1998 Toyota Avalon wipers just stop but you still hear the motor?

Answer 1

Since the motor seems to run these are basics to check for.

A. The arm is attached to a post and the nut inside the arm might be stripped. If this is the issue you will likely have to replace the entire arm, not expensive, to replacing the post itself which can be really expensive comparatively and unless someone has instructions on doing that, I'd suggest taking it to a reputable mechanic.

OR

B. This happened to me recently, because of all the ice during the winter, the wipers would get stuck to the windshield overnight. As a result when I turned the wipers on, the nut that kept the wiper arm in place started to loosen. Depending on how the wiper arm is attached, I had a 2000 Avalon, It will either be a hairpin on the side(dont know how many auto makers still do this) or a bolt or a screw on the top or in the side of the wiper arm around the post.

Take these steps to troubleshoot, and hopefully it will work when you are done

1. Remove the arm assembly, and then check the inside of the arm where it connected with the post to make sure its not stripped.

2. Check the post to make sure its not stripped.

3. Now turn on the wiper motor and verify that the posts turn,

3a. If they don't, the problem will require a trip to a mechanic as there will be more extensive work to be done.

3b If the Posts turn. shut off the wipers and reattach the arm and tighten the arm up.

4. Turn on the wipers to verify they work.

One last note, depending on the post some are hexagonal, some are round which negate the stripping issue, I think mine were rounded. It might take a few attempts to put the arms into a position where they have the full range of motion. I had to remove mine and reattach because I seated one arm too low and it prevented me from lifting the wiper arm so I could clean the blades. So after you have finished you will want to close the hood and verify that you can lift the arm assembly so that you can replace or clean the blades.