Set the Wipers to Service Position

Last updated: June 9, 2026

To change the front wiper blades on your DS 4 (2011–2018), you first need to lift the wiper arms into their service position. If you just switch off and lift the arms, they foul the bonnet — the car has a simple owner sequence to park them clear of the glass. No tools.

Why You Need the Service Position

At rest the wiper arms tuck down under the bonnet lip, so there isn’t room to lift them or clip new blades on. The service position raises them up the screen where you can work.

Moving the Wipers to the Service Position

1. Make sure the bonnet is closed.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Within 1 minute of switching off, briefly operate the wiper stalk — the arms move up to the service position and stop.
4. You can now lift the arms off the glass and renew the blades.

Returning the Wipers to Normal

1. Fold the arms back onto the screen.
2. Turn the ignition on and operate the wiper stalk — the wipers return to their normal parked position.

Tips

• Do it within the 1-minute window after switching off — otherwise the wipers just run normally.
• Don’t force the arms while they’re still parked under the bonnet — you’ll bend the linkage.
• Lower the arms before switching on to return them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put the DS 4 wipers in service position?

Bonnet closed, ignition off, then within 1 minute flick the wiper stalk — the arms rise to the service position.

How do I get them back to normal?

Fold the arms down, switch the ignition on and operate the wipers — they return to the parked position.

Do I need any tools?

No — it’s done with the ignition and wiper stalk.

Why won’t the wipers lift?

You likely missed the 1-minute window after switching off — switch off and try again.

If a wiper-motor fault code appears, our sister site autodtcs.com can help you decode it.