How to Activate the Wiper Service Position?

 

This article applies to late model vehicles with wiper arms concealed under the bonnet/hood causing the metal arms to touch the bonnet/hood when lifted.

The information enclosed within this guide is generic and not model specific, you should read your user manual for further information.

The wiper service position is used to move your wipers into a vertical position making them easily accessible and is common amongst newer model and European vehicles.

This is not a design flaw, vehicle manufacturers are implementing these design changes for aesthetic reasons and to hide the wiper blades out of UV exposure to prolong the wiper blade lifespan.

Most vehicles allow the wiper blades to be lifted high enough to change or clean your wiper blades but it can make a simple job, difficult. If you are unsure if your wiper arm makes contact with your bonnet, you can lift the wiper arm slowly to check if it makes contact, wrap your wiper arm with a towel to avoid any damage before lifting.

We have attached some information to assist with this process, it may vary between models in some way; for additional information you can check your owner/service manual.

The bonnet must be closed completely otherwise this may not work and in some models, closing the drivers door after activating the service position causes the wiper blades to return to the resting position which can cause damage to your vehicle if the wiper arms are lifted away from the windscreen.

Once you are done, place the wiper blades down onto the windscreen, turn on the vehicle, activate the wiper blades as you normally would by using the wiper stalk and the wiper blades should return to the resting position.

Find your vehicle make from the list below to assist you with performing this procedure;

BMW

Activate your BMW’s wiper service mode in just three steps.

Step 1: Turn the key to the ON position or press the start button with your foot off the brake (we don’t need to start the car) and then turn it off.

Step 2: Quickly push the wiper stalk up and hold until the wipers move into an upright position.

Step 3: Simply activate your wipers (turn the vehicle on and push the stalk down) to return the wiper blades to their normal resting position.

Click here to view this simple video for additional help.

Ford

Activate your Ford’s wiper service mode in just three steps.

Step 1: Turn the key to the ON position or press the start button with your foot off the brake (we don’t need to start the car) and then turn it off.

Step 2: Quickly push the wiper stalk down and hold until the wipers move into an upright position.

Step 3: Simply activate your wipers (turn the vehicle on and push the stalk down) to return the wiper blades to their normal resting position.

Click here to view this simple video for additional help.

Holding the stalk down then turning the ignition off, whilst still holding it down, let go of the stalk when you have achieved the desired service position, some models will know when to stop. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Mazda

With Keyless Start: Put the car into the auxiliary mode by press the START button without pressing the brake pedal. Wait 30 seconds. Press the START button again to turn the car completely off. Pull the wiper stalk and hold for 0.5 seconds twice to activate the wiper sprayers within 30 seconds of turning off the vehicle. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Without Keyless Start: Turn the key to the ON position (not START). Wait 5 Seconds. Turn the key to OFF/LOCK. Pull the wiper stalk and hold for 0.5 seconds twice to activate the wiper sprayers within 30 seconds of turning off the vehicle. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Mercedes

Newer models after 2015 with Keyless Start:
Make sure your auto wiper feature is switched off into manual mode. Immediately after the vehicle is turned off, press and hold the washer button until the wiper blades move to the service position. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Older models (before 2015) without Keyless Start:
Make sure your auto wiper feature is switched off into manual mode. Immediately after the vehicle is turned off, pull and hold the wiper stalk for 3-5 seconds until the wipers move to the service position.

Nissan

With Keyless Start: Put the car into the auxiliary mode by press the START button without pressing the brake pedal. Wait 5 seconds. Press the START button again to turn the car completely off. Pull the wiper stalk and hold for 0.5 seconds twice to activate the wiper sprayers within 30 seconds of turning off the vehicle. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Without Keyless Start: Turn the key to the ON position (not START). Wait 5 Seconds. Turn the key to OFF/LOCK. Pull the wiper stalk and hold for 0.5 seconds twice to activate the wiper sprayers within 30 seconds of turning off the vehicle. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Volkswagen/Audi/Skoda

Make sure your auto wiper feature is switched off into manual mode. Immediately after the vehicle is turned off, hold the wiper stalk on the steering column down for around 3 seconds. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Volvo

Make sure your auto wiper feature is switched off into manual mode. Immediately after the vehicle is turned off, move the right steering wheel lever up and hold it for at least 1 second and the wipers will then move to the service position on the windshield. Activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Tesla

To Access Wiper Blades Easily (Service Mode):

1. Prepare the Vehicle:

   • Ensure the vehicle is turned off and the wipers are not in operation.

   • Shift the vehicle into Park (for automatic transmission) to ensure safety and enable the service mode feature.

2. Activate Service Mode via Touchscreen:

   • On the vehicle’s touchscreen, navigate to:
     Controls > Settings > Service & Reset > Service Mode > ON.

   • This will move the wiper blades to the service position, making them easier to access for maintenance, cleaning, or replacement.

3. Returning to Normal Position:

   • The wiper blades will automatically return to their normal resting position under the following conditions:

     • You shift out of Park.

     • You activate the wiper blades (e.g., by using the wiper stalk or controls).

4. Important Notes:

   • Unavailability of Service Mode:
     Service Mode may be unavailable in certain scenarios, such as:

     • The vehicle door is open.

     • The bonnet (hood) is open.

     • Other safety or system conditions are detected.

   • Automatic Return:
     If the wipers are in Service Mode and you close an open door, the wiper blades may automatically return to their resting position. Ensure all doors and the bonnet are closed before attempting to activate Service Mode.

Toyota

To Reset Wiper Blades to the Normal Resting Position:

1. Turn off the vehicle.

2. Within 45 seconds, move the wiper control to the “mist” position and hold for at least 2 seconds.

3. Activate the wipers to return the blades to their normal resting position.

For Toyota Landcruiser Prado Rear Wiper (Hidden Behind Spoiler):

1. Turn on the rear wiper and wait for it to move away from the spoiler.

2. Turn off the ignition using the key or start/stop button.

3. Carefully lift the rear wiper to ensure it doesn’t contact the spare tire or any part of the vehicle.

4. If the wiper doesn’t stop in the correct position, repeat the process.

Honda

Haval

Immediately after the vehicle is turned off, pull and hold the wiper stalk for 3-5 seconds, the wipers will move to a vertical position allowing you to change or clean the wiper blades without damaging the bonnet.

When done, activate wipers to return the wiper blades to the normal resting position.

Now that you know how to activate the wiper service position, check the blades, if they need replacing, select your vehicle from the list below;

 

 

Select your blades below