Component Test - Windshield Wiper Motor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Do not handle the windshield wiper motor abusively when diagnosing the wiper operations. Failure to follow this caution may result in damage to the motor magnets and will make the windshield wiper motor inoperative. Rough handling of new replacement windshield wiper motors may also damage the motor magnets.

Use the Alternator, Regulator, Battery and Starter Tester (ARBST) to test the wiper motor on the vehicle.

Fig 1: Inspecting Windshield Wiper Motor

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To test the wiper motor, disconnect the windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft from the windshield wiper motor. Refer to WIPER MOUNTING ARM AND PIVOT SHAFT .

Disconnect the wiper motor. Connect the (1) green lead from the (2) ARBST to the battery negative (-) post. Connect the (3) red lead from the ARBST to the wiper motor (4) common brush terminal (Terminal 3).

Test the low speed mode by connecting a (5) cable from the battery positive (+) post to the (6) low speed brush terminal (Terminal 4) and measure the current draw. If the current draw is greater than 3.5 amperes, install a new windshield wiper motor.

Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR .

Test the high speed mode by connecting a cable from the battery positive (+) post to the (7) high speed brush terminal (Terminal 5) and measure the current draw. If the current draw is greater than 5.5 amperes, install a new windshield wiper motor.

Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR .