Nissan Repair: Windshield Wipers Nissan 2005 maxima, windshield wipers, snowy night

Question
Hi - after an icy snowy night, I started my car and noticed that the windshield
wipers moved slightly but couldn't move any further due to heavy ice on the
windshield .  I cleaned off my car, and tried the wipers again, but they will not
move.  We looked to see if it was a fuse, but we don't believe it is.  Can you
help?

Answer
Debra,

First, it could be a fuse if the wiper blades were stuck and the motor was not allowed to move.  

Second, if the fuse is fine, the wiper arm could have popped off the motor arm, under the cowl, in front of the windshield.  The wiper motor would make noise but the wipers would not move, by themselves.  If you pull on the wipers, gently, and they move freely would mean the arm popped off.

Third, a burnt up wiper switch or relay due to the circuit being overheated.  But, I would think the fuse would have blown first...