Tesla owners, specifically the Model Y users often report that their Tesla wipers won’t turn off on Auto or turn on randomly.
Some even claimed that their Tesla Wipers won’t shut off while using manual commands such as the screen pop-up, stalk push button, or voice control.
Tesla wipers may fail to turn off due to one of the following reasons:
- Dirty windshield, debris on the front camera or broken blades.
- Errors in Tesla Autopilot system.
- Error in Sensor or the sensor becomes wet.
- Fault in Wiper Motor.
Continue reading the post to find out more about the causes behind the Auto Wipers malfunctioning issue and learn how to fix it if you ever encounter this problem in the future!
Possible Causes of Tesla Wipers Won’t Turn Off
The following are the most potential reasons why your Tesla Auto Wipers might be failing to turn off or turning on randomly:
1. Dirty Windshield, Debris on your Tesla Front Camera, or Defective Wiper Blades:
Tesla car’s internal sensors rely on optical cameras (especially on the front-facing camera mounted near your car’s rear-view mirror) to determine if there’s rain or dust on the windshield.
Therefore, a layer of grime, dust, or road residue on your car’s windshield can interfere with the camera’s ability to detect precipitation and determine the appropriate wiper speed.
Even debris, such as dirt, bugs, or bird droppings can obstruct the front camera’s lens. As a result, the Auto Wipers fail to distinguish between actual rain and the accumulated debris on the windshield.
Over time, your car’s wiper blades can wear out, lose their flexibility, or develop inconsistencies in their motion. These defects can disrupt the optimal functioning of the Auto Wipers and your Tesla Wipers may fail to turn off when necessary.
2. Software Glitches or Bugs in the Tesla Autopilot System:
Sometimes, software glitches or bugs can occur and lead you to encounter such unexpected behavior like the wipers randomly turning off and not turning off.
These glitches can arise due to software-related issues or inaccurate data input from the sensors such as incorrect rain intensity readings.
Besides that, several Model Y users have reported that the Tesla “Autopilot” system has a bug where the car’s windshield wipers don’t turn off or turn on with no rain.
3. Malfunctioning Sensor Interference:
Tesla vehicles are equipped with advanced sensor systems that detect rain and adjust the wiper speed automatically based on the collected surrounding data. These sensors ensure optimal visibility in varying weather conditions.
The sensor system relies on various inputs such as rain intensity, ambient light, and the car’s movement. So, if any of these sensors become faulty or receive incorrect signals and cause the wipers to get stuck in the “On” position.
Even if your car stays mostly exposed in extreme weather conditions without a windshield protector, it might also lead to sensor malfunctioning issues. This kind of sensor failure mostly occurs in older Tesla Models.
4. Faulty Installation or Unsuitable Replacement Parts:
If you’ve recently serviced your Tesla from a third-party or independent service center and the wipers were replaced during the servicing, there’s a high chance that the wipers might not been installed correctly and according to Tesla guidelines.
Or the new wipers that you got from your service provider might be a cheap aftermarket option or not compatible with your Tesla Model. If one of the reasons is true, you will likely encounter this kind of malfunctioning issue sooner or later.
That’s why Tesla always recommends contacting Tesla certified technician or Service Center for any body parts replacement and servicing. It is also advised that owners should use genuine OEM parts for such replacements.
5. Mechanical Malfunction:
If the wiper “Control Stalk switch” becomes jammed or stuck in a specific position and does not return to its default position after activating the wipers, it can cause the wipers to remain on continuously.
This mostly occurs due to physical obstructions, misalignment, or wear and tear issues.
Even the wipers not turning off issue on your Tesla may also arise due to a loose or disconnected wiper motor cable. Similarly, a malfunctioning wiper motor can keep the wipers running continuously, regardless of the switch position.
6. Quick Fixes to Try When Your Tesla Wipers Won’t Turn Off
Try the below-explained solutions if your Tesla Wipers not turning off:
Fix #1: Check the Wiper Stalk or Switch Position
The first thing you should do is make sure the wiper stalk is in the proper position. Tesla users often accidentally activate the wipers without realizing it.
Examine the stalk or switch and make sure it’s not in the “On” or “Auto” position. If this is the case, simply turn it off or to the desired setting.
Fix#2: Restart Your Vehicle
When electronic components behave unexpectedly, restarting them is the simplest trick to fix them. It is the same for your Tesla too.
Restart your car by accessing your touchscreen “Controls” menu > then, scroll down and select “Safety & Security.” Click on “Power Off” and wait for a few minutes before turning your vehicle back on.
This will solve most minor and temporary software-related issues. After the restart, check if the wipers have returned to their normal off position.
Fix#3: Examine the Rain Sensor, Windshield Front and Dash Camera
Inspect the sensor located near your car’s rearview mirror and ensure it’s clean and free of any debris. If necessary, gently clean it with a soft cloth and mild glass cleaner.
Also, do not forget to check your car’s windshield, rearview front camera, and dashcam.
If they are dirty, follow the instructions shown in this tutorial to clean up the cameras:
Fix#4: Verify or Adjust Wiper Settings in Your Touchscreen Display
Access the Controls menu on your touchscreen and navigate to the Wipers section. Check if any unusual or incorrect settings are active.
You can also adjust the rain-sensing sensitivity by Navigating to “Controls” > selecting “Vehicle,” followed by “Autopilot” or “Drivetrain.”
Then locate the rain-sensing sensitivity option and increase or decrease the sensitivity level to see if it resolves the issue. You can also set it to Auto mode.
Fix#5: Update Software and Firmware or Perform a Hard Reset
Go to your car’s touchscreen “Controls” menu and select “Software” to check for any available updates. If an update is available, click on “Software Update” > download and install the updated version by following the on-screen prompts. Make sure to set your update preference to “Advanced” so that you can be notified as soon as Tesla makes an update.
Sometimes the problem can be fixed by rebooting or hard resetting your Tesla.
Simply tap on the two scroll wheel buttons on the steering wheel and keep holding them like that until the touchscreen turns completely black. Then, wait for a few seconds, and the Tesla logo will appear, indicating a successful reset.
Check out the New Tesla Upgrades that Fixes Auto Wiper Issues:
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Why won’t my Tesla wipers turn off?
The most common reason is a faulty wiper stalk switch or a malfunctioning rain sensor. But it can occur due to other potential reasons too. So, it would be better to consult with a Tesla technician and let him diagnose the issue correctly.
Can I manually turn off my Tesla Wipers?
Yes. You can manually turn off the Tesla wipers by locating the wiper stalk on your vehicle’s steering column and pushing it down once. The wipers will remain deactivated until the next time you activate them.
Where can I find my Tesla wiper control settings?
If you own a Yoke Tesla Model, access your car’s wiper settings by touching the wiper button. But if you own a Tesla Model with a standard round steering wheel, then tap on your car’s touchscreen Controls menu and locate “Wipers.”
