Wipers do not work

there two possible problems. 1) the shaft for the wiper was stiff/almost seized- apparently that is common and can be corrected by drilling a little hole into the housing from under the plastic outside cover to be able to add oil.
2) the nylon gear was stripped probably from being too still or frozen with ice. The motor is strong enough to strip the nylon gear.

Please repost with the VIN number. 1999 was a changeover year and I need to know what the model is to offer proper advice.