Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement : How to Troubleshoot a Broken Windshield Wiper Motor

Windshield wiper motors breakdown, and it is necessary to troubleshoot the problem before you can fix it. Learn how to diagnose a windshield wiper motor in these free auto repair video instructions featuring a certified mechanic.

Expert: Nathan McCullough
Bio: Nathan McCullough graduated from Nashville Auto-Diesel College with a GPA of 3.5 and received their Craftsmanship Award and Honor Seal.
Filmmaker: Robert Rogers

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• windshield wipers
• auto repair
• auto maintenance
• how to
• instructions

[Ianfermy]

I'm forced to drive with one wind wiper because the passenger side wiper (as it wipes to and fro) slowly eases closer and closer to the driver side wiper (eventually the two collide). Is this a problem with the wiper motor or with the groves that the wiper arm attaches to?

[Klendathue]

@66612345678 And he said he had turned on the wipers. Also note that Nathan had unplugged the cable to the wiper motor to poke the leads inside the plug. This would keep the wiper motor from operating. Be careful around the wiper motor when it is running because it can take off a finger. Also mind when you are leaning over a running motor that you don't have anything dangling down into the motor (tie, jewelery, work ID badge, etc.) that can snag in the motor.

[Klendathue]

@66612345678 Usually you need to turn the ignition switch to on, but the car engine does not need to be running. Notice in the beginning of the video Nathan said he turned on the ignition switch. If this is how the wipers ran before they stopped working then yes, the ignition switch need to be turned on but you don't necessarily need to crank the engine. You should be able to operate the car radio too, if the car has a radio.

[RazsterTW]

So my Wipers stopped working as well, would this also prevent the wiper fluid sprayer from spraying as well? Thanks

[Jessmo90]

1:16 probe the probe

[Tiananmengun]

Thank you very much.

[drinktheworm]

aaarrrrrrgh! never thought about the fuse!!!!!! D'oh!!!!!

thank you very much ; )

*when all else is eliminated, one is left with the obvious*

[CobraSVT713]

@s3xchtownstud maybe its not the motor, it could be the fuses.

[s3xchtownstud]

I have a 2000 Mustang and I really don't know where the windshield wiper motor is located. Also, my wipers dont work anymore, i'm not sure whats wrong with them.

[robviolin1]

thank you, that was very helpful, :)