Help, my wipers only work when the key is backwards. When the key is in the run or forward position the wipers do not work. It is the front and rear wipers as well as the spray. Please help, car is pretty much undriveable in weather with potential rain and nobody can get it in till later in the week. Van is a 07, I already checked the fuses that mention the wipers. I was thinking a bad switch/lever but double thinking that now that they work with the key backwards.

 

Not sure I fully understand just what you mean with the key turned backwards, but
It would seem the only thing that is changed when they work and when they don't is, the possible travel of the ignition tumbler and the position it indexes with the ignition switch. Strange things can and do happen when electrical contacts are involved.
Don't know if this is the problem, but a possible adjustment of the ign switch position on the column might be the solution.

Does this vehicle have a coded key and vehicle security system?

 

If you put the key in you can either turn it forwards to turn it on or backwards to just get radio ect.... The wipers only work in the backwards postition. It does have a factory alarm, keyless entry but just a normal key. They worked Thursday but not since, I'm stumped. Thanks

 

As I stated earlier the only thing that changes is the direction the linkage moves the ign switch contacts. Look into that switch position, under the dash on the steering column.

This may be a far out thought, but the wiring in the steering column could be involved if the linkage has managed to get too close to it.