Wipers only work when car is moving

[dc1984us]

Hello,
I have a 2001 C240 and have had a *few* problems thus far. A bad mass air flow sensor at 90k, which I was told is common, and this weird Clanking noise that I hear whenever I make a turn or hit a bump. The most recent problem is the windshield wiper problem. Whenever I turn on my wipers and the car is sitting still, they do not work. At all. When I am moving they work fine. For example, I could be driving 35 mph and come to a stop light. As soon as I come to the stop, the wipers stopped right where they are at. I'm afraid it may be the windshield wiper motoring going bad, but would like some input as to what else it may be. As far as electrical work being done to the car, I've replaced the alternator, battery and spark plugs all within the past 5k miles.

Also while I'm asking the question, does anyone have insight as to what the clanking noise I am hearing when I make turns and hit bumps? It comes from the rear of the car. When the noise was first heard, it was only when I went over a large bump or pothole. Now, it seems whenever I hit a small bump or make a turn I hear the noise.

Thanks!

[sunman]

the noise is probably a broken sway bar link or suspension issue. I would have it checked out. As for the wiper system, there is a rain sensor on teh glass. If you put in in the first position, it should do what you state. If it rains heavy and you come to a stop, it wipes slowly at the light. It will not wipe if you come to a stop and open the drivers door or open the hood.

[dc1984us]

Thanks for the advice on the suspension/sway bar link. That would explain a few other things such as handling issues.

As for the wipers, my windshield washer fluid doesn't even work except when the car is moving. If I am not moving and try to use my windshield washer fluid, which also uses the wipers (stating the obvious), it will not work. But as soon as I get moving I can use it. The rain sensor works. When the car is moving and I have the wipers switched to the first position, they work as they are supposed to. I cracked the windshield a few days ago so I'm getting a new windshield with rain sensor and blue tint (I don't have that now) Monday. Any other ideas?