Windshield wiper blades
Windshield wiper service position
Fig. 143 Windshield wiper in service position.
In the service position, the wiper arms can be lifted away from the windshield . The wipers are moved to the service position as follows:
- On some vehicles, the engine hood must be closed .
- Switch the ignition off, turn it on briefly, and then off again.
- Press the windshield wiper lever down briefly when the ignition is off.
- Wipers move into service position.
Lifting the wiper blades and tilting them away from the windshield
- Put the wiper arms in service position .
- Do not handle the wiper blades, handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.
Carefully fold the wiper arms back onto the windshield before driving! Switch the ignition on and press the windshield wiper lever down briefly . The wiper arms move back to their original position.
NOTE
- To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.
- Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.
The windshield wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the vehicle is not moving.
Cleaning and changing the windshield wiper blades
Fig. 144 Changing the windshield wiper blades.
Factory-installed wiper blades have a graphite coating. The graphite coating lets the wiper blades glide smoothly over the windshield. If this coating is worn or damaged, the wipers may grab or squeak.
Check all wiper blades regularly. Wiper blades that grab and squeak must be replaced if worn or damaged and cleaned if dirty .
Replace worn or damaged wiper blades immediately. Replacement blades may be purchased from any authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Lifting and tilting windshield wiper arms
Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting them away from the windshield .
It is not possible to lift the wiper arms away from the windshield when they are not in the service position.
When lifting or replacing a wiper blade on a window, grip it only by its mounting and not by the blade itself.
Cleaning the wiper blades
- Move the wiper arms to the service position and lift them away from the windshield.
- Do not handle the wiper blades; handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.
- Using a soft cloth, carefully remove dust and dirt from the wiper blades.
- If the blades are very dirty, carefully clean them with a damp sponge or cloth .
- Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
Changing the windshield wiper blades
- Move the wiper arms to the service position.
- Lift the wiper arms away from the windshield. Do not handle the wiper blades; handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper blades.
- With one hand, press and hold the release button .
- With the other hand, hold the wiper blade at the attachment point and pull it straight up and out in the direction of the arrow. This may require moderate force.
- Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow until it latches.
- Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
- Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn, and if they cannot clean the windows sufficiently.
NOTE
- Damaged or dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield.
- Solvents, abrasive sponges and sharp-edged objects will damage the graphite coating on the wiper blades.
- Do not clean the windows with gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner or similar fluids.
- To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.
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