i have a 96 sts with 145k, today when i was driving, i noticed my windshield was dirty. so i press the spray button. after it is done. it doesnt go to the off/hide windshield wiper position. i tryed playing around with the stalk, by trying different settings, everything works except when the position for OFF, the wipers do not go into their hide setting, they just stay up like in rainsense mode. any ideas how come the wipers wont go down/off?

Sounds like a bad motor.

how much do these run? are they difficult to replace/locate?

They are usually mounted on the firewall so access is pretty easy. No idea on cost.

They are usually mounted on the firewall so access is pretty easy. No idea on cost.

wiper motor for 96 STS $78.36 from autopartswarehouse.com

They are usually mounted on the firewall so access is pretty easy. No idea on cost.

There's also a 15.00 core charge until you return yours to the company, then they refund it.

thanks for the replies guys. it was funny today i got in my car and started it up and the wipers went down. i have a date tomarrow night, so im not going to fiddle around with it till after. but im thinking the motor is going. we'll have to see if acts up again.

It does not sound like the motor, it sounds like the complicated contacts inside the gear box. OR the plug is coming loose. CHECK THE PLUG AND WIRES.

Unless you tried to run the wiper when you had 3 feet of snow on the windshield, it is unlikely (but possible) for the unit to fail. They are built pretty robust.

Before you ask, I don't think you can get into it with out destroying it. Then again, maybe you can, you'd have to look at it. If you are succesful at opening it without destroying it, MAYBE you can see what is wrong and make a repair.

This is a somewhat complicated device, meaning, they put 10 pounds of gears wires motor and contacts into a 5 pound container. You get the drift?

Might check the Mens Mall (Auto Recyclery) for a replacement or the E place. Last time I looked they had one there. If you can't find one, come back tomorrow. They turn up now and then.

Good luck