One day when driving my 03 chevy impala in spring conditions the driver side wiper flew halfway off the windshield to the left near the side mirror. I put it back in place and it no longer worked, though the passenger wiper still does. the wiper only moves when I move it by hand, which it should not. I tightened the bolt at the bottom of the arm. no help. what is the problem and how much will it cost?? thanks
Well between the wiper motor and the arm there is a transmission or linkage that might have been broken, or disconnected. Bad news if it is broken than it is a dealer part and around $250, if it is just disconnected thatis easy.
It sounds as though the wiper shaft or the wiper arm has been stripped. There are fine splines on the shaft that the wiper arm attaches to. Also, there are female splines in the arm base of the wiper arm. These tend to strip out from stress from such things as winter climates, old blades, etc. Look at the shaft or the wiper arm for damage and you may find your problem. Good luck.
Sounds like the windshield wiper transmition came loose, try to get up in the cowl and see where it came disconnected.
