i have 2001 mazda protege. just this morning, my windshield wipers didn't move. used them the morning before, don't know what happened. the fuse that controls them also controls the washer fluid, and the washer fluid works. just to make sure i checked the fuse and it looked fine. what could be the problem? how much will it be about to fix?

12/7/2005 5:00:12 PM

it frosted last night - how early in the morning was it?

12/7/2005 5:03:45 PM

it was 7:45. but they haven't worked all day, i keep checking.

12/7/2005 5:16:56 PM

if they were frozen when you tried them this morning it could have stripped a gear or something...that may be why they haven't worked all day

12/7/2005 5:27:47 PM

the moral of this thread?

dont use your damn windsheild wipers when they are frozen

12/7/2005 6:31:06 PM

the bolts that hold them are designed to give if you try to use them and they are frozen

it is stupid people protection

you just need to tighten the nuts back up

12/7/2005 9:41:45 PM

i checked those bolts...they were fine. i did find a wire that has come loose, and when i tried to keep it in contact where i think it is supposed to go, the wipers moved, but then stopped.

i need to find a ratchet to loosen the bolt the wire gets tightened under...

does this sound right to anyone?

12/8/2005 2:40:21 PM

i use my windshield wipers when i have ice on my windshield.. spray the washer fluild then use the wipers those beasts havent failed me yet

call them ice scrapers.

[Edited on December 8, 2005 at 2:59 PM. Reason : .]

12/8/2005 2:59:01 PM

here's my new problem:

the ring connector at the end of the wire that went around the bolt making the connection, broke off. so the ring part is still around the bolt and the crimped end is on the end of the wire

obviously i need to attach a new connector. this would be easy to do, just cut the wire below the crimped end, strip it back, and add the new connector. but the wire looks like it will reach just short of the bolt if i do this. should i:

1. crimp a new connector right ontop of the broken crimped end of the old connector
2. cut the old crimped end off, add a new connector, and hope it reaches
3. cut the old crimped end off, and if it doesn't reach, try to lengthen the wire by adding segment (electrical tape i assume)

12/8/2005 3:03:30 PM

it should reach, the fewer splices the better. if you absolutely have to splice it, do it right, strip it, slide some heat shrink on the wire, solder the wires, smear a little dielectric grease on it, and put the heat shrink over it

12/8/2005 4:25:04 PM