🔧 Kona - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll put your Kona’s wiper arms into “service position” so you can lift them safely, then swap the blade assemblies (the rubber-and-frame pieces that clip onto the metal arms). Fresh blades restore clear visibility and prevent streaking and windshield scratching.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the hinge; the wiper arm is spring-loaded.
• ⚠️ Never let a bare wiper arm snap onto the glass; it can crack the windshield.
• ⚠️ Work on a cool, dry windshield and park on level ground.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Painter’s tape
• Clean shop towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: 16" - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Kona on level ground and shift to Park.
• Turn the ignition OFF.
• Optional but helpful: put a strip of painter’s tape on the windshield to mark where each blade rests.
• Move the wipers into service position (so the arms can lift): within ~20 seconds of turning ignition OFF, use the wiper stalk to hold a single-wipe “MIST” command for about 2 seconds until the wipers move up and stop.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Set the wipers to service position

• Turn ignition ON, then OFF.
• Within ~20 seconds, use the wiper stalk and hold it in the MIST (single wipe) position for about 2 seconds.
• Confirm the wiper arms stop partway up the windshield where you can lift them.

Step 2: Lift the driver-side wiper arm safely

• Use your hand to lift the driver-side arm away from the windshield until it locks in the up position.
• Place a clean shop towel on the glass below the arm as extra protection.
• Tip: Hold the arm while removing the blade.

Step 3: Remove the old driver-side blade

• Look at the connection where the blade meets the arm. Most Kona blades use a common “J-hook” connector (a J-shaped metal hook).
• Press the small release tab on the blade connector. If it’s tight, use a small flathead screwdriver gently to help press the tab.
• Slide the blade down and off the hook.

Step 4: Install the new driver-side blade

• Verify you’re using the 26" blade for the driver side.
• Slide the new blade connector onto the hook until it clicks/locks.
• Lightly tug on the blade to confirm it’s fully latched.

Step 5: Repeat for the passenger-side blade

• Lift the passenger arm, remove the old blade the same way, then install the new 16" blade.
• Use the clean shop towel again to protect the glass while you work.

Step 6: Lower the arms and exit service position

• Carefully lower each arm back onto the windshield (don’t drop it).
• Turn ignition ON.
• Use the wiper stalk for one normal wipe to return the wipers to their parked position.

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✅ After Repair

• Test washers and wipers at low speed, then high speed.
• If you see streaking, clean the windshield and blades with glass cleaner and a clean shop towel.
• Confirm both blades park in the same spot as before (your tape marks help).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $20-$40 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.