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You Should Know This About Your Car Wiper Motor

What Is Wiper Motor?

The windshield wipers, generally mounted on the firewall or under the cowl (the space under the windshield’s base), are powered by a small electric motor. a linkage is activated by the motor that moves the wiper arms forward and backward. For vehicles which are provided with a rear window wiper, a separate motor is present for the purpose of powering the one in the rear. there are numerous signs exhibited by faulty wiper systems such as slow or intermittent operation, wipers which operate at only one speed, or arms which when turned off, stop in the middle of the windshield. However, there could be several other issues related to other parts of the wiper system which cause problems in working of the wipers. For example, trying to use wipers in winter season, when the blades are stuck to the windshield due to the ice or snow can cause the circuit breaker to trip or can blow the fuse for the motor. Other problems with the system could be due to the interior switch which functions as the control for the wipers failing, fault in the wiring of the system, or the breaking of the linkage which moves the wipers back and forth. Corrosion or gunk in the moving parts of the linkage may also be one of these problems.

Important Features Of Wiper Motor

Parts Avatar has listed all the important features of the wiper motor that should be known:

 

  • Output and power transmission same as for the original part
  • Special O.E. needs by automakers are added (park position, respect of wiper angle and area)
  • Favorable high-speed characteristics; wiping speed that generally conforms to O.E. requirements and EU directives
  • Lower noise due to high quality manufacturing. This helps in avoiding vibrations too.

How Does Wiper Motor Works?

When the windshield wipers are activated, the switch sends a signal through the fuse, and possibly a relay, and power reaches the windshield wiper motors from one of two paths. When it reaches the windshield wiper motor, the motor will be moving a rod back and forth as quickly as the driver has selected. The rod is attached to the windshield wiper arms, and forces the arms to move in unison with the driven rod. When the rod pushes the arms across the windshield, the wiper blades remove moisture and contaminants from the glass.

Symptoms Of Bad Wiper Motor

Common signs include wiper blades that move slower than programmed, only have one speed, do not move at all, and don't park in the correct position.

 

If in case, you can't see the road, it's virtually impossible to safely operate a vehicle. These windshield wipers are specially designed in a way that aids in clearing the rain, snow, dirt, and other debris from the windshield. Each wiper system is unique for every vehicle, manufactured for maximum efficiency and in many cases to improve the vehicle’s aesthetics. If the wiper blades are the arms and hands of your car's wiper system, the wiper motor would definitely be the heart.

 

In order to move back and forth across the windshield, the windshield wipers are controlled by the windshield motor. When you activate the windshield switch on your turn signal indicator or other control arm next to your steering wheel, it sends a signal to the motor and operates the wipers at different speeds and duration. In situations, when the wiper blades fail to move after turning on the switch, a malfunction in the wiper motor should be suspected.

 

Although the likelihood of having a problem with your windshield wiper motor is rare, there are a few warning signs that will alert you that the wiper motor is damaged or needs to be replaced.

 

  1. Wiper blades move slower than programmed - Today's modern cars, trucks, and SUVs have programmable wiper blades that can operate at multiple speeds and different delays. If you activate the wiper switch to a fast speed or high setting and the wiper blades move slower than they should, it may be caused by a problem with the wiper motor. Sometimes the mechanical components inside the motor will be clogged with debris, grime, or other particles. If this happens, it can impact the speed of the motor. If you experience this type of problem with your wiper blades, it's a smart idea to contact a local ASE certified mechanic as soon as possible, so they can inspect the wiper motor and other components that may be causing this problem.
  2. Wiper blades only have one speed - On the opposite side of the equation, if you activate the wiper switch and try to change speeds or settings, but the wipers move the same all the time, it may also be a problem with the wiper motor. The wiper motor receives a signal from the wiper module, so the issue may be with the module as well. When you notice this symptom, before you decide to replace the wiper motor, make sure you work with a local ASE certified mechanic so they can determine if the problem is with the motor or module. You'll save a lot of money, time, and trouble by contacting the mechanic first.
  3. Wiper blades don't move - If you've turned on your wiper switch and the blades don't move at all or you don't hear the motor working, it's very likely that the motor is damaged or that an electrical problem exists. Sometimes it can be caused by a blown fuse that operates the wiper motor. However, a fuse will only burn out if there is an electrical overload of power to that particular circuit. In any case, a more serious problem exists which should inspire you to contact a mechanic to diagnose what is causing the electrical issue and repair it so it does not damage other components on your vehicle.
  4. Wiper blades don't park in the correct position - When you turn the wiper blades off, they are supposed to move into a "parked" position. Typically, this means the wiper blades will return to the bottom of your windshield and lock into place. This is not always the case, so you should check your owner manual to verify that your car, truck, or SUV has this option. However, if you turn your wiper blades off and the blades stay in the same position on your windshield, blocking your view, an issue with the motor should be suspected. If not corrected, it results in requiring a replacement of the windshield washer motor. The windshield wiper motor is usually not a part that is repaired. Due to the complexity of the device, most windshield wiper motors are replaced by certified ASE mechanics. A new wiper motor can last a very long time, and with routine service, you should never experience a problem with your wiper blades. If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact a local ASE certified mechanic so they can diagnose the precise mechanical fault and repair it as soon as possible.

