If you pull the wiper stalk towards your body, it will activate the washer nozzles. the wipers do not function from this action, only washer fluid sprays. Depressing the wiper stalk towards the floor activates the "Mist" mode (single swipe of the wiper arms).
I usually pulse the stalk towards my body to spray fluid on the entire windshield then depress the wiper stalk down a couple times to get the wipers to clean the windshield.
The "give" that you feel by pressing in on the end of the stalk is just a result of the mechanisms inside that stalk getting old and having some play.
Your VX is acting just fine, hope this helps.
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