These instructions apply to the Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman 982 2016-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
To change the wiper blades on your Porsche 718 Boxster or Cayman (2016–present) — the 982 — you first lift the wiper arms into their service position. At rest they park below the bonnet line, so there isn’t room to lift them. No tools.
The service position — also called the maintenance or winter position — is a raised resting point that swings both front arms high up the glass and holds them there. You reach for it whenever a blade needs renewing, and it earns its keep in cold weather too: standing the arms clear of the screen stops the rubber freezing to the glass overnight so it can’t tear when you first switch on, and it opens up the scuttle for clearing leaves or snow. On the 982 it is entered from the wiper stalk after a short ignition cycle, and it is entirely normal — the arms rising when you expect them to park is the feature working, not a fault.
Why There’s a Service Position
The 718 parks its wipers low, tucked down against the base of the windscreen just beneath the trailing edge of the front lid. That hides them from your sightline and keeps them out of the airflow, but it leaves almost no room to lift an arm by hand. Prise a parked arm upward and you risk bending it against the panel or nicking the paint on the lid. The service position solves that by driving the arms up to a point where they can hinge fully away from the glass, giving clean access to the blades without forcing anything against a stop.
First, a Few Checks
- Close the front lid (bonnet). The arms swing up high, so you want the panel down and out of the way first.
- Get the ignition state right. The service move only works from the ignition-on-then-off sequence below.
- Check the blades aren’t frozen to the glass. Thaw any ice first, or a stuck blade can make the motor strain as it lifts.
- Have the new blades ready so the arms aren’t left standing longer than needed.
- Do one arm at a time, supporting each as you swap its blade.
Moving the Wipers to the Service Position
- Make sure the front lid (bonnet) is closed.
- Turn the ignition on, then off.
- Push the wiper stalk switch down — the wipers move up to the service position and stop.
- Lift the arms off the glass and renew the blades.
Returning the Wipers to Normal
Once the new blades are fitted, fold both arms back down onto the screen — never leave them standing when you drive off. Then turn the ignition on and operate the wipers; they sweep down and settle back into their normal parked position under the lid. Let them run one full cycle to confirm they park cleanly.
If It Doesn’t Work
- Do the ignition on/off step first. The stalk only sends the arms up when the car is in that just-switched-off state.
- Push the stalk down, not up. The downward flick is what triggers the lift.
- Check the front lid is fully closed. With it up, the wipers are deliberately held back so they can’t swing into the panel.
- Free any ice first. A blade frozen to the glass can stall the motor before the arms rise.
- Don’t lever the arms up by hand while they’re still parked — wait for the car to raise them.
- If nothing happens, repeat from a clean ignition cycle.
Changing the Blades — What to Expect
With the arms raised, support each one as you release the old blade so it can’t spring back and crack the glass. Most arms use a simple hook or push-clip fitting: unclip the old blade, slide it off, and click the replacement on until it seats. Match the size and fitting to your car’s original if you’re unsure — your handbook lists the correct blades for the 982. Lower each arm gently by hand rather than letting it snap down, then return the wipers as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put the Porsche 718 wipers in service position?
With the front lid closed, turn the ignition on and then off, then push the wiper stalk down. Both arms rise to the service position and stop so you can reach the blades.
Do I need any tools?
No. It’s all done with the ignition and the wiper stalk — there are no catches to release or tools required. Just have the replacement blades to hand before you begin.
How do I get the wipers back down?
Fold the arms back onto the glass first, then switch the ignition on and operate the wipers. They sweep down and re-park themselves under the lid. Let them complete one full cycle to be sure.
Can I just lift the arms at their parked position?
Better not to. Parked, they sit under the bonnet line with little clearance, so forcing them up risks bending an arm or marking the paint. The service position raises them clear first.
Why won’t the wipers lift?
Usually the ignition step was skipped. Turn it on then off, check the front lid is shut, and push the stalk down — not up. Repeat from a clean cycle if the first attempt does nothing.
Does this reset anything on the car?
No. The service position is only a mechanical parking point for the wipers. It doesn’t clear service reminders or alter settings; it simply lifts the arms so you can change the blades.
If a wiper-motor fault code appears afterwards, our sister site autodtcs.com can help you decode it.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Porsche. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.