Wiper Motor: Testing and Inspection

CAUTION: Windshield wiper motors contain permanent magnets made of ceramic, which can shatter or crack if the windshield wiper motor receives a severe physical shock. Improper handling of the motor may damage magnets and make the motor inoperative.

Tests on the windshield wiper motor can be performed with the motor on the bench or installed in the vehicle with the linkage disconnected.
1. Disconnect positive cable from battery, then the wiper linkage from windshield wiper motor.
2. Disconnect electrical plug to test motor in vehicle.
3. Connect green lead from suitable volt-ohmmeter or starting and charging tester tool No. 078-00005, or equivalent, to positive post of battery.
4. Connect jumper wire from motor ground terminal to negative battery post.

Fig. 33 Wiper Motor Current Draw Test.:

5. Connect positive (red) lead from tester or equivalent, first to low-speed terminal and then to high-speed terminal at wiper motor. In either case, current draw should not exceed 3.5 amps.