windshield wipers stalling...

[bpa]

First experienced the problem last week: running wipers at the low speed in drizzling rain, when the wipers just slowed to a stop mid-cycle and froze motionless at a 45 degree angle across the windshield. I turned the switch off, turned it on, turned it to high, etc etc....finally they began moving again and all was well...

This week: begins to rain again, same thing happens, except this time, stalling and stopping on high speed...

Decided to conduct an experiment and ran my wipers today while spraying water on the windshield until they stalled again. Tapped the wiper motor and they began to run again. Motor sounded like it was struggling...

Question:

What are the chances that my motor is in fact gone bad? People tell me it's more likely a connection or a switch than the motor, but my little experiment seems to convince me that the motor is bad.

I found a guy with a totalled MS 2000 willing to sell me the motor for 70 bucks (130 less than the Mitsu dealer)

Anybody have this problem before? Should I go ahead with buying the motor?

Joel? I know you know the answer...

Thanks everyone - this site is great...

[Joel_CA]

Check the wiper mounting point where it's secured to the bulkhead (firewall). The mounting point also serves as it's ground. I've seen a few "poor grounds" at this point causing erratic wiper operation. I believe there are 3 - 10mm bolts that secure the motor. That may likely be your problem..

Joel, CA

[stumeat]

Your problem is in the firewall not having sufficient rigidity to sustain the torque from the windshield wiper motor. Your ww motor is distorting the firewall and creating a tranverse linkage binding which your motor's torgue cannot overcome. Start the vehicle, turn on the wipers, open the hood and watch the motor bracket supports distort the thin metal firewall as it activates. You will see the motor pull in towards the firewall. If the wiper binds and stops, pull the motor away from the firewall and watch it start wiping! I simply added a support bracket in between the motor and firewall itself, and torqued down the four bracket screws tightly.

[bpa]

problem solved.....for now....

thanks guys

[Joel_CA]

What was the problem..? What did you do to fix/repair the stalling?

Joel_CA