Component Test - Windshield Wiper Motor: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford RV Cutaway, 2005 Ford Econoline, 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cutaway. 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 windshield wiper motors may also damage the motor magnets.

NOTE: Windshield wiper motor component test is carried out to determine if windshield wiper motor and module are functional and not in software safe mode. Refer to PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION for software safe mode parameters.

NOTE: Battery voltage must remain within 10 to 15 VDC to carry out test and keep windshield wiper motor from entering its software safe mode.

NOTE: When connecting the power and ground test leads to the windshield wiper motor terminals, care must be taken to not short terminals between power and ground, as well as making sure the logic ground, pin 3, is always securely connected to prevent permanent windshield wiper motor module damage.

If the windshield wiper motor does not pass any of the following tests, install a new windshield wiper motor. Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR .

Use SABRE Premium Battery and Electrical System Tester to test the windshield wiper motor.

Fig 1: Identifying SABRE Premium Battery And Electrical System Tester

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To test the windshield wiper motor, remove 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) SABRE to the battery negative (-) post. Connect the red lead (3) from the SABRE to the wiper motor (4) component side connector ground and logic ground pins 6 and 3 (3). Connect the battery positive cable (5) to the windshield wiper motor (4) component side connector battery and logic positive pins 5 and 8 (5).