My windshield wipers stopped working the motor seems to be working since when i turn them on you can hear a sound but they wont wi

My windshield wipers stopped working while it was raining the motor seems to be working fine since when i turn them on you can hear a sound; the sound sounds like they are disconnected or stuck for they wont wipe

My car has 170000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. When the motor is working, but the windshield wipers do not move, the issue is typically caused by a broken wiper arm or perhaps one of the internal links inside the motor is broken. The best way to have any problem like this correctly diagnosed is to have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a wipers are not working inspection. This will allow them to identify the damaged parts and make the correct repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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If your wiper motor runs but the wipers don`t move it`s most likely a mechanical problem, so you should start by examining the wiper assembly. This might be a disconnected wiper motor link arm, a jammed transmission, or locked gear.
There are a number of reasons why windscreen wipers stop working and these include: torn wipers, broken controls, a blown fuse, faults with the motor, damaged arms, snow or ice covering, loose pivot nuts and a break in the wires. Torn wipers – wiper blades are comprised of plastic with rubber attachments.
Your wiper motor is faulty.

There`s an electric motor solely dedicated to powering your windshield wipers. As an electrical appliance, this motor can short out which will cause your wipers to not move at all. The fuse in your motor can also blow which will cause the same outcome.

If you hear a grinding noise as your blades move across your windshield, it`s likely that the motor is making this noise. This will happen when the blade arm is attached too tightly to the wiper blade, causing the gears in the wiper blade motor to grind. If this is not checked, it can cause the wiper motor to burn out.
There is an internal switch in the wiper motor that keeps the motor powered after you have shut it off to ensure the wipers park in the right spot. If that switch fails, the wiper motor must be repaired or replaced.
The Windshield Wiper Motor Relay is a part of your windshield wiper system. It controls the voltage input to the wiper motor. The relay senses the position of the wipers and transmits power to the wipers they are in their parked position.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My windshield wipers stopped working the motor seems to be working since when i turn them on you can hear a sound but they wont wi
ANSWER : Hi there. When the motor is working, but the windshield wipers do not move, the issue is typically caused by a broken wiper arm or perhaps one of the internal links inside the motor is broken. The best way to have any problem like this correctly diagnosed is to have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a wipers are not working inspection. This will allow them to identify the damaged parts and make the correct repairs.

Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

My wind shield wipers wont work but i hear the motor but the wipers wont move
ANSWER : You can try to use a heat gun (REALLY carefully though, unless you intend to scrap your car) to melt any ice on the linkages to ensure that the linkages are not mechanically binding anywhere (due to ice; they can, of course, bind due to other causes). Of course, if it’s REALLY cold out, even that strategy is going to be problematic because whatever you unfreeze could instantly re-freeze. You just have to judge your circumstances or put the car in a warm garage for a short while. Heat gun or no heat gun, if you judge that there are no mechanical blockages, and you can SEE the motor turning, and yet the wipers aren’t moving, you could have stripped (broken) linkages.
If you cannot see what the motor is doing, the noise you are hearing could be the "humming" of a stuck motor, as opposed to an actually functioning motor. If you desire that the issue be diagnosed and the root cause(s) repaired simply request a non working wiper diagnostic and a certified mechanic will come right to your location and get this resolved for you. Please let us know if you have additional or followup questions.

I hear a whooshing sound when I turn the steering wheel. If I make a sharp turn, I hear a grinding sound coming from the back. ???
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, the rear knocking sound is caused by the driveshaft, drive axles, differential gears, transmission mount, or the rear struts. The sound you’re experiencing is very difficult to diagnose, but could be caused by the power steering shaft, or you power steering system being low on fluid. It might be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection.

Squeaking metallic sound when turning
ANSWER : Thank you for the detailed information, it helps! The front driver side is where the majority of the steering components are located. Start by checking the power steering fluid. The best option is to raise the vehicle and inspect that side of the vehicle. You will want to look at the steering gear box, the linkage, and on down to the wheel hubs. This should include an inspection of the control arms, and other suspension components as well. Steering and suspension are very closely related and have adverse effects on each other. If you see any power steering fluid leaking, look to the steering gear for damages or a failed seal. The control arms also have CV joints that make similar noises to what you described. If those are cracked, leaking, or crushed they will need to be replaced.

Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.

Car turns off
ANSWER : The problem sounds like your alternator has stopped charging the car. This will cause the car to have weak electronics like what you are experiencing. Have the charging system double checked, and if verified as the fault, replace the bad alternator.

Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.