Windshield Wipers

[Fire7]

I know there have been posts about wipers and wiper motors, but i couldnt find one that was usefull,
I own a 96 Buick Regal Custom v6 3.8 seriesII
My windshield wipers will not work, at first they stoped working, then the next day they worked again, after awhile of them being tempermental they stoped working completely.
My multi-function lever does have a short in it, but Im not sure if it is my problem, the left turn signal will only come on if i pull the lever towards myself a little, i dont have to hold it. but if i push it back it will turn the signal off.
Anyways, My main question is, can i safely hotwire my windshield wiper motor straight to my battery to see if the motor is the problem, I cant find any fuses or relays that are blown. Any tips or advice is appreciated. I really need to get this problem fixed, rainy season has been a pain in the rear.
Also, Im not sure Im looking at the right object when i think im looking at my windshield wiper motor, if anyone can explain where it is that would help me alot as well.

[richtazz]

The intermittent issue could be the wiper delay module. It's a circuit board attached to the wiper motor itself, and they are known to have issues. The most common is the solder points fail causing intermittent operation. Even though the wiper control is on the turn signal stalk, the wipers are actually a different electrical switch so these are most likely unrelated issues. The pivot assembly that the stalk is attached to contains the wiper switch electrics, and it contacts the separate turn signal switch/cancel mechanism in the column to operate the blinkers.

[Fire7]

So if the delay module is malifuctioning, will it still be running an electric current through it, Is what i mean is how can i test it? or do i just have to replace it and hope it fixes the problem.

[richtazz]

Normally, when they start to go out, if you tap on the module's rectangular plastic cover the wipers will start to work again. That is a tell-tale sign the wiper module (also commonly called a wiper pulse board) is going out and the cause of your issue.

[Fire7]

setting here staring at the schematics for my wiper wiring, I realize It doesnt help me find anything, I understand the switch is in the stearing collumn, I understand the moter is behind the firewall, where the f is the module???

[richtazz]

it's mounted right on the wiper motor under a rectangular shaped plastic cover.