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One Wiper Arm Not Working Properly, Motor Ok-Looking for Help
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rtcure
New User
Dec 29, 2007, 7:59 PM
Post #1 of 4
(2402 views)
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One Wiper Arm Not Working Properly, Motor Ok-Looking for Help
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Hello,
On our 99 Olds Intrigue the driver side wiper seems to have lost it's spring tension and moves beyond it's normal range, going off of the window and then getting stuck trying to come back. The passenger wiper seems to be working ok, so I don't think that it's the motor. Is this something that can be fixed easily at home or is an auto shop needed?
Thank you very much!
Rtcure
(This post was edited by rtcure on Dec 29, 2007, 8:22 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 30, 2007, 6:09 AM
Post #2 of 4
(2395 views)
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Re: One Wiper Arm Not Working Properly, Motor Ok-Looking for Help
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The spring tension and travelling beyond it's range should be two different things. I suspect the arm itself is stripped right where it connects. Hope for that as that can easily be replaced. The arm should come off by lifting it up a bit and slide out a locking mechanism that when locked will not allow the blade to touch the windshield. It should then jockey off and you can survey the problem. Most GMs had used a finely splined "knob" (for lack of a better word) with a square key/slot so it will only go on in that position.
You didn't say but these things get messed up when wipers are frozen in or when asked to work to remove snow or ice. It's a pill but these must be cleared out and free before use and sometimes you need to stop driving and clear them again in certain conditions.
I doubt it for this car but some you can use the passenger's arm on the driver's side in a jam. These were once dealer only items but I have seen more available at regular parts stores.
Side note for readers: When snow or ice is expected be sure to leave vehicles with wipers OFF and in park position. Some can be left with wipers tilted straight up in the air which makes clearing out the area easier. It wastes gas but let the vehicle warm up and melt that frozen area enough to clear it out. DON'T USE WARM OR HOT WATER ON FROZEN GLASS!! If you must, use same temperature as ambient temp of windshield washer fluid - kept outdoors or in trunk can help. Heated water or whatever works but readily cracks glass. Avoid chipping at ice as plastics and mouldings can get damaged. You just must let the heat of the car loosen this stuff up. Breaking assorted items in rushing to get going is VERY costly to repair. Hey - if you are going to be late for your destination it's still better to be late without the broken parts!
T
T
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
rtanko@adelphia.net
Dec 30, 2007, 10:11 AM
Post #3 of 4
(2394 views)
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Re: One Wiper Arm Not Working Properly, Motor Ok-Looking for Help
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Tom,
Thank you very much for the help, I'll check that out.
RT
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 30, 2007, 3:07 PM
Post #4 of 4
(2390 views)
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Re: One Wiper Arm Not Working Properly, Motor Ok-Looking for Help
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i know some gm vehicles use a retaining nut to hold on the wiper arm....it can come loose from ice/snow build up on the windshield and trying to turn on the wipers......always make sure to clear snow/ice from windshield before turning
on the wipers to avoid this problem.....tightened many on icy days .....
...just adding some thoughts........
....good post tom........
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