How to turn off windshield wipers on a Chevy Malibu?
The quickest way is to set the right-hand wiper stalk to the Off position. If your Malibu has rain-sensing wipers, switching away from Auto will also disable automatic activation.
Where to find and how the controls work
In most Chevrolet Malibu models, the windshield wiper controls are located on the right side of the steering column. The stalk may use labels such as Off, INT (intermittent), LO (low), HI (high), and Auto (for rain-sensing wipers). The exact markings can vary by year and trim, but the method to stop wipers remains the same: move the switch or stalk to Off to halt all wiper activity.
Manual off procedure
These steps cover the standard, non-automatic off method for recent Malibu models.
- Locate the windshield wiper stalk on the right side of the steering column.
- Move the wiper control to the Off position. If your stalk uses a rotary ring with LO/HI/INT/Off, rotate it until it clicks into Off.
- Release the stalk once it’s in the Off detent and confirm that the wipers are no longer moving.
- If you want to test, briefly activate the stalk again to ensure it returns to Off after a moment.
Once set to Off, the wipers will stay silent until you manually engage them again.
Rain-sensing wipers (Auto mode)
Some Malibu trims include rain-sensing wipers, which can automatically activate when moisture is detected on the windshield. To disable automatic activation, move the wiper control to Off. If you occasionally rely on Auto in wet conditions, you can switch the stalk back to Auto temporarily, then return to Off when automatic operation is no longer desired.
Tips and troubleshooting
If the wipers won’t turn off after moving the stalk to Off, try these quick checks:
- Ensure the ignition is on or in a mode that allows wiper control to function as designed for your model year.
- Check that there isn’t a stuck stalk or a mechanical binding; a gentle realignment can help if safe to do so.
- If the wipers continue to operate in Off, there may be an electrical fault or sensor issue requiring service. Contact a Chevrolet dealer or a qualified technician for diagnosis.
Persistent or abnormal behavior should be evaluated by a professional to rule out a fault in the wiper linkage, stalk, or rain-sensing sensor system.
Summary
Turning off the windshield wipers on a Chevy Malibu is typically done by moving the right-side wiper stalk to Off. If your model features rain-sensing wipers, setting the control to Off disables automatic activation. For models with Auto mode, you can switch between Auto and Off as needed, but Off remains the reliable way to stop all wiper activity. If problems occur, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Chevrolet service center for assistance.
