Wiper Motor Replacement

The wiper plays a very important role to clear the windshield, especially when it is raining. Due to moisture, the wiper motor can get spoiled and stop functioning due to rusting of the connections. You may notice wiper blades coming to an halt abruptly while in motion, indicating there is a problem somewhere. Another sigh could be wipers not coming back to their set position when you turn them off. This calls for a replacement job. It is a fairly simple procedure which can be done following instructions given below.

Tools Needed

• A new wiper motor
• Wrench
• Fused jump wire
• Test light
• Screwdriver

How to Replace Wiper Motor

Step 1
To start the replacement job, you need to figure its exact location. Normally it is found to be between the driving compartment and car engine. In case you are unable to locate it, refer to the car manual which will give you the exact location. After locating the wiper motor, take a fused jumper wire and go around the motors relay. Place one end of the wire on wiper motor and fix the other end with the positive battery terminal.

Step 2
The positive lead wire on the jumper wire needs to be in contact with the positive battery terminal. In case the motor works, examine the gear mechanism present in the motor assembly. If the motor does not function, go further ahead with replacing your wiper motor.

Step 3
Using your car manual to find out where the grounding strap is located onside your car. One end of the strap is fixed to either of the wiper motor bolts, while the other end is joined with the motor case. Remove bolts holding the strap at both places using a wrench. Take out the ground strap to protect it from any possible damage while working. Also, remove all remaining bolts and slowly pull out the washer from the engine compartment.

Step 4
Take your new motor and push it into the engine compartment from where you took out the old one. Fix it in position by tightening connecting nuts and screws. While tightening nuts, ensure you do it in a star pattern for the motor to be in level with the firewall. Reconnect the grounding strap you previously removed.

Step 5
To test whether your new motor is functioning properly or not, repeat the 'fused jumper wire' process stated earlier. In case you notice the motor not running uninterruptedly, it is faulty and will have to be changed. Try operating the motor from the driver's console as well.

Tips and Warnings

• Ensure that the wiper arms are stationary before you start the task.
• To protect your car and reduce chances of damage on the car paint, cover it with a fender cover.
• Before starting the replacement procedure you must always examine the motor fuse.
• While removing or installing the wiper motor, be careful and avoid causing damage to threads on the mount bolt. Also, do not cross thread mounting nuts.
• There may be certain specifications pertaining to the particular car model you own. For this purpose keep your car manual with you to make work easier.

Modern vehicles have a windshield washer which helps in maintaining clean windshields. The best part about a windshield washer is that you can use it even while you are driving.

The total cost depends on your car model and the cost of your replacement motor. The average price for a new motor ranges between USD 50 to USD 200. Ensure you buy a genuine and trusted brand of wiper motor. Since you will be performing the task yourself, you are sure to save on labor charges you would have otherwise paid to a motor mechanic.