These instructions apply to the Mercedes GLA Mk2 (H247) 2020-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
To change the wiper blades or lift them off the glass in winter on a Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247, 2020–present), the arms need to be in their service (vertical) position. Park them normally and they sit under the bonnet edge out of reach — here’s how to raise them. Standing the arms upright clears them of the scuttle trim so you can unclip a tired blade or lift the arms off the screen before a frost, and on the GLA it’s done from the wash button on the wiper stalk rather than a lever under the bonnet. It’s a normal built-in feature, not a fault — the car simply parks its wipers low and gives you a proper way to raise them.
Why You Need the Service Position
The GLA’s wipers park tucked below the bonnet lip, where the pivot end of each arm sits behind the plastic scuttle panel. That keeps them out of the wind and out of sight, but it means there isn’t room to swing a parked arm up by hand without it catching the bonnet edge. Force it and you can bend an arm, unseat the blade clip, or chip the paint along the bonnet trim. The service (wash) position lifts both arms clear of that trim to a vertical stop, giving you full travel and a square angle to work at, and it drives the arms through the linkage the way the motor is designed to — not against it.
Before You Begin
- Close the bonnet. Raised arms can clash with an open bonnet, and it’s awkward to reach the screen with it up — do this with the bonnet shut.
- Ignition on. The GLA method needs the ignition switched on (not the car asleep) for the stalk button to raise the arms.
- Free any frozen blades first. If the rubber is iced to the glass, ease it loose by hand or with de-icer before running the motor, or you risk stalling it.
- Have the new blades ready. Once the arms are up, swap and lower them again promptly rather than leaving them standing.
- Work one arm at a time. Lift, change or clear one side, lay it down, then do the other so both arms stay supported.
How to Set the Wiper Service Position
- Make sure the bonnet is closed.
- With the ignition on, briefly press the wash button on the end of the wiper stalk (about a second) — on the GLA this raises the wipers into the upright service/wash position.
- The arms rise and stop vertical. Lift them away from the glass to change blades or clear snow.
Some cars also offer a wiper service position toggle in the MBUX vehicle menu — either does the same job.
Returning Them to Park
Fold the arms back down onto the glass by hand first — don’t let a raised arm snap back on its own, as an unsupported arm can crack the screen. Then switch the wipers on briefly (or cycle the ignition) and they return to the normal parked position under the bonnet lip. Give the screen a spray and a wipe to confirm both arms sit level and sweep cleanly.
If the Wipers Won’t Lift
- Hold the stalk button a moment longer — a quick tap just does a single wash/wipe rather than raising the arms.
- Check the ignition is on — the button won’t raise the arms with the car asleep.
- Latch the bonnet fully — a bonnet only on its first catch is worth ruling out.
- Free frozen blades — ice locking the arms to the glass can stop them lifting.
- Make sure the arms are parked before you start, then try again.
- Check the MBUX menu for the service-position option if the stalk method doesn’t raise them.
Changing the Blades
With an arm standing vertical, hold it so it can’t drop while you work. GLA blades typically use a common clip or hook fitting that releases with a small tab — press or pinch it, slide the old blade off, and click the new one on until it seats and locks. Check it’s secure before letting go, then lower the arm gently onto the glass rather than releasing it from height, so the sprung arm never taps the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put the Mercedes GLA wipers in service position?
With the ignition on, hold the wash button on the end of the wiper stalk briefly (about a second) and the arms rise to vertical. Some cars use an MBUX menu option instead, which does the same job.
Do I need a tool?
No — it’s done entirely from the wiper stalk (or the MBUX menu on some cars). You only need the replacement blades if you’re renewing them; nothing is needed to raise or lower the arms.
How do I get them back down?
Fold the arms flat onto the glass by hand, then switch the wipers on briefly or cycle the ignition. They return to their normal parked position. Don’t let the arms spring back on their own.
Can I just lift the wipers where they park?
Better not to. They park under the bonnet lip, so heaving a parked arm up risks bending it or chipping paint. The service position lifts them clear first, which is exactly why it’s there.
Why won’t my wipers move up to be changed?
Usually a quick tap of the wash button only does a single wipe — hold it a touch longer with the ignition on. Also check the bonnet is latched and the blades aren’t iced down, or use the MBUX menu option.
Does the service position reset anything?
No. It only moves the wiper arms — it doesn’t clear service reminders, faults or settings. It’s purely a mechanical convenience for changing blades or standing the arms up in frost.
Doing other jobs after a battery change? See our GLA battery guide. For warning lights, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Mercedes. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.