windshield wipers not returning to normal

Hi there, We had snow the other day and I turned on my wipers to clear the snow off and there was snow under the wipers where they normally set and they would not go back down. Now they stop at the top, which is right in the view of the windshield. The wipers work fine other than they stop in the top position other than returning to the down position. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY CAR 5 MINUTES AGO.

I CHOSE NOT TO REPLACE MOUNTING BRACKET. I JUST BENT THE TAB BACK INTO PLACE SO IT WOULD ENGAGE THE WIPER TRANSMISSION.

DIDN'T FEEL LIKE PAYING THE CHEVY DEALER FOR ANYTHING ELSE. ESPECIALLY AFTER THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MODULE.

GOOD LUCK!

Windshield Wipers - Park in Vertical Position

File In Section: 08 - Body and Accessories

Bulletin No.: 02-08-43-002

Date: May, 2002

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Windshield Wipers Park In Outwipe Position
(Install Wiper Motor Crank Arm and Wiper Motor Bracket Service Kit)

Models:
2002 Buick Century, Regal
2002 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
2002 Pontiac Grand Prix

Condition

Some customers may comment that the windshield wipers park in the outwipe (vertical) position.

Cause

This condition may be caused by a bent park tab on the windshield wiper motor bracket.

Correction

To correct this condition, install a new windshield wiper motor crank arm and a windshield wiper motor bracket service kit. Use the following service procedure:




1. Remove the windshield wiper motor drive system module. Inspect the park tab on the wiper motor bracket. It may be bent as shown in the illustration above. Refer to the Wiper Drive System Module Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818798).

2. Remove the windshield wiper transmission from the windshield wiper motor bracket. Refer to the Wiper Transmission Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818797).

3. Remove the windshield wiper motor crank arm from the windshield wiper motor. Refer to the Wiper Motor Crank Arm Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818984).

4. Remove the windshield wiper motor from the windshield wiper motor bracket. Refer to the Wiper Motor Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818796).






5. Reassemble the windshield wiper motor drive system using a new windshield wiper motor crank arm, P/N 12494832 and the contents of the windshield wiper motor bracket service kit, P/N 88958149 (in Canada, P/N 88958260). The park tab on the new wiper motor bracket should be straight as shown in the illustration shown above.

6. Reinstall the windshield wiper motor transmission onto the new windshield wiper motor bracket. Refer to the Wiper Transmission Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818797).

7. Reinstall the windshield wiper motor onto the windshield wiper motor bracket. Refer to the Wiper Motor Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818796). Refer to the instruction sheet in the service kit for the proper installation of the flat washer onto the windshield wiper motor bracket. It must be seated against the park tab on the windshield wiper motor bracket.

8. Reinstall the windshield wiper motor crank arm onto the windshield wiper motor. Refer to the Wiper Motor Crank Arm Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer Systems sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818984).

9. Reinstall the windshield wiper drive system module into the vehicle. Refer to the Wiper Drive System Module Replacement procedure in the Wipers/Washer sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID # 818798).

10. Test the operation of the windshield wipers and washer.

Where is this tab located? I am having the same problem now. How do I get to it? Any help is greatly appreciated.'

Thanks!

Drivers side. Take off the black protective grill under the wipers. The tab is located on the wiper's gearbox.

Drivers side. Take off the black protective grill under the wipers. The tab is located on the wiper's gearbox.




Do I need to remove the gearbox to get to the tab? Do you have a picture showing where the tab is? I just want to make sure I am bending the right tab back.

Thanks again!

Do I need to remove the gearbox to get to the tab? Do you have a picture showing where the tab is? I just want to make sure I am bending the right tab back.

Thanks again!

Doh, just replied to that other post, Pictures would be helpful if anyone can do so... otherwise I just might have to tinker around and take some myself... If only I knew what I was doing.

This illustration should help!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/286578JPG94963788.jpg

This illustration should help!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/286578JPG94963788.jpg


I have the bolt off the wiper... but I cannot remove the wiper... I don't know whats even holding it on now, but I can't get the cover off without taking off the wiper and that mofo doesn't want to budge.

Thanks for the help! I just finished it and just like you said the wipers work normal again and goes all the way down when shut off.

Thanks again, you saved us quite a bit of money.

This illustration should help!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/286578JPG94963788.jpg


Another Question... For anyone... We've tried bending back the tab, it sometimes catches, sometimes doesn't, seems like theres something wrong with the spring mechanism itself... any suggestions? Maybe pictures this weekend if we can't figure it out.

Which way does that Tab need to be bent? should it be bent up so that it looks like the picture or do I need to bend it flat?
My Wipers stay in the upright position when I have them on intermittent, but they return to normal when I switch them off.

Which way does that Tab need to be bent? should it be bent up so that it looks like the picture or do I need to bend it flat?
My Wipers stay in the upright position when I have them on intermittent, but they return to normal when I switch them off.

