96 Villager. First significant snow here in Denver, so of course this morning the front wipers decide they don't want to work. Cleared off all snow and ice, they work for a second, and decide to stop halfway up the windshield. Warms up a bit (to 38 degrees) and now they work - for a few minutes. Once again, they stop by themselves mid-wipe. No go, no matter what setting...Ideas? Any helpful suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks.

The wiper has three main components:wiper motor,switch,wiper govenor/amplifier.Any of the 3 can cause the problem,but most likely it's the switch.

D you mean the swith on the stalk? This AM I though I heard a faint "click" from under the hood whenever the wipers were turned from the off to any "on" position.

The multifunction switch assy.(turn signal/brights/wiper/wash lever switch).

Thanks, dzus. One more question - I took apart the end of the switch which houses the controls for the wipers. Cleaned that up just in case (no luck) but while doing so, a spring about an inch in length with a brass cap at one end popped out, and I cannot figure out where that goes. Can you tell me where it belongs? I think it has to do with the incremental speeds of the wipers, and the clicking from speed to speed. Thaanks.

Brass cap is what makes contact when using the front washers,it should go in first then spring.

I don't want to sound like a moron here, but where exactly does the spring go - is there a specific track/slot in the inner white piece with the contacts, or does it track in one of the lateral troughs of the housing. Thanks for the patience. It popped out during disassembly and I did not see where from exactly.

I think you would better off buying a new one. Check with the dealer or check autozone they are carry dealer items now. It may even be cheaper at the dealer so check around and if all else fails theres ebay.

Thanks - $71 part at Napa for the whole swith. I figure it was worth cleaning up the contacts and giving it a shot. If that little spring is non-essential (front washers work fine now) and just provides the incremental snap/snap of the varying speeds, I can probably not worry about that piece. Wipers still don't work, but with a small "thunk" at the washer motor each time the wipers are switched on, I'll be replacing the motor this weekend.