Method for detecting the position of a wiper arm (5) for a system (1) for wiping a vehicle window (3), comprising the steps consisting in: a) measuring or estimating (35) at least one parameter for determining the maintenance or service position, b) comparing (37) the measured or estimated value of said parameter with a reference value or a range of reference values, and c) determining, from the results of the comparison, whether the wiper arm is in maintenance or service position.