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2008 Mazda 3

Question: Front windshield wipers are not working, but rear is.

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jwm7976, Boyertown, PA, October 01, 2010, 09:43
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Front windshield wipers are not working, but rear is. They stopped in the middle of a recent MAJOR rainstorm. I drove an hour and a half in heavy rain after they stopped. What a rush! Had to get to work. Later that night I checked the fuse and it's fine. The controls might be fine because the rear wiper works, and I can spray my wind shield with cleaner. Everything else works. I called an auto parts store and they said maybe a relay. Wasn't sure if newer cars have them nowadays.

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  • Answer #1

    dandd October 01, 2010, 10:31
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     Master

    Actually there is a front wiper system relay so inspecting that would be essential. I like to start at the working device, which is the wiper motor, and make sure that I am getting power and ground when the switch is energized. If I am then you have pretty confirmed that the wiper motor is the problem, if not, then you trace back through the system.
    Have you contacted Mazda, to see if there is any warranty extension? I checked for Technical Service Bulletins, but don't see anything yet.

    Here is a web site that has very good repair info for your car, including a wiper system wiring diagram.

    http://bit.ly/mitchell_repair_manuals_online

    Hope that this helps!

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    ecnelov, April 13, 2011, 09:01
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     Rookie

    Had the exact same problem this morning. I left for work and the wipers were working for about 5 minutes and then randomly stopped. I kept going because I had to get to work and I was still able to see. I just went outside now and checked the two fuses labeled Wiper and they are both fine.

    I turned the car into accessory mode. The rear wiper works. I saw someone on another site say their front wipers worked when they used the washer fluid, so I tried it and nothing happened for a few seconds. Then all of a sudden the wipers worked. I was able to put it into all of the stick settings, but the movement seemed slow (not sure if this was just because it was in accessory mode.

    So, I turned the engine on. It doesn't work. I turned it off and then back into accessory. Still nothing. What could possibly cause this?

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