I own a '97 Sport LS and for the past few months or so, as i'm using the windshield wipers, they would suddenly stop in the middle of the windshield. They would use to stop for about 10 seconds or so when i'm driving, and then start back up again. But now i'd be lucky if they start up again at all, without me having to reach out the window and get them going again. This happens almost every time it rains, and when its not raining, i completely forget about it. i checked to see if the little "gears" that the arms connect onto were stripped, and they were fine, so i'm pretty sure its the motor going out, which wouldnt surprise me with almost 160k miles on it. Does anyone else think this would be the motor, and if so, would this be difficult at all to replace?

 

Before doing anything to the motor- try loosening and retightening the wiper motor mounting bolts. The mounting bolts also serve as the circuit ground. Over time, the ground connection will get corroded causing the motor to stop functioning properly. Loosening and retightening will resecure the ground connection and keep the motor functioning as normal. I've seen this many times and have fixed it usually with this method. Doesn't hurt to try! Good luck and don't forget to give feedback on the results.

Joel, CA

 

Thanks for the help...seems to be working so far, although i've just been using windshield washer fluid since. I cleaned off whatever corrosion there was on the ground wire connecting to the bolt. I'll let you know if this persists the next time it rains, which i'm not sure of considering it snowed here a few days ago!!
Kevin, CT