These instructions apply to the Renault Clio Mk5 (XJA) 2019-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
To change the wiper blades on a Renault Clio Mk5 (XJA, 2019–present) you first put the wipers into their service position so the arms lift clear of the screen. Renault uses a neat shortcut on the Clio — a quick double-flick of the wiper stalk — rather than the “ignition off then stalk” routine other makes use. Here’s how.
The service position — some owners call it the maintenance or winter position — simply lifts both wiper arms up and away from the glass so you can get at the blades. You’ll want it whenever you renew the blades, and it’s just as handy in cold weather: standing the arms up overnight stops the rubber freezing to the screen, so it can’t tear when you next switch the wipers on. It also gives you clear access to the scuttle to sweep out the leaves and grit that collect there. This is a designed-in feature of the Clio, not a fault, and on this car it’s reached with the quick double-flick described below rather than a dashboard menu.
Why There’s a Service Position
The Clio parks its wipers low, tucked down against the scuttle under the trailing edge of the bonnet. That’s good for aerodynamics and visibility, but it leaves almost no room to swing an arm upward from where it rests. Try to haul a blade off the glass from the parked spot and the arm fouls the bonnet lip — easy to bend the arm or chip the paint. The service position first drives the wipers up to the middle of the screen, where there’s plenty of clearance, so the arms lift freely and you’re working in the open.
Before You Begin
- Bonnet closed — the arms travel up into the space the raised bonnet would occupy, so leave it shut until the wipers have stopped.
- Wipers parked — start from the normal rest position, not mid-wipe.
- Free any frozen blades first — if the rubber is stuck to the glass, ease it loose by hand before triggering the position, or the motor can strain.
- Have the new blades to hand — and check you’ve got the right lengths, as the driver and passenger blades on the Clio differ.
- Work one arm at a time — do the driver’s side, then the passenger’s, so an unsupported arm can’t spring back onto the screen.
How to Set the Clio Mk5 Wiper Service Position
- Make sure the bonnet is closed and the wipers are parked.
- Turn the ignition on.
- Push the wiper stalk up twice, quickly (a fast double-flick of the single-wipe command).
- The wipers move up to the service position and stop there.
- Lift the arms off the glass and renew the blades.
Returning the Wipers to Normal
Once the new blades are on, fold both arms carefully back down onto the screen. Then operate the wipers with the stalk, or simply turn the ignition off and on again — the wipers sweep back down and settle into their normal parked position under the scuttle. Give the glass a quick squirt of washer fluid and a wipe to check the new blades sit flat and clear cleanly.
If It Doesn’t Work
- Too slow — the two up-flicks need to be quick, one after the other; try again a bit faster.
- Ignition off — the function needs the ignition on; a single flick just gives you one wipe.
- Wipers weren’t parked — let them finish their cycle and rest before you double-flick.
- Blades frozen to the glass — free them gently first, or the motor may stall partway.
- Nothing moves — pause, let the stalk settle back to centre, and repeat the double-flick cleanly.
Changing the Blades
With the arms raised, support each one as you work so it can’t snap back and crack the glass. Most Clio blades use a common clip or hook fitting: release the catch where the blade meets the arm, slide the old blade off, and clip the new one on until it locks. Double-check it’s seated before you let go. Then lower the arm gently onto the screen rather than letting it drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I lift the Clio Mk5 wipers to change the blades?
Ignition on, then push the wiper stalk up twice quickly — a fast double-flick. The wipers rise to the service position in the middle of the screen and stop, giving you room to lift the arms.
Do I need any tools?
No — setting the position is done with the ignition and the wiper stalk alone. The only thing you need is the correct pair of replacement blades for the Clio.
How do I get them back down?
Fold the arms onto the screen and operate the wipers, or cycle the ignition off and on — they sweep back to the parked position on their own.
Can I just lift them at the parked position?
Best not to — from park the arms foul the bonnet lip, so forcing them up can bend an arm or chip the paint. Use the service position, which clears them first.
Why won’t the Clio enter the service position?
Usually the double-flick was too slow, or the ignition wasn’t on. Make sure the wipers are parked, switch the ignition on, and flick the stalk up twice in quick succession.
Does setting the service position reset anything?
No — it only moves the wiper arms. It doesn’t affect service reminders or any other setting, and the wipers return to normal as soon as you cycle them.
To clear a service reminder after maintenance, see our Clio Mk5 service reset guide. For warning lights, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Renault. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.