Question 1

When a wiper motor needs replacing

Accepted Answer

The wiper electric motor drives the wiper linkage. The motor is exposed to water, ice and frost loads, and its internal copper winding can burn out if the wipers are frozen and the motor has to pull too hard.

Symptoms: wipers don't move at all, slow operation, only one speed works, intermittent stopping during wiping or loud noise from the motor. The linkage can also fail — if the motor turns but the wipers don't, the fault is in the connecting rod.

Question 2

How a wiper motor is replaced

Accepted Answer

The cowl beneath the windscreen is opened, revealing the wiper motor and linkage. Wipers are removed from the spindles (usually one nut per arm) and the motor's electrical connector is unplugged. The motor is mounted to the linkage with three bolts.

The new motor is fitted and the linkage is reattached. Wipers are refitted in the correct position (park position at the bottom of the windscreen). All speeds (slow, fast, intermittent, return) are tested. The washer connector may also need attention.

Question 3

Why do wiper motors burn out?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause is wipers freezing to the windscreen — in winter ice can lock the blade so tightly that the motor tries to pull through and the copper winding burns. Poor lubrication in the linkage after long storage can also add motor load. The best prevention is freeing the blade before every start and annual linkage lubrication.

Wiper Motor Replacement in Vantaa