2001 Chevy Impala Windshield Wiper inoperative

2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA
96,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ERNIEJT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
After a recent snowstorm I ran the wipers to clear what I thought was only fluffy powder snow. Unfortunately, there must have been some ice that froze one of the arms in place. The driver's side worked fine (and still does) but the passenger side didn't do anything. After a day or two I tried them again, this time with a clear, dry windshield. They both worked fine. We had another storm. I cleared the windshield with a scraper and ran the wipers again, and the problem re-appeared. No passenger side wiper action. Although I haven't disassembled anything yet for inspection, I suspect the gear for the arm is stripped.
What do you suggest?
Is this an easy repair or should I take it to the shop?
Jan 12, 2009 at 10:35 AM
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JAMES W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 2,394 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Sounds like the splined pin that moves the wiper arm may be lose. At the base of the wiper arm is a flip up cap. Under this cap should be a 13 mm nut to tighten the arm to the driver. The spline in the wiper may be stripped and need to be replaced if this doesn't work. Hope this helps and thanks for the donation.
Jan 12, 2009 at 2:35 PM
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