CT5 - Front Wiper Blade Replacement 🚗

Nice easy job for a first DIY. I’ll walk you through it step by step.

Parts & Sizes 🧩

• ✅ Front wiper blades (pair)
  • Driver side: typically 24"
  • Passenger side: typically 20"
  • Exact size can vary by brand; check the fitment guide on the package for “2021 CT5-V”.

Tools Needed 🛠️

• ✅ New wiper blades with the correct adapter for GM hook/arm style
• ✅ Clean towel or rag (to protect the glass)

Safety & Prep ⚠️

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and make sure the wipers are parked (down position).
• ⚠️ Protect the windshield: If the bare wiper arm snaps back, it can crack the glass. Always keep a hand on the arm and/or place a towel on the glass.

CT5 - Put Wipers in Service Position 🧼

Your CT5 parks the wipers low under the hood, so it’s easier if you move them to “service position.”

• ✅ Step 1: Sit in the driver seat and press the Start/Stop button once without pressing the brake (accessory mode).
• ✅ Step 2: Move the wiper stalk down to the single wipe position and release, then within about 3 seconds, move it down again and hold for 2–3 seconds.
• ✅ Step 3: The wipers should move up into a higher “service” position and stop there.
• ✅ Step 4: Turn the ignition off again.

If your wipers don’t move to service position, tell me and I’ll give you the alternate method.

Remove Old Wiper Blades 🔧

• ✅ Step 1 – Lift the wiper arm:
  • Gently lift the driver-side wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays up on its own.
• ✅ Step 2 – Find the release tab:
  • Your CT5 uses a hook-style arm with a small plastic release tab on the blade where it meets the arm.
  • Press the tab in with your thumb or fingernail.
• ✅ Step 3 – Slide the blade off:
  • While holding the tab, slide the blade down toward the base of the arm to unhook it.
  • Rotate the blade so the hook can come out of the plastic adapter, then remove the blade completely.
  • Carefully lower the bare arm onto a towel on the glass, or keep it in your hand.
• ✅ Step 4 – Repeat for passenger side:
  • Do the same steps on the passenger wiper arm.

Install New Wiper Blades 🆕

• ✅ Step 1 – Prepare the new blade:
  • Make sure the correct adapter for a J-hook arm is installed on the blade (most come pre-installed).
  • Check which blade is driver vs passenger if they’re different lengths.
• ✅ Step 2 – Attach to the arm:
  • Lift the driver-side arm again.
  • Rotate the new blade so the opening in the adapter lines up with the hook on the arm.
  • Slide the hook into the adapter and pull the blade up until you hear or feel a click.
• ✅ Step 3 – Check alignment:
  • Gently tug the blade to make sure it’s locked in and doesn’t slide off.
  • Lower the arm carefully back onto the glass.
• ✅ Step 4 – Repeat for passenger side:
  • Install the passenger blade the same way.

Return Wipers from Service Position & Test 💦

• ✅ Step 1: Turn ignition on (engine can be off).
• ✅ Step 2: Move the wiper stalk to ON (low speed) briefly, then back to OFF. The wipers should sweep and park back down under the hood.
• ✅ Step 3: Spray washer fluid and check:
  • No streaks or missed areas.
  • No knocking or hitting the edge of the windshield trim.

Tips & Tricks 💡

• 💡 Clean the glass with glass cleaner and a clean towel before testing; dirt can make new blades chatter.
• 💡 Replace wipers in pairs (you did the right thing doing both fronts together).

If you’d like, tell me which brand of blades you’re considering and I can confirm the exact sizes and adapter style for your CT5.

HowToo makes it easy: below this answer you’ll see recommended wiper blades and any small tools you might want. You can add them to your cart right from the parts section for fast shipping. 🚚