How to Change Wiper Motors
Due to their positioning, windshield wiper motors in many vehicles are susceptible to the weather conditions, and often cold weather and rain can cause the motors to burn out or not work properly. Wiper motor damage can become evident if the blades tend to stop or hesitate in the middle a cycle or simply don't move at all. When this happens, you can replace the windshield wiper motor by yourself in about an hour and thus save valuable money and time.
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Instructions
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1
Disconnect the negative battery cable of your vehicle from the battery using an open-end wrench and place the cable out of the way, making sure that it will not come into contact with any metal parts.
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2
Locate the screws on the windshield wiper blade arms that connect them to the wiper motor. Unfasten the screws with a screwdriver, then remove the arms from the motor.
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3
Detach the cover plate that sits over the wiper blade motor between the firewall and motor with a screwdriver. Remove the cover plate from the vehicle.
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4
Unhook the electrical wire connections from the wiper blade motor with a socket wrench and get the electrical wiring out of the way.
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5
Remove the windshield wiper motor using a socket wrench to detach the nuts from the firewall. Take the old wiper motor out of the vehicle.
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6
Position the new windshield wiper motor into place and attach to the firewall by tightening the nuts with a socket wrench until the unit is secured.
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7
Reattach the electrical wiring harness to the wiper motor with a socket wrench. Set the wiper motor arms so they are facing straight up to allow easy connection of the windshield wiper blade arms.
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8
Slide the cover plate back over the wiper motor arms and into position. Secure it, using a screwdriver to tighten the screws to the vehicle frame.
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9
Attach the windshield wiper blade arms to the wiper motor arms using a screwdriver to secure the screws. Reattach the negative battery cable to the battery of your vehicle with an open-end wrench.
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10
Verify that the windshield wiper blade motor is working correctly by turning the key in the ignition to the on position and turning on your windshield wipers. Allow them to cycle through a couple times. Turn the wipers off when you are done and turn the key to the off position.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent scratches to your windshield, spray water on the windshield before activating the windshield wiper motor.
