These instructions apply to the Maserati Ghibli (M157) 2013-2021.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
To change the wiper blades on your Maserati Ghibli (M157, 2013–2021), the arms first need to be lifted into their service position. If you just switch off, they park low under the bonnet lip where you can’t reach them. Here’s how to raise them.
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 use it whenever a blade needs renewing, and it’s just as useful in frost: 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 Ghibli it’s entered with a specific stalk-and-ignition sequence that has to be done within a short time window, and it’s completely normal — the arms rising when you expect them to park is the feature working, not a fault.
Why There’s a Service Position
The Ghibli parks its wipers low, tucked down against the base of the windscreen under the trailing lip of the bonnet. That keeps them out of your sightline and out of the airflow, but it leaves very little room to lift an arm by hand. Force a parked arm upward and you can bend it against the panel or chip the paint, and levering it against its stop strains the linkage. The service position avoids all of that by driving the arms up to a point where they hinge fully clear of the glass, giving you clean access to the blades.
Getting Ready
- Make sure the bonnet is closed — the arms swing up high, so the panel needs to be down and out of the way first.
- Know the timing. You have to act within the short window after switching off, so read the steps before you begin.
- 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 before you start so the arms aren’t left standing longer than needed.
- Work one arm at a time, supporting each as you swap its blade.
Moving the Wipers to Service Position
- Turn the wiper stalk switch to ‘OFF’.
- Turn the ignition off.
- Within 15 seconds, hold the wiper stalk in the ‘MIST’ position.
- The wipers move up to the service position, clear of the bonnet, where you can lift the arms and swap the blades.
Returning to Normal
After fitting the new blades, lower the arms back onto the glass first — never leave them standing when you drive off. Then switch the ignition on and operate the wipers once; they sweep down and return to their normal park position under the bonnet lip. Let them complete one full cycle to confirm they park cleanly.
If It Doesn’t Work
- Watch the time window. The MIST hold has to happen within 15 seconds of switching the ignition off, or the car won’t raise the arms.
- Set the stalk to OFF first. The sequence starts from the stalk in its OFF setting, not from an active wipe or intermittent mode.
- Hold the stalk in MIST — a momentary flick may not register; keep it held until the arms begin to move.
- Check the bonnet is fully closed so the arms have clear room to swing up.
- Free any ice first. A blade frozen to the glass can stall the motor before the arms rise.
- If it doesn’t trigger, start again from the OFF/ignition-off step and keep the timing tight.
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 Ghibli. 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 Ghibli wipers in service position?
Set the stalk to OFF, switch the ignition off, then within 15 seconds hold the stalk in MIST. The arms rise clear of the bonnet so you can lift them and change the blades.
Why won’t the wipers lift?
You must act within 15 seconds of switching the ignition off, with the stalk first set to OFF. If you miss the window or only flick MIST briefly, start again and hold MIST until the arms move.
Do I need a tool?
No. It’s done entirely with the wiper stalk and the ignition — there are no catches to release or tools required. Just have the replacement blades ready before you begin.
Can I just pull the arms up instead?
Use the service position. Lifting parked arms against the stop can damage the linkage and risks bending an arm or marking the bonnet. Raising them properly gives clean, safe access.
How do I get the wipers back down?
Fold the arms onto the glass first, then switch the ignition on and operate the wipers once. They sweep down and re-park under the bonnet lip. Let them run a full cycle to be sure.
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 change settings; it simply lifts the arms so you can change the blades.
If a wiper fault light appears afterwards, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Maserati. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.