Nissan Repair: nissan repair re. wiper linkage arm?, nissan repair, plastic cowl

Question
QUESTION: I turned on my wipers today and not knowing that one of the blades was frozen stuck to the windshield. I heard an clump and they did not move. I unstuck the blade, and tried to wipe the windshield again, and no movement. I have unbolted the motor from the fire wall and taken off the blades and thinking that I could get behind and see if the linkage arm or something may have come undone. My problem is that the firewall extends up and under the plastic cowling that is under the windshield. How do I get to the arms and or linkage to see if it is undone or broken?

ANSWER: Richard,

The plastic cowl cover has to come off and that means that you take both wiper arms off.  Then, you can see where the clip popped off.  Usually, it requires a new one from the dealer unless you can find one in a wrecking yard.  Most of the Help It Sections in parts stores do not carry Nissan clips.  So, it is a dealer item unless you can source one from a wrecking yard.  You might get lucky and the clip will pop back on.  Then, run the wiper motor and get it to stop before replacement of the wiper arms to get them realigned correctly.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First of all thank you for the response. I did get the cowl off and it seemed that all the linkage and parts were in place. When I had the cowl off and turned on the motor the arms and linkage did not move. I heard a clicking sound in the motor. After a few tries with the switch I felt that maybe the motor is no good. When I went to unbolt the motor from the wall it was so hot I could not touch it for some time without burning myself.  I feel that the motor is not in working condition anymore. Would you agree and what is the best way to put another one on. I have called salvage yards, auto parts stores and the dealer. Big range in price. Let me know what your thoughts are for installing a new one and do you think that the motor is bad also.
Thanks in advance,
Rick M.

Answer
Richard,

A wrecking yard wiper motor is fine and should do the trick and last a long time.  Unless you are really wanting to purchase a new one the used one should work fine as they do not go bad that often.  I would say that you should check the workings of the wipers and the arm to make sure there is no binding or dragging to make sure that is not what took the other motor out.  If one of the pivot points is binding it can take a wiper motor out quickly and you do not want to have to go through this for a long time.