TOTAL Windshield Wiper Failure

[Lakeshow23]

I just don't get it. My "new" '98 Rodeo 3.2V6 4WD is giving me problems that none of the faq's seem to quite describe.

Anyways, the front windshield wipers died on me 20 minutes before I had to drive through a blizzard in the mountains last night (from Bakersfield to Los Angeles). I made it through the blizzard, but SoCal mountains are expecting a lot of snow this weekend and I'd rather drive my truck through it. Got advice?

Additionally, the rear wiper is stuck. I engage the button and I hear the motor and if I manually push the wiper it catches... only to get stuck again.

[amigo-2k]

http://isuzufaq.ibctech.ca/#faq60

[Lakeshow23]

Originally Posted by amigo-2k

http://isuzufaq.ibctech.ca/#faq60

Well, I hope that works. The person on that faq had wipers that stopped for intermittents, whereas mine stopped entirely. Hi speed, low speed, intermittents... no difference. I hear a rubbing noise too from my steering column when I have the wipers turned on. If I had a bad relay, I doubt I'd even hear any movement from anything. No?

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by Lakeshow23

Well, I hope that works. The person on that faq had wipers that stopped for intermittents, whereas mine stopped entirely. Hi speed, low speed, intermittents... no difference. I hear a rubbing noise too from my steering column when I have the wipers turned on. If I had a bad relay, I doubt I'd even hear any movement from anything. No?

Your problem could be entirely mechanical.

The connecting rod from the wiper motor may have popped off. Turn your wipers on, open the hood and see if the motor is working like it's supposed to.

[Lakeshow23]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

Your problem could be entirely mechanical.

The connecting rod from the wiper motor may have popped off. Turn your wipers on, open the hood and see if the motor is working like it's supposed to.

I was standing in the middle of a heavy snowfall when I noticed that I have to remove some parts to find out if something popped off the motor. I'll get down to it, but I need those wipers tonight. I have to go back through the snow _without_ wipers in about 3 hours. It's either that, or fail my senior seminar college course. I have a deadline to meet....

[Lakeshow23]

Well, after pulling the panels that surround the wipers, it appears that a arm attaches to something similar to a bolt, which forces the wipers to rotate. I tried and tried for over an hour to snap the arm to the mechanism that forces the wipers to move, and I had no success. I fear there is a slip or piece that broke off and fell out somewhere... does anybody have a parts list that can look it up? I can fix it myself, I just don't know what part I need to seek out.

Or, can anybody scan and post it here? Or pm me the file? I would greatly appreciate it.

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by Lakeshow23

Well, after pulling the panels that surround the wipers, it appears that a arm attaches to something similar to a bolt, which forces the wipers to rotate. I tried and tried for over an hour to snap the arm to the mechanism that forces the wipers to move, and I had no success. I fear there is a slip or piece that broke off and fell out somewhere... does anybody have a parts list that can look it up? I can fix it myself, I just don't know what part I need to seek out.

Or, can anybody scan and post it here? Or pm me the file? I would greatly appreciate it.

It's a ball and socket joint. There should be a teflon socket pressed into the wiper linkage. This socket will snap onto the ball, which is connected to the wiper shaft. The socket may have popped out or maybe it's just worn to the point where it won't snap on anymore. Regardless though, once they pop off, even if you get them back on, they won't last much longer.

Unfortunately, for 2nd gen Rodeos you have to buy the entire assembly, instead of just the bad linkage (as can be done in 1st Gens).

P/N 89712466701 ~$55

[Lakeshow23]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

It's a ball and socket joint. There should be a teflon socket pressed into the wiper linkage. This socket will snap onto the ball, which is connected to the wiper shaft. The socket may have popped out or maybe it's just worn to the point where it won't snap on anymore. Regardless though, once they pop off, even if you get them back on, they won't last much longer.

Unfortunately, for 2nd gen Rodeos you have to buy the entire assembly, instead of just the bad linkage (as can be done in 1st Gens).

P/N 89712466701 ~$55

Doh!! Can you scan a picture of it? I see what looks like the "ball" and the "socket" looks like it's part of the arm running from the motor to the wipers. But I'm not sure if anything is missing until I get either a parts list or see another functional Rodeo right next to me.

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by Lakeshow23

Doh!! Can you scan a picture of it? I see what looks like the "ball" and the "socket" looks like it's part of the arm running from the motor to the wipers. But I'm not sure if anything is missing until I get either a parts list or see another functional Rodeo right next to me.

If the plastic socket is still attached to the arm it is likely too worn to stay on any longer.

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture but if you call Merlin at St. Charles Auto (800-727-8066) he might be able to fax or e-mail you a diagram.