Does the Citroën windshield wiper motor often burn out? What happens when it stops working?

In older Citroën vehicles (such as older C3 and C4 models), failure in the cleaning system is not usually due to a burnt-out electric motor, but rather to a jamming of the… articulation mechanism (braking). This system, which transmits the engine’s movement to the wiper arms, is vulnerable to water, dirt, and debris entering from under the hood.

Over time, moisture causes… oxidation and locking of the pivots of the mechanism, making the movement stiff. The symptom is the wiper stop working completely, moving slowly and draggingly, or only one side of the windshield being cleaned.

Rotating with the mechanism locked is dangerous because the electric motor tries to force movement and may… Burnouts due to overheating and excessive strain.. The repair involves replacing the entire clamping mechanism or, in simpler cases, disassembling, cleaning, and lubricating the pivots, which should be done by a mechanic to ensure proper alignment of the blades.