Tools Needed For Wiper Motor

Do you like repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your own car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort as well as car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment which would upgrade your speed as well as make your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your wiper motor:

 

Top Brands For Wiper Motor

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. There are a lot of people which trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best wiper motor brands to help you out in choosing your favorite one in case you don’t have any. So, what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your wiper motor.


Cardone Industries Wiper Motor & Parts

Blue Streak (Hygrade Motor) Wiper Motor & Parts

Techsmart Wiper Motor & Parts

Auto 7 Wiper Motor & Parts

Related Parts Of Wiper Motor

There might be a big-picture overview of wiper motor in your mind, and now it’s time to look at its related components:

 

Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Wiper Motor

There are a lot of factors which should be considered when you are thinking of replacing wiper motor. First you have to decide that if you require some related parts of wiper motor or a whole wiper motor. Then after that the next step is to decide what type of make as well as type of wiper motor you are actually dealing with and then from where will you get a brand new one. Just keep in mind that a brand-new wiper motor which would come from a warehouse would cost much more than the one you will get in a junkyard. After that the next point which should be considered is that from where you are going to get it replaced and how quickly it needs to be done. The tentative cost for the replacement of a windshield wiper motor replacement is estimated between $284 and $349 while the labor costs around $82 and $105. The price of parts can be estimated around $202 and $244. Note that these estimated prices don't include taxes.

How To Change Wiper Motor?

The car windshield wiper motors play the role of cleaning the water and debris from car windshields. If you notice the car windshield wipers moving at one speed or no movement at all, change the motor.

 

The windshield wiper motor is a mechanism that functions to remove rain, snow, ice and debris from a windshield. All the motor vehicles namely cars, trucks, trains, watercraft with a cabin, and some aircraft, have such wipers installed. They are usually a legal requirement. If the windshield wiper motor is not functioning correctly, the signs will include the wipers only moving at one speed and stopping in the wrong place, or not moving at all.

 

Step 1 - Remove the wiper blades

 

You will have to remove the wiper blades in order to gain access to the cowl, which is where the windshield wiper motor is located. A windshield wiper should be used as a removal tool in order to release the tension on them so you can remove them.

 

The cowl might have some clips holding it down. Well, remove them utilizing a clip remover or another suitable tool.

 

Step 2 - Disconnect the old windshield wiper motor

 

Now that you have gained access to the wiper motor, you can unplug it and unbolt it from the wiper gearbox assembly that connects to the wiper blades. Next, you can remove the motor from the vehicle.

 

Step 3 - Install the new windshield wiper motor

 

Then the windshield wiper motor should be fixed back onto the wiper gearbox assembly. Bolt it back onto the cowl housing and plug it back in, then reinstall the cowl plastic and the clips.

 

Step 4 - Reinstall the wiper arms

 

Now that you are done with the installation of the new motor and putting the cowl back together, reinstall the wiper arms and wiper blades onto the wiper gearbox assembly. Tighten them down to the correct torque. Make sure you put them in the correct location so that when you activate them, they will clean the windshield properly. If they don't, you can always readjust them.

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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.