GM has released a fix for Cadillac Optiq windshield wipers that don’t wipe the windshield completely. In addition to an inconvenience, this can also be a safety hazard on a snowy or dirty windshield, like in the photo below.
The Cadillac Optiq‘s windshield wiper setup is a bit unusual. The two overlapping front windshield wipers wipe in opposite directions rather than in tandem. The driver-side wiper is 30 inches long, and the passenger-side wiper is 22 inches.
The issue in question arises when the wiper arms are not aligned correctly with the wiper motor pivot shaft. When this problem arises, it can result in the wiper blades contacting each other or poor wiper coverage.
The wipers only work as designed when they maintain the proper clearance between each other. If there’s a gap between the wiper blades when not in use, they’re likely aligned correctly. If they’re touching each other, then they require this fix.
Dealers are instructed to place the Cadillac Optiq in Service mode and turn off the wiper system. With the wipers in the Park position, they’ll check to see if the wiper arm is aligned with the wiper alignment marks in the windshield shown in Fig. 8 below. If it’s not, GM recommends removing the wiper arm using the J-39822 Wiper Arm Puller tool, cleaning the wiper pivot shaft splines, and realigning the wiper arm using the aforementioned alignment marks.
Another way to check if your wiper alignment is correct is to measure the distance between the edge of the driver-side A-pillar and the wiper blade when it’s at its reversal point. That distance should be between 1.6 and 2.0 inches. Since this can be hard to measure with perfect accuracy, using the wiper alignment marks in the windshield is recommended.
Incidentally, the mechanically similar Chevy Equinox EV, which shares the BEV3 platform and GM Ramos Arizpe production site with the Cadillac Optiq, has the same windshield wiper setup. That makes the Chevy susceptible to the same problem, but it can be diagnosed and remedied with the same procedure outlined above.
Comments
GM has other wiper issues. To copy Hyundai, they moved the shifter to the steering wheel column on some new models, forcing the wiper stalk to go to the left side and buyers hate it. Stop fussing, GM! Put the shifter back where it belongs and make that ridiculously large drive mode controller a switch instead. Problem solved. Geez, who are you hiring as designers? Eight year olds?
Hasn’t it always been on the left? At least it was for a long time, never had an issue.
Have you ever driven an old Chevy? GM has been using the steering column for a long time. It’s crazy to claim GM copied Hyundai.
What generous engineer thought of this idea? Unbelievable!
Cadillac used to be known for quality. When I worked at the dealership, we had very few problems with them (except for cars built on Fridays – LOL)
One reason why I would not be interested in the vehicle was because of no rear windshield wiper, but now I have found a second reason. Just keep the windshield wiper design simple.
I don’t understand the rear wiper fixation. I have driven my Optic in rain and snow, and the rear view has not been an issue. Even if it were, the Optiq comes standard with a rearview camera, so again, not having a rear wiper is simply not an issue.