Possible Causes:
* Wiper Motor Failure: The most common culprit. The motor itself might be burnt out, seized, or have internal gear failures preventing it from returning to the park position.
* Wiper Motor Linkage Issues: The linkage connecting the motor to the wiper arms can become dislodged, broken, or rusted. This prevents proper movement and parking. Check for bent or broken parts.
* Park Switch Failure (within the wiper motor): A small switch inside the motor is responsible for engaging the parking mechanism. If it's faulty, the wipers won't park correctly. This is often difficult to replace separately from the motor.
* Electrical Problems:
* Blown Fuse: Check the fuse for the wipers in the fuse box (consult your owner's manual for location and amperage).
* Worn Wiper Switch: The switch on the steering column might be failing, preventing the correct signal from reaching the motor. This is less likely to cause the wipers to *only* be stuck up, though.
* Wiring Issues: A break or short in the wiring harness leading to the motor can interrupt power and prevent proper operation. This is less common, but could happen due to age and wear.
* Poor Ground Connection: A bad ground connection can also cause electrical malfunctions.
Troubleshooting and Repair:
1. Check the Fuse: This is the easiest and first step. Replace the fuse if blown. If the problem persists, move to step 2.
2. Inspect the Linkage: Visually examine the linkage connecting the wiper motor to the arms. Look for any obvious signs of breakage, bending, or rust. Try gently moving the linkage by hand to see if it's free. If there's a problem, you'll likely need to replace the linkage. This often involves removing the wiper arms and cowl.
3. Test the Wiper Motor (Advanced): This requires more mechanical aptitude. You might need to disconnect the motor from the linkage and apply power directly (with caution!) to see if it operates. If it doesn't, the motor is likely faulty and needs replacement. Be extremely careful when applying power directly to avoid injury.
4. Inspect the Wiper Switch (Advanced): Accessing the steering column switch is more involved. This usually requires some disassembly and electrical testing to determine its condition. Replacing the switch is a more advanced repair.
5. Check Wiring and Ground (Advanced): Tracing the wiring harness for breaks or shorts is challenging and requires knowledge of automotive electrical systems. A multimeter is essential for this task. A bad ground can often be identified visually by corrosion or loose connections.
Important Considerations:
* Safety First: Disconnect the battery's negative terminal before working on any electrical components.
* Owner's Manual: Consult your owner's manual for diagrams and specific locations of components.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable working on your car's electrical system or mechanical components, take it to a qualified mechanic. Replacing the motor or linkage can be moderately difficult depending on your mechanical skills and access to tools.
The most likely scenarios are a faulty wiper motor or a problem with the wiper linkage. If you are not comfortable with car repair, it's best to bring your Cavalier to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Attempting to fix this yourself without the proper knowledge and tools could cause further damage.
