How to Replace Windshield Wiper Motor

Oreilly Auto Parts D.I.Y. image of loosening wiper arm

If your wipers don’t move when you turn them on, check your fuses, your wiper switch, and make sure the wiper motor is getting twelve volts. If your fuses, switch and voltage are good and your wipers aren’t moving, it’s likely you have a bad windshield wiper motor. Thankfully windshield wiper motor replacement is fairly straightforward, and you can be back on the road with functioning wipers soon.




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Tools & Materials

Safety Eye Glasses Safety Glasses
Gloves Nitrile Gloves
Flathead Screwdriver Flat Head Screwdriver
power torque ratchet and socket tool set Ratchet & Sockets
Trim Tool Trim Tool
Power Torque Pliers Pliers
Multi-Meter Multimeter
Wiper Motor Wiper Motor

Instructions

There will be some variation from one vehicle to the next, so be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
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Flathead screwdriver removing plastic caps

Start by making sure your vehicle is off. Next, use your screwdriver to pry off the plastic caps at the base of the wiper arms. For our application, we’ll also detach the washer fluid tubing.
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Socket wrench loosening nut

Now loosen the nuts with your ratchet. Carefully remove the wiper arms.

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Removing hood compartment

You may see screws, clips or push retainers. We’ll use a trim tool to pry this up. We’ll remove the hood compartment seal for easier access.
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Lifting away cover

Now, lift the cover away.
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removing plastic panel

With the wiper arms off, remove the plastic panel covering the wiper motor assembly.
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ratchet removing bolts

Step 2: Remove the Old Wiper Motor Assembly

Next, use your ratchet to remove the bolts holding the wiper motor assembly in… and disconnect the motor’s wiring harness.
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disconnecting linkage arms

Next, disconnect the linkage arms from the motor.
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removing linkage assembly

Now you can lift the motor and linkage assembly out of the engine compartment as one piece.
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removing screws from motor

Step 3: Replace the Old Motor Linked to the Assembly

With the module out, remove the screws securing the motor to the linkage assembly.
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taking off shaft seal and weather shield

Remove the motor and take off the shaft seal and weather shield.
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attaching shaft seal and weather shield to new motor

You’ll then attach the shaft seal and weather shield to the new motor, and screw it into the module.
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Reconnecting wiring harness

Step 4: Reinstall the New Wiper Motor and Assembly

Reconnect the wiring harness, then reattach the linkage arms to the motor.
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attaching wiper motor assembly to the firewall

Now, attach the whole wiper motor assembly to the firewall.

Do It Right: Turn the wipers on at this point to make sure the new motor is working. Reinstall the plastic cover and the rubber seal at the base of the window.
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attaching wiper arms to linkage

Reattach the wiper arms to the linkage. For our application, the longer arm goes on the passenger side, and the shorter arm on the driver side.
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putting plastic cap back in place

Reconnect the washer fluid tubing if needed. Lastly, put the plastic caps back in place.
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Additional Resources

how to replace blower motor

How to Replace Blower Motor
Vehicle Air Filter

How to Change Air Filter
How to Install Wiper Blades

How to Replace Windshield Wipers
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured
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