Bend the tab like the picture, Closer inwards. We found that with my wipers the spring had been 'over-stretched' and took a lot of messing with the spring + bending that tab back to get them to work right. It did work though and afternoon of time spent is better then putting so much money for a new mechanism IMO.

Bend the tab like the picture, Closer inwards. We found that with my wipers the spring had been 'over-stretched' and took a lot of messing with the spring + bending that tab back to get them to work right. It did work though and afternoon of time spent is better then putting so much money for a new mechanism IMO.

Hey there, good timing. My car is doing the same darn thing,
Unfortunately my wife tried to force the wipers back in to place and now they are all crossed up. What do you need to do, remove the wiper arms and the black plastic cover to get at this assembly?
How long did it take you to get it straight?

Thanks

Hey there, good timing. My car is doing the same darn thing,
Unfortunately my wife tried to force the wipers back in to place and now they are all crossed up. What do you need to do, remove the wiper arms and the black plastic cover to get at this assembly?
How long did it take you to get it straight?

Thanks

Removed wipers, removed black cover, you'll see the mechanism with the spring on it, just took some playing with, best advice would be to watch how it works, if its the exact problem I have, they'll be in normal position when you have them on intermittant. Hard to explain what exactly I did, but used some needle nose's and re-wrapped the spring around how it was supposed to be, to my advantage I have 2 Impala's so I could see what it was *supposed* to look like. Time it took me - Approx 2 hours of playing around. Worked flawlessly since a year past now.

Removed wipers, removed black cover, you'll see the mechanism with the spring on it, just took some playing with, best advice would be to watch how it works, if its the exact problem I have, they'll be in normal position when you have them on intermittant. Hard to explain what exactly I did, but used some needle nose's and re-wrapped the spring around how it was supposed to be, to my advantage I have 2 Impala's so I could see what it was *supposed* to look like. Time it took me - Approx 2 hours of playing around. Worked flawlessly since a year past now.


Worked for me too. Thanks very much indeed. I love this board!!!

I just acquired a 2000 Impala about 3 weeks ago from the in-laws.

Monday night, as my wife was coming home, the wipers started the parking in the verticle position problem. I searched the website and found this thread and I printed it off.

I then took the car and this thread info to the local dealership to have them check it out. 3 hours later, I call and they said I need a new crank arm and motor. It will cost me $700 to get it fixed. I about fell out of my chair :banghead: !! I asked about the tab issue, and he said they checked but that wasnt it. He stated that the motor was trashed. I find it funny to believe, as the wipers work just fine. I told him to put the car back together and I will pick it up.

Tomorrow, I will go through it and try the tab trick. I have a funny feeling they didnt check it or mess with it. Even so, I will replace the items myself, as I know I can get the parts for alot less than $400.

Wish me luck!!

god luck with that, and wiper motors, at least on my old car, were fairly easy to replace, so you shouldnt run into any major problems, but I havent done it on the Impala yet, so I dont know how different it is designed.

And never go to the dealership unless its warrenty related, they will screw you everytime, do it yourself or go to an independent shop. More trust worthy and cheaper.

I just acquired a 2000 Impala about 3 weeks ago from the in-laws.

Monday night, as my wife was coming home, the wipers started the parking in the verticle position problem. I searched the website and found this thread and I printed it off.

I then took the car and this thread info to the local dealership to have them check it out. 3 hours later, I call and they said I need a new crank arm and motor. It will cost me $700 to get it fixed. I about fell out of my chair :banghead: !! I asked about the tab issue, and he said they checked but that wasnt it. He stated that the motor was trashed. I find it funny to believe, as the wipers work just fine. I told him to put the car back together and I will pick it up.

Tomorrow, I will go through it and try the tab trick. I have a funny feeling they didnt check it or mess with it. Even so, I will replace the items myself, as I know I can get the parts for alot less than $400.

Wish me luck!!

The luckiest thing you did was get away from that dealer, good move. At the most you need a crank arm kit, which GM does have and is inexpensive. At the least the tab trick works and you are good to go. Keep us posted.

And never go to the dealership unless its warrenty related, they will screw you everytime, do it yourself or go to an independent shop. More trust worthy and cheaper.

That is a big understatement!! I went to pick up my car and I was talking to the service manager. I had asked for the P/N's for the items he said that needed to be replaced. I noticed that the crank arm had the same part # that gmpartsdirect.com had. I inquired as to how he was charging $180 for a part that I could get for $32.50? He went into some spiel how parts not bought from the dealership are not GM parts, but some imitation that normally doesnt work/fit correctly. I knew then that this guy was just blowing smoke. I was so fed up with all his smooth talking, I just paid the $70 for the Diag Fee and left.

On my way home, I got to thinking about the whole scenario and when I got home, I started working on the car. As soon as I started, I could tell they never even touch the wipers or wiper cowl as they had no tool marks what so ever. Not to mention it took a little while to get the wiper arms off from being on there for 6 years. When I got to the tab part, it was still covered in grime and dirt. It took me about 45 minutes to fix the tab and put all back together. The wipers now work like they are suppose too.

