How do i remove the windshield wiper linkage on my 1997 dodge intrepid

SOURCE: How do I access the windshield wiper assembly?

You have to remove the wiper arms by prying off the black platic piece over the nut. Remove the nut and the wiper arms. There should be 5 places on the black plastic piece that runs the length of the windshield. Remove 4 of them by prying them out. The one is the middle is a screw. Pull away the plastic piece and you should have access to the mechanism below. I think you need to replace the linkage if it has fallen off.

SOURCE: Windshield wipers won't turn off 2004 Dodge Intrepid

I had a similar problem with a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The windshield wipers turned on when someone turned the heater on in the car. They would not turn off at all, even when the car was turned off and keys were removed from the ignition. The only way to get them to stop is to pop the hood and find the fuse box on the van, and remove the 30 amp fuse for the windshield wiper. After removing the wiper motor and finding it was fine, we discovered the problem was in the relay in the fuse box. This relay is a little black box right next to the windshield wiper fuse and there are two of them, one for on/off and another for speed control. Our On/Off Relay had gone bad and was stuck in the on position, but it sounds like your Speed Control Relay may be bad. A new relay costs ~10$ at an auto part store. Just unplug the old one and plug in a new one, no need to unscrew anything, this was a 1 minute fix.

SOURCE: Driver's side windshield wiper stopped working.

Hello, I would say that is exactly what has happened. If you can move the wipers with no resistance it's likely one of the bolts has come loose. Both wiper arms are linked to one wiper motor.

SOURCE: Windshield wiper linkage ball joint white knuckle cap is broken

This is a DIY fix for a dollar. The white plastic caps that join the wiper arms together in the wiper assembly commonly wear and break under normal use. 1984 - 1986 Honda CRX and Civics also used these plastic caps for a short time - much to my dismay. In my 2000 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Forester (should work on 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 models as well), there is an easy DIY solution that will take care of the excessive play in the wiper travel, as well as the common 'wiper clunk'.
Head over to your local auto parts store an purchase a PCV Valve grommet for a Toyota. Part number 42058. These are only a dollar, and are normally stocked on the shelf. If you put the phrase 'pcv valve 42058' into to Google Image Search you will see what I mean. I’m attaching a picture as well.
For installation, gain access to the wiper assembly, I recommend removing the entire assembly (arms and motor) from below the black trim piece under the windshield. Inspect all the joints. If you have a loose joint, remove the white plastic cap and the arm from the ball joint. Slide the PCV Valve Grommet over the ball joint and press the arm into the grommet. This is now a perfect, snug fit. Wiper blades slamming into the car is a thing of the past.

SOURCE: I replaced the windshield wiper linkage on 2003

Take linkage loose and run wiper motor one turn. You've got the motor and linkage "out of time" .