I have a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo, I live in Hawaii and my driverside windshield wiper don’t work, can anyone help me with finding out the problem, I’m not mechanically inclined when it comes to my suv, and in Hawaii where I live it’s always raining, so I’m kinda in a bind with my winshield wiper not working, can someone pls help me?
The first thing to check is the fuse. There should be a fuse diagram and instructions in the owner’s manual. If the fuse is burned out, you might want to investigate why that happened before you replace it.
The other possible problems are in the wiper motor, the wiring, or the switch. All of these will require skilled assistance to diagnose and remedy.
If one wiper works and not the other does not, the problem is either that the splines on the shaft that the wiper arm attaches to are stripped or the wiper linkage under the hood has come apart. I’m not familiar with the Rodeo but according to this, the vent cowl can be removed to expose the linkage. (Link refers to an earlier model) You may be able to push the ball back into the socket or you might have to buy a new or used linkage.
The wiper linkage is also called the wiper transmission. Correct terminology will make your googling better.
If that’s the case, I’ve fixed more than one car with that problem with J-B Weld.
NOTE: you will never be able to get them off again.
The most likely culprit when one wiper is working and the other is not is that the arm that links it to the motor has gotten disconnected. I’m not familiar with that particular model but that usually means that a nylon cup grommet has rotted and fallen apart or that a snap ring has come off. The Haynes or Chilton book should be your bible for DIY repairs.
The first thing to do is see if the nut that holds the wiper arm to its spindle is loose. In my experience, this is more common than a failure in the linkage under the cowl.
The nut is under a cap of some sort that can be pried off. With the wipers off and in the park position, line up the arm to its park position (about 1½"/40mm from the edge of the cowl) and try tightening the nut. Wiggle the arm a tiny bit through its arc to see if it settles into any splines, then tighten while holding the arm against the tightening force. Run the wipers and let them park again to check that it’s in the correct position, if not adjust accordingly. There’s a good chance this will fix it.
If that doesn’t do it, then the next step is to remove both arms and the cowl to inspect the linkage.
Whoops, missed the “one side” part. Yeah, what they said.