I can't stand the wipers on my 03 S-Type -- the area where they overlap doesn't get wiped clean on the down stroke leaving a large portion of the windshield impossible to see through. For this reason, I replaced the arms/blades with ones that cost me over $20 -- I don't remember which ones I bought. That was six months ago -- the "new" ones are now as bad as the ones I replaced.

Really? I have to replace the wiper blades every 6 months? This is the only car I've ever had that has this issue.

Is there a fix or does anyone have a suggestion for what I can do short of replacing them?

Thanks.

 

Post a pic, as this doesn't sound right at all.

Measure them (the rubber parts) and post the lengths, too.

 

I've been using the Trico wiper blade inserts that I order via phone through my local NAPA store for less than $10 per set using my AAA discount. I replace them once per year just prior to our required annual state inspection....

 

The blades are 18" (passenger's side) and 24" -- the passenger's side seemed to be a bit longer than 18", but not 19".

I'll try to post the video I did that shows the malfunction.

Here's a still photo of the area that doesn't get wiped clean. This photo was taken after the rain stopped and the wipers had already wiped the windshield clean! The down stroke leaves this mess!

 

Read my posts in this thread and post a pic to verify you have the correct wiper length and model as well as to help show the exact issue you're describing.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...estion-110840/

 

My car is an 03 and I have the correct wiper lengths. Thanks.

 

I don't know how to embed a video, so this should be a link to a youtube video.

 

Mike-

I see the problem very clearly in the video. No such issue on mine, but let me ask- do you take your car through an auto car wash? If so, do they add a 'wax' of some type.

My father had the identical issue with his car (non-Jag) and it seems the build up of wax on the glass just smears everything, even though the wiper blades were new. We used a concentrated glass cleaner and a Scotchbrite pad and problem gone.

 

From the video, problem seems to be caused by the wiper blade on the left. It's almost as though the wiper arm/blade are not contacting the windscreen at all in that position.

I had almost exactly the same problem when I bought my 2005 STR. The previous owner told me that he had fitted brand new Rain-X wiper arms and blades. While that appeared to be true, it was obvious that for one of the blades there was no contact with a portion of the windscreen.

Took the car to the Jag dealer, and they said "wrong arms, non-Jag". Fitted the right arms/ blades and everything was perfect.

 

No, not me. I hand wash this car when the weather permits and don't use anything except glass cleaner on the window.

Any idea what the part number is and where I can find them?

 

Here you go:

 

Before you go splurging big bucks on wiper arms, I should tell you I think I've got the terminology wrong. It wasn't the wiper arms, it was the wiper blades. I think it was about $38 for the pair.

 

All I can say is I have same kind of wipers but they've been good for the last 5 years. One now has a tiny nick so needs replacing for next MoT.

 

When I replaced mine last summer I replaced the arms with blades. They worked for a while, but now they're just like the last pair -- I have no idea where the last pair came from since I didn't own the car when they were put on.

I guess I could try new blades.

 

If you got a set of arms/blades for $20 they were definitely not OEM. Really, OEM blades are not a hugely expensive item, and I am very fussy about having a clear windscreen. The Jag dealer I visited fitted the new blades at no extra cost.

 

It looks exactly like the arm isn't putting proper pressure on the blade at the top of the window where the curve it. I had the exact issue when trying wiper blades out which is why I posted the thread with blades that work with the arms and curve of the windshield.

 

I've been using these and they work great while lasting quite a long time between replacement intervals. A clear windshield in a storm is worth every penny. Plus, Consumer Reports said the Rain-X blades lasted longer than other brands they tested.

Rain-X Latitude® Wiper Blades

Good luck!
Steve

 

I'm pretty sure I have Rani-X, but I don't know if they are the Latitude model or not. I'll check later. Thanks for the link. Could be worth getting one for the driver's side and see how it works.

 

I bought mine at Pep Boys; they install them for free.