Wipers work sometimes

1997 GMC Sierra--

Most of the time, the wipers will work properly when I turn them on or want get some wiper fluid on the windshield. However, there have been two instances where a faint grinding noise is being made when I try either (turn on wipers or get dluif on shield). During those times, nothing works, and it has been temporary both times so I am thinking there is an electrical short or something causing this to resurface at the most random of times.

If I get this looked at, what part(s) should I point out for them to look at, and what would the cost of a fix range between?

 

If you're hearing a grinding noise, it's most likely the wiper motor (which also contains gears, BTW).

But GM wiper motors also have a problem with solder joints inside cracking and connections becoming intermittent. Taking the motor off the firewall (3 bolts?), opening the case up and resoldering the large connections fixes things.

 

A $30 part at autozone (the pulse control module circuit board) has fixed that problem on both my '93 Silverado and the wife's '98 Astro Van. You don't have to remove the wiper motor to replace it, just a few screws. Piece of cake.
Pecos