How long does a windshield wiper motor last?

Windshield wiper motors are designed to last up to 1.5 million wipes, so they should be able to keep the rain, snow, and road grime off your windshield for years and years. But sometimes, these motors just wear out.

What causes a wiper motor to go bad?

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.

Is windshield wiper motor covered under warranty?

A new car comes with a basic or limited warranty, which covers everything except body panels, drivetrain components and wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, oil filters and wiper blades.

Do car warranties cover electrical issues?

The basic, bumper-to-bumper warranty covers virtually everything in the car-including air conditioning, the audio system, and electrical components.

How do you remove a windshield wiper motor from a car?

Disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor. Remove the retaining bolts from the wiper module (the motor and linkage). Then remove the module from the vehicle and set it on a workbench. Note: On some vehicles, you may be able to remove the motor without removing the module assembly.

Can a broken wiper motor cause an inoperative wiper?

One potential cause for inoperative wipers is a faulty windshield wiper motor. But the good news is, usually, replacing a broken wiper motor is relatively easy. On most vehicles, all you’ll need are basic hand tools, along with knowledge and determination. A faulty windshield wiper motor can cause inoperative wipers.

How does the wiper motor work on a car?

The wiper motor is a multi-speed electric motor that connects to the wiper linkage, which, in turn, connects to the wiper arms and blades. On most newer vehicles, a control module (usually the body control module) operates the wiper motor based on inputs from the wiper switch. A faulty wiper motor is just one potential cause of inoperative wipers.

Where is the meter on a windshield wiper motor?

Connect one meter lead to the battery’s negative terminal. Connect the other meter lead to the low-speed terminal on the harness side of the motor connector. If you see close to battery voltage, the low-speed portion of the circuit is intact.