Possible Causes & Solutions (Difficulty Level):
* Wiper Motor Itself (Difficult): The motor's internal gears or the worm gear that drives the wiper arms might be worn or stripped. This usually requires replacing the entire wiper motor, which isn't a terribly difficult job mechanically but does involve removing the wiper arms, cowl panel, and potentially other components to access the motor.
* Wiper Linkage (Moderate): The linkage connecting the motor to the wiper arms might be bent, broken, or dislodged. Inspect the linkage carefully for any damage. You might be able to bend it back into shape (if only slightly bent), but replacement may be needed if it's broken. This involves accessing the motor and linkage, often requiring some disassembly.
* Park Position Sensor (Moderate to Difficult): Some wiper motor assemblies have a park position sensor that tells the motor where to stop. If this is faulty, the wipers might park in an incorrect position or not park at all, leading to the appearance of being out of sync. Diagnosing this problem requires more technical knowledge and often specialized tools to test the sensor. Repair usually involves replacing the entire motor assembly as the sensor is typically integrated.
* Electrical Issue (Easy to Moderate): While less likely to cause a *complete* out-of-sync condition, a loose connection or faulty wiring can affect the operation of the wiper motor. Check the wiring harness connected to the motor for any loose or damaged wires. This is the easiest thing to check first.
Before You Begin:
* Disconnect the battery: This is crucial for safety to prevent accidental shocks or short circuits.
* Consult a repair manual: A repair manual specific to your 2000 Saturn LS will provide detailed instructions, diagrams, and torque specifications. This will greatly aid in the process and minimize the risk of damage. You can often find these online (Haynes, Chilton) or at auto parts stores.
Steps to take (in order of difficulty):
1. Check the wiring: Inspect the wiring harness at the wiper motor for loose connections or damaged wires. Secure any loose connections.
2. Visually inspect the linkage: Look for any obvious bends, breaks, or disconnections in the linkage connecting the motor to the wiper arms.
3. If all else fails... replace the wiper motor: This is the most likely solution if the previous steps didn't resolve the issue. This involves removing the old motor and installing a new one. Again, a repair manual is highly recommended.
Important Note: If you're not comfortable working on your car, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Improper repair could lead to further damage or injury.
