GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Did this happen to anyone living in places with cold weather? This morning, for the third time in the last couple weeks, when I started the engine at -10°C, the front wipers didn't work. They were not jammed with ice or anything, they just didn't work, even when trying to move them manually outside. Then, when the car has heated a bit, a few kilometers away, on my way to the garage to have them checked, they started to work. I talked to the guy at the local station and since they were working, it was hard to find the problem. He said maybe it could be the wiper "motor" that could be defective. Like I mentioned, it also happened 2 times before when the wipers came back to life when the car had heated a bit.Anyone knows what could be the problem? If it's indeed the wiper's motors, is it guaranteed by GM? I'll have my car for 3 years this April, and the odometer reads 79,000 km. First problem ever with this nice car.Thanks.

I am not sure, but I think if you reported the problem (get that documented) they will still fix it under warranty after the warranty expires.

Never had that problem. Was there snow on the windshield?

I'm on my second winter with my 2010 AWD, never had a problem like that either. Hope it's something simple. JR

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Never had that problem. Was there snow on the windshield?No snow on the windshield at all.And you know what? This morning, it was colder than yesterday (-14°C) and the wipers were working just fine.This is really weird...

Quote, originally posted by Eloi »No snow on the windshield at all.And you know what? This morning, it was colder than yesterday (-14°C) and the wipers were working just fine.This is really weird...The healing powers of GenVibe.

No problems of such on my Vibe either although not quite as cold as what you're experiencing up there. One thing that I did notice was a slight rattle/squeal in the blower motor at ANY speed. Once the car is warmed up it goes away. Clearly something to do with temperature and the expansion/contraction of parts. Not a real big deal but something I just noticed

It did it again this morning. Looks like the humidity might be more of a problem than the cold weather itself. Or probably the combination of the two.In any ways, I'm starting looking for the windshield wipers' motor. First, is there one motor for both wipers or do they have one motor each? Second, someone told me that the problem could just be the ground of the motor, instead of the motor itself. Anyone knows something about this?Looks like this motor is hard to find outside of the official dealers. The 3 places I've called have motors for Matrix/Vibe 2008 and older, but nothing for 2009 and up. Could the motor of the 1st generation fit on the 2nd generation?BTW,, the GM dealer sells the motor $146.75 + $90 for the installation. Ouch...Thanks.

Who you gonna call - not ghostbusters, but eBay.Search 2009 Vibe wiper motor - example an almost new one for $35 & free shipping. I think this guy bought a new Vibe and is making money parting it out.

Quote, originally posted by Eloi » Second, someone told me that the problem could just be the ground of the motor, instead of the motor itself. Anyone knows something about this?Loose connection! If you can get to it, the connector or one of the wires attached to it is probably loose. You might also want to check the connection of the stalk on/in the steering columb!

I have the same problem with my 2009 Vibe..Of course it is just out of warranty so have to deal with it...I tried to lube the shaft with no luck...I am thinking it could be the stalk connection...What was your problem ???Anton

metaxa44 wrote:I have the same problem with my 2009 Vibe..Of course it is just out of warranty so have to deal with it...I tried to lube the shaft with no luck...I am thinking it could be the stalk connection...What was your problem ???Anton

Hi there, many months later, did you fix your problems? As for me, when I shook the wiper arms outside a bit, they'd always start, so I never bothered to replace anything. But since this weekend, they will stop at the highest speed, so now I have to do something. Check my new post here: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=42028" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you shake them and they start you probably have debris in the internal gear mechanism of the wiper motor assembly. Probably something small that periodically lodges itself somewhere it shouldn't when you stop them. Or (if the electric motor has brushes) the brushes have corroded or seized in place and bumping them allows electrical contact.

If you have the mechanical ability (and tools), pull the motor assembly and take it apart. Clean all the gears and housing well, checking for damaged parts, re-lube and reassemble. Don't put lube on the brushes!

If you find something broken, it might be easier (and cheaper) to just buy a replacement motor assembly.

star_deceiver wrote:If you shake them and they start you probably have debris in the internal gear mechanism of the wiper motor assembly. Probably something small that periodically lodges itself somewhere it shouldn't when you stop them. Or (if the electric motor has brushes) the brushes have corroded or seized in place and bumping them allows electrical contact.

If you have the mechanical ability (and tools), pull the motor assembly and take it apart. Clean all the gears and housing well, checking for damaged parts, re-lube and reassemble. Don't put lube on the brushes!

If you find something broken, it might be easier (and cheaper) to just buy a replacement motor assembly.

Thanks. But is it sure it's the motor that is faulty, or it could be something like (like the controller)?

Pull one at a time, clean it and test.

star_deceiver wrote:Pull one at a time, clean it and test.

I'm no mechanic. Is it tough to do?

Since I no longer own the Vibe, I can't say how difficult it would be.... Or where some of the electronics would be located. Try the fuse block under the hood and under the dash for the wiper controller.

Another question: does the Vibe 2009-2010 share the same wiper motor and controller with the Matrix 2009-2010? This could be good to know if I have to look for these parts.

Eloi wrote:Another question: does the Vibe 2009-2010 share the same wiper motor and controller with the Matrix 2009-2010? This could be good to know if I have to look for these parts.

Yes.

kumquat wrote:

Eloi wrote:Another question: does the Vibe 2009-2010 share the same wiper motor and controller with the Matrix 2009-2010? This could be good to know if I have to look for these parts.

Yes.

Thanks.