Windshield wiper motor performance check and replacement

Wiper Motor Circuit Examination

Note: During the following checks, you must refer to the appropriate electrical diagrams, checking the color identification of the wires and determining the locations of the elements. When checking the presence of voltage in the circuit, alternately connect the electrode of a grounded 12-volt test lamp to each contact terminal of the electrical connector being tested, waiting for it to light up, confirming the presence of voltage supplied to this connector. If the following checks do not determine the cause of the malfunction, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for diagnostic procedures. The electronic memory of the PCM stores fault codes. which can be read using an appropriate diagnostic scanner.

1. If the windshield wipers slow down, first inspect the battery and make sure there is no open circuit in the charging circuit (see chapter 5). If the test indicates that the battery is in normal condition, remove the electric motor (see below) and move the wiper arms manually. Make sure that the mechanism rods and its hinges are not jammed. If necessary, lubricate or repair the failed lever or joint. Reinstall the wiper motor. If the windshield wipers still operate slowly after switching on, check that the electrical connectors are not loose or corroded (especially, ground circuit connector). If the check does not determine that the connectors are defective, replace the electric motor.

2. If the windshield wipers do not move after being turned on, inspect the associated fuse. If the test confirms that the fuse is in working order, ground the electric motor using an additional wire and check its operation again. If during the test the operability of the electric motor is confirmed, restore its grounding circuit. If a motor failure is detected, turn the windshield wiper switch to position «H1» and check if voltage is supplied to the motor.

Note: The air intake cover must be removed to gain access to the connector (see chapter 11).

3. If it is determined that voltage is supplied, remove the electric motor and check its operation by connecting fused wires to it directly from the battery. If the operability of the electric motor is determined, inspect the windshield wiper mechanism for jammed rods or hinges (see paragraph 1). If the operation of the electric motor is not confirmed, replace it. If during the test it is determined that voltage is not supplied to the electric motor, check the voltage supply to its relay. If it is determined that voltage is being supplied to the relay, but not to the motor, check the operation of the switch. If the test confirms that the switch is working, then the source of the problem may be the relay. Checking the functionality of the relay is described in subsection 5.

4. If the motion delay function does not turn on, examine the section of the circuit from the switch to the windshield wiper control unit for an open circuit.

5. If the windshield wipers have stopped (or can't stop) in the initial position, which corresponds to the switch being in position «Off», make sure that voltage is supplied to the circuit wire that ensures engine operation when the windshield wipers are turned off with the ignition on. If the test determines that there is no voltage, examine the section of the circuit between the electric motor and the fuse box for an open circuit.

Replacing the electric motor

Windshield wipers

6. Disconnect the negative battery cable (see chapter 1).


7. Unscrew the nuts of the wiper arms, mark the original position of the wiper arms and their spindles, then remove the arms (see illustration).

Note: When removing from the spindle, try to rock the wiper arm. If this method does not allow removal, use a small puller, such as the one used to remove battery terminals.

8. Remove the air intake grille (see chapter 11).

9. Unscrew the bolts securing the electric motor/windshield wiper mechanism (see illustrations).






10. Remove the electric motor together with the mechanism, then disconnect the electric motor from the rods (see illustrations).



11. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.

Rear window wiper

12. Disconnect the negative battery cable (see chapter 1).

13. Mark the original location of the wiper arm on the glass of the tailgate, then remove the cap and unscrew the nut located on the outside of the door, then remove the trim (see illustration). Be careful not to damage the paint on the tailgate.




14. Remove the upper and lower inner tailgate trim panels as described in Chapter 11.

15. Disconnect the plug from the rear wiper motor, then unscrew the two mounting bolts (see illustration).

Caution: When unscrewing the mounting bolts, you must support the electric motor.

16. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.