Though oftentimes overlooked, your vehicle's windshield wipers are very important car parts. Without these wipers, you will have difficulty seeing especially during adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, due to every day use, the motor that operates the windshield wipers eventually burns out. Once this motor breaks, it has to be replaced immediately to avoid complications that can be caused by faulty wipers. Check this guide for the steps and tools that you'll need in case you need to install a new windshield wiper motor.
Required skill level: Intermediate
Needed tools and materials
- Flat-tip screwdriver
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Socket set and socket wrench
- Voltage tester
- Wrench
- Torque wrench
- Replacement windshield wiper motor
Locating the windshield wiper motor
Depending on your vehicle's make and model, the wiper motor can be found on the firewall in the engine compartment. If it is not there, check your owner's manual for its location.
Checking the motor assembly for ground and power
Once you found the wiper motor, switch on the ignition. Afterwards, put the switch of the windshield wiper to the on position. Then, using the voltage tester, test the motor assembly for ground and motor.
Disconnecting the faulty wiper motor
Switch off the ignition. Then, using the wrench, disconnect the battery's black cable. Once the cable has been disconnected, uninstall the wiper arm assembly and wiring harness. Don't forget to remove the mounting bolts of the motor assembly so it can be successfully unmounted.
Installing the replacement windshield wiper motor
Put the new motor unit in the same place where the damaged one was removed. Secure it with the mounting bolts again. However, use the torque wrench to set the torque according to the specifications indicated by the manufacturer.
Finishing the installation
Once the new unit is secured, reconnect the wiring harness and wiper assembly. Then, using the wrench, reattach the black (negative) cable of the battery.
Testing the new windshield wiper motor
Once the installation is done, test the replacement motor. Do this by operating the windshield wipers at all speeds. If the wipers stall, check if the motor is installed properly or if the electrical harness is connected accurately.