My wife and I are very upset. I will be going to the dealership in the AM to talk to the general manager and demand my money back or some type of compensation. Not only did the service manager lie to me on the phone about the tab fix not working, he tried to scam me for $700.

Fortunate to say, I have learned my lesson. If I cant fix a problem with the car, it will not be going to a dealership.

That is a big understatement!! I went to pick up my car and I was talking to the service manager. I had asked for the P/N's for the items he said that needed to be replaced. I noticed that the crank arm had the same part # that gmpartsdirect.com had. I inquired as to how he was charging $180 for a part that I could get for $32.50? He went into some spiel how parts not bought from the dealership are not GM parts, but some imitation that normally doesnt work/fit correctly. I knew then that this guy was just blowing smoke. I was so fed up with all his smooth talking, I just paid the $70 for the Diag Fee and left.

On my way home, I got to thinking about the whole scenario and when I got home, I started working on the car. As soon as I started, I could tell they never even touch the wipers or wiper cowl as they had no tool marks what so ever. Not to mention it took a little while to get the wiper arms off from being on there for 6 years. When I got to the tab part, it was still covered in grime and dirt. It took me about 45 minutes to fix the tab and put all back together. The wipers now work like they are suppose too.

My wife and I are very upset. I will be going to the dealership in the AM to talk to the general manager and demand my money back or some type of compensation. Not only did the service manager lie to me on the phone about the tab fix not working, he tried to scam me for $700.

Fortunate to say, I have learned my lesson. If I cant fix a problem with the car, it will not be going to a dealership.

I'd contact the better business bureau in your area and complain with them. My guess is if this dealer treats everyone that way they have lots of complaints.
Good luck getting your money back from them, hope it all works out.

I went in and talked to the general manager. They are going to cut me a check for the $70 Monday.

Come to find out, the Service Mngr was a car salesman and has no technical experience. That tells me that he doesnt have a clue as to what is going on in his shop. I will never deal with them again, even after all their assurances that they are an honest dealership and "mistakes happen" :disappoin Big differences in mistakes taking place and nothing being done to a car when it is brought in.

Chalk one of for the little guy :grinyes:

I went in and talked to the general manager. They are going to cut me a check for the $70 Monday.

Come to find out, the Service Mngr was a car salesman and has no technical experience. That tells me that he doesnt have a clue as to what is going on in his shop. I will never deal with them again, even after all their assurances that they are an honest dealership and "mistakes happen" :disappoin Big differences in mistakes taking place and nothing being done to a car when it is brought in.

Chalk one of for the little guy :grinyes:

Well Done!! I wonder if the so-called service manager got called on the carpet for it? That would be fun to watch. Hey it all worked out and your wipers work!

I have a 98 Venture and the wiper is having the same problem. It still up when off.

I tried to locate the TAB that is shown in the previous post but I cannot find it. I found one that was only 1mm high. Does my tab broken or my car has a different design?

First off I want to say hello. First Post and new to the forum.

I have a 2k impala and the wipers just don't work. So I am not really in the same boat as most of you, but the Stealer did say that I just needed a new motor. Not sure I believe them or not so I told them to wait on the repair.

Once you pull the wiper cowl off, is the motor pretty easy to get to? What kind of time am I looking at getting myself into with this project?

How do I remove the black plastic cover to access the wiper blade motor tab. I

Maybe some detail questions/answers would help me and some others who are reading this...

1. What is the procedure to remove the wiper arms? I see a round black plastic cap over what I assume is the nut or bolt that holds the wiper arm.

2. Do you need a puller tool to get the wiper arms off?

3. Once the wiper arms are off it looks like there is just one push pin fastener holding the black grill in place?

Thanks

Like so many others, my wipers are staying up. I want to try and bend the tab on the wiper motor, but I am not sure on how to get to it. I removed the pin on plastic trim under the wipers (passenger side) and can lift that side but I have no idea how to do the driver's side. Do I need to have a special tool to remove the wipers, so that I can remove the plastic trim?
If any one could walk me through this I would appreciate it.

Not sure if anyone is still watching this thread... Anyone have the problem with the wipers parking on top only when on intermittent setting? The wipers park normal when on slow or fast setting. I just had the motor replaced and still have same problem. If the tab was bent, wouldn't it cause the wipers to park incorrectly on either setting? Looking for suggestions before I try to fix it myself. TIA. problem is on a 2000 Pont. Grand Prix

Not sure if anyone is still watching this thread... Anyone have the problem with the wipers parking on top only when on intermittent setting? The wipers park normal when on slow or fast setting. I just had the motor replaced and still have same problem. If the tab was bent, wouldn't it cause the wipers to park incorrectly on either setting? Looking for suggestions before I try to fix it myself. TIA. problem is on a 2000 Pont. Grand Prix

Welcome to AF.

Moderators are always watching threads and we frown upon raising old threads so please check the date of the thread and last post. Any over 3 months old. If you have a an unresolved issue with your car then start a new thread and in the proper forum for the respective make and model car. Thread closed.