Windshield Wiper Problem

Hey all, new to the forum so first I want to say hey and its good to see a great forum such as this. Second, what would cause windshield wipers to be stuck in the "up" position instead of the "down" position when you turn them off? They work fine besides that so im thinking maybe its not he windshield wiper motor but maybe a positioning switch? oh and i have a 96 cavalier, base model in case you are wondering. thanks guys!

nate

It sounds like your wiper arm linkage has come loose off the motor and stuck in the new position. Pull your cowling and have a look inside.

It sounds like your wiper arm linkage has come loose off the motor and stuck in the new position. Pull your cowling and have a look inside.

yeah I tried doing that but I just cant get those wiper arms off... is there a trick besides just pulling up on them? The manual that I have says to just pull up on them after you remove the nuts on top and they come off but when I did it, I was moving the car so bad when I tried.

Get a screwdriver under them and pry up slightly while you gently tap the stud with a hammer. If that doesn't work, go buy a battery terminal puller, those will usually pop 'em right off.

Also, if it's got the wipers that move up a couple inches when they're in the delay position, there's a tab on the wiper transmission that bends down over time, bend that back up and that should fix it.

ok I got the part out but i need an intermitten spring but i cant find an online catalog to find the part number to order! any suggestions? Oh and thanks for the advice guys! it worked like a champ!

The only spring I can think of its the one that pulls the arm tight against the windshield (and I have no idea what it's called)... a salvage yard would probably be the best place for that.