I have a 1997 Ford Aerostar van and this wint
er with a combination of cold and wet conditions. The
wiper blades have been stuck to the windshield few times. When I attempted to turn the switch on
I would hear this slight grinding noise. Then once the wiper blade was free from the freeze it would
be fine. Now this has happened again and this time I hear this clicking noise and it sounds like
the motor is running but the window blades are not. Is it possible something got stripped and can it be
repaired without replacing entire wiper motor?

 

If you take one of the wiper arms and attempt to move it you should not be able to move it. If you can, there is a good chance the wiper motor gearing has had it.