Common Causes

Based on confirmed fixes from owner reports.

• Oxidized/Loose Wiper Motor Contacts (Primary Cause): The copper contact plates inside the motor's gearbox lose tension and develop oxidation, breaking the circuit that controls the park position and sweep. This accounts for the vast majority of problems described.
• Worn Wiper Motor: The electric motor itself can eventually wear out or fail.
• Failed Wiper Linkage: Plastic bushings or joints in the mechanical linkage can wear out or break, disconnecting the wiper arms from the motor's motion.
• Faulty Wiper Switch/Multifunction Lever: Less commonly reported, but a bad switch in the steering column can interrupt the command signal.

What You'll Notice

Owners consistently report these specific symptoms:

• Intermittent Operation: Wipers work one day and not the next, or stop working in certain positions.
• Failure to Park: Wipers stop in the middle of the windshield when turned off, instead of returning to the bottom.
• Slow/Erratic Movement: Wipers move very slowly or stutter during their sweep.
• Complete Failure: The wipers do not move at all, though you may still hear a faint click or hum from the motor area.

Repair Costs

• DIY (Cleaning Contacts): $0 - $20. The cost of basic tools and electrical contact cleaner. This is the recommended first step.
• DIY (Motor Replacement): $150 - $400 for parts. Labor is your time. Requires moderate mechanical skill to remove cowl panels and the motor assembly.
• Professional Repair (Shop): $250 - $600+. Includes parts and 1-2 hours of labor. A shop will typically replace the entire motor assembly rather than attempt to clean the contacts.

Quick Answers

Q: My wipers stop in the middle of the windshield. What's wrong? A: This is almost certainly caused by worn or oxidized electrical contacts inside the wiper motor gearbox. Cleaning them is the first fix to attempt.

Q: Can I fix this without replacing the whole wiper motor? A: Yes, in most cases. The contact cleaning fix is highly successful and costs almost nothing. Only proceed to motor replacement if cleaning fails.

Q: How difficult is it to clean the wiper motor contacts? A: Moderate DIY difficulty. You must safely remove the wiper motor from the vehicle, which involves taking off some plastic cowling. Opening the gearbox and cleaning the contacts is straightforward with careful attention.

Q: The motor runs but the wipers don't move. What now? A: The problem is mechanical. Inspect the wiper linkage that connects the motor to the wiper arms. Look for a disconnected joint or broken plastic component.

Source Summary: This analysis is based on 7 owner discussions from Reddit and automotive forums.