Windshield wipers slow/dead

[PRY4SNO]

Tried searching, didn't find any info.

Wipers are really slow. Only way to get them to return to the bottom (when they finally get up near the top of the cycle) is to reach out the window and give the wiper a slight pull toward the a-pillar.

Figure the motor has gone bad, but thought I'd ask the forum before I go buy a replacement.

Any experience/tips/tricks/links are appreciated!

 

[Chief USA]

This may help:



In your case, I think I would lubricate all of the wiper linkage to ensure it is operating freely and not seized up. It sure does sound from your description like something is dragging down the speed and power of your wipers.

As a side note, the wipers will slow down when the grid heaters are cycling on as they draw an enormous amount of amperage until the IAT sensor reads a warm enough temperature in the intake manifold. I believe that would be 59 degrees F or 15 C or the vehicle has exceeded approximately 20 mph.

 

[PRY4SNO]

I actually watched that same video (and the one he made prior to it), going to use that as a guide to check the fuses/relays and make sure it's not the stalk/switch. I'll try spraying some moly lube while I'm at it, good call.

Definitely not the grid heaters, as they're slow all the time. It's gotten worse over time too, they barely work at all anymore.

 

[JKellis]

I actually watched that same video (and the one he made prior to it), going to use that as a guide to check the fuses/relays and make sure it's not the stalk/switch. I'll try spraying some moly lube while I'm at it, good call.

Definitely not the grid heaters, as they're slow all the time. It's gotten worse over time too, they barely work at all anymore.

Mine got real slow and eventually stopped. Turns out it was a ground wire at the cowl had a bad connection. I cleaned it and tightened it and no problem since.

 

[GAmes]

If the motor does need replacing so not forget that the 1500s that litter the u-pull-it yards have the same one. Probably $10 or $15.

 

[BarryG]

I will x2 what jkellis mentioned. Mine did the same thing with the ground. Certainly easy to to check iirc the ground screw is right on the firewall driver side of center think there is only the one black ground wire going to it easy to get to and check

 

[JKellis]

I will x2 what jkellis mentioned. Mine did the same thing with the ground. Certainly easy to to check iirc the ground screw is right on the firewall driver side of center think there is only the one black ground wire going to it easy to get to and check

On my 99 the ground was under the plastic cowl cover. I had to remove the wiper arms and cover to get to it.

 

[PRY4SNO]

Normally I'd update right away but I forgot! Sorry about that.

Just wanted to check in and say that I found a decent price on a wiper and linkage at a local wrecker/parts recycler. Once I had the cowl off it wasn't hard to see what the issue was, the motor was rusted like crazy (or the housing, at least). Installed the new(er) one and everything works like new again.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with advice and experience.