Windshield wipers do not work

SWSTRAVELER

MEMBER
1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE

Six cylinder front wheel drive automatic 163,000 miles

My wipers quit working. I checked the fuses which were okay. I made sure the multifunction switch was working properly for all other functions on it and it was. I pulled the wiper motor. Connector showed overheating and smelled like it. Could not turn gears by hand. Figured motor froze. Checked voltages at corrector. They are good. Got used motor assembly from junk yard. It would not work. Purchased rebuild assembly from Kragen's. Worked initially after install. Tried it with washer while driving and it quit working. Purchased rebuilt assembly from Auto Parts Warehouse. Did not work. Kept trying it and one time got a loud noise from motor while driving but no blade movement. Now, nothing. Did I just happen to get three bad units or is there something else wrong? I manually moved the bar and wipers. Could not find a problem. Worked with an online GM certified mechanic and he is stumped. Went to my mechanic and he is stumped as well. He thinks I should go with new motor assembly which runs $600.00 instead of the $120.00 for rebuilt assemblies. He said it is generally the control module that goes on GM cars. Have looked at getting a new card for last assembly but have not ordered it. Can you help? (I am not sure what kind of donation is "correct". If I am too low please let me know) I have been fighting this problem for nearly two weeks. I have to get home to Washington from California ASAP. When I removed each assembly I checked for burning, found none, and checked that the gears would still turn, they did.

6 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Push WASHER switch. If washer operates, replace wiper motor. If washer does not operate, go to next step. 2. Disconnect wiper motor harness connector. Connect test light between harness connector terminals "B" (yellow wire) and "C" (black wire). If test light is on, go to step 4). If test light does not come on, go to next step. 3. Connect test light between ground and wiper motor harness connector terminal "B" (yellow wire). If test light is on, repair open circuit in black wire between wiper motor and ground. If test light does not come on, repair open circuit in Yellow wire connector C3 terminal A3 between wiper motor and fuse panel. 4. Turn wiper switch to HI position. Connect test light between ground and wiper motor harness connector terminal "H" (dark blue wire). If test light is on, replace wiper motor cover. If test light does not come on, repair open circuit in Yellow wire between connector C3 terminal D1, fuse panel and wiper switch. If okay replace wiper/washer switch.
NOTE: Before testing, ensure wiper motor is securely mounted. Ensure washer hoses are not kinked, disconnected or broken. Ensure fuses are okay. Refer to wiring diagrams for terminal location.

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Saturday, February 14th, 2009 AT 1:00 PM

SWSTRAVELER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Merlin2021,
I had already done most of what you posted and everything checked out. While I was waiting I pulled the third motor assembly I had installed. I reconnected the connector then operated the windshield wash. It worked. So there is nothing wrong with this motor assembly and wiring. Turns out the problem is the nylon cup the "pivot ball" on the gear assembly pushes into to work the wiper arms and transmission. The ball and cup are separating. The cup is worn but not that much. I still had to work at separating the two when I removed the original motor assembly. I am not sure if the transmission and wiper arms are jamming and causing the two to separate or if the cup is too "large" for the ball. I have run the wipers through a couple of cycles manually. Everything worked smoothly. I have looked but have not seen that the "nylon cup" is sold separately. Do you have any ideas short of replacing the complete arm assembly?

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Saturday, February 14th, 2009 AT 4:08 PM

MANNY O

MEMBER
1 POST
1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE
106,000 MILES

I just had the windshield replaced and the variable and automatic rain wiper mode no longer works. When my wife was called by the company who was going to replace the windshield they asked if her car had automatic wipers. She told them the all she knew was they changed speed as the intensity of the rain changed.
I have an additional question, are two different windshield for cars with and without the automatic wipers? Also, does the sensor have to be placed in a specific location on the windshield? In thi location is it important that the glass be not shaded?

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Friday, December 23rd, 2016 AT 10:19 AM (Merged)

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check the fuses I have pointed out it may have blown a fuse then see if your sensor is even there, it may have been removed or placed inside car. Make sure to call windshield company and tell them what has happened. The installer should have seen that prior to installing windshield.

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