Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wiper motor grommet seal × 1 — Included with motor or separate
• Interior trim panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Turn off vehicle completely and remove key fob from interior.
3. Open rear hatch and support if necessary to access interior trim panels.
4. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 2 minutes after shutdown to allow modules to sleep.
5. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V accessory battery located in the rear cargo area (driver side panel).

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear interior trim panel
   From inside the rear cargo area, locate and carefully remove the upper rear hatch interior trim panel. Use trim panel removal tools to release the retaining clips starting from one side and working across. There are typically 6-8 push-type retainers. Pull the panel away carefully to avoid breaking clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for rear hatch lighting or other accessories if equipped.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear wiper washer hose
   Locate the washer fluid hose connected to the rear wiper motor assembly. Press the release tab on the quick-connect fitting and pull the hose straight off the motor. Have a rag ready to catch any residual washer fluid that may drip from the line. Cap or elevate the hose end to prevent further drainage.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the rear wiper motor. Press down on the locking tab while pulling the connector straight away from the motor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Note the connector orientation and any locking mechanism position for reassembly.
   ⚠Ensure the connector is fully released before pulling to avoid damaging the terminals or locking mechanism.
4. 4

   Remove wiper arm retaining nut
   From the exterior of the rear hatch, locate the wiper arm mounting nut at the base of the wiper arm. Use a 10mm socket to remove the retaining nut completely. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the wiper motor shaft using a paint marker or tape for proper reinstallation alignment.
5. 5

   Remove wiper arm from shaft
   Carefully pull the wiper arm straight off the motor shaft. If the arm is stuck due to corrosion, gently rock it back and forth while pulling. Do not use excessive force. A wiper arm puller tool may be necessary if the arm is severely stuck. Set the wiper arm aside in a safe location.
6. 6

   Remove exterior trim cap and seal
   Remove the decorative cap or trim piece covering the wiper motor shaft from the exterior of the hatch glass. Remove the rubber grommet seal from around the motor shaft. Inspect the seal for wear, cracking, or damage and replace if necessary.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   From the interior side, locate the wiper motor mounting bolts (typically 3 bolts in a triangular pattern). Use a 10mm socket to remove all mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the rear hatch. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️The motor assembly may be heavier than expected due to the integrated linkage and gear mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully withdraw the wiper motor assembly from the rear hatch, guiding the motor shaft through the mounting hole in the hatch panel. Ensure all electrical connectors and hoses are fully disconnected before fully removing the assembly. Inspect the mounting surface for corrosion or damage.
9. 9

   Clean mounting surface and prepare new motor
   Clean the motor mounting surface on the hatch panel using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free rag. Remove any old sealant, debris, or corrosion. If reusing the grommet seal, clean it thoroughly. Inspect the new wiper motor to ensure it matches the original unit and includes all necessary seals and grommets. Transfer any reusable components if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new wiper motor assembly
    Position the new wiper motor assembly with the motor shaft aligned with the mounting hole in the rear hatch. Install the rubber grommet seal onto the motor shaft, ensuring it seats properly against both the motor housing and hatch panel to provide a water-tight seal. Guide the motor into position from the interior side.
11. 11

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Install all three mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the mounting bolts in a cross-pattern sequence to the specified torque of 34.0 Nm (25 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify the motor assembly is seated flush against the mounting surface with no gaps.
    ⚠Proper torque is critical to prevent water intrusion and ensure secure mounting during wiper operation.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector and washer hose
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure. Reconnect the washer fluid hose to the motor by pushing the quick-connect fitting straight onto the barb until it clicks or seats fully.
13. 13

    Install exterior components and wiper arm
    From the exterior, install the decorative trim cap over the motor shaft if applicable. Install the wiper arm onto the motor shaft, aligning it with the marks made during disassembly to ensure proper park position. Install the retaining nut and torque to approximately 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) or until snug, then test arm for proper fit.
14. 14

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reconnect any electrical connectors for hatch lighting or accessories that were disconnected from the interior trim panel. Align the trim panel with the mounting locations and press firmly to engage all retaining clips. Start at one end and work across, ensuring each clip is fully seated and the panel sits flush.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative terminal to the 12V accessory battery. Torque the battery terminal bolt to 6.0 Nm (4 lb-ft) - do not overtighten. Turn on the vehicle and check for any warning lights or fault codes. Re-initialize power windows and other convenience features as needed per owner's manual procedures.
    ⚠Do not overtighten the battery terminal bolt as this can damage the terminal or battery post.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure the rubber grommet seal is properly seated to prevent water intrusion into the rear hatch interior.
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged with locking tabs secured.
3. Confirm the wiper arm is positioned in the correct park position before final testing.
4. Check that all interior trim panel clips are fully engaged and the panel is secure.

Verification

• Turn on the vehicle and test the rear wiper operation in all modes (low, high, intermittent if equipped).
• Verify the wiper arm returns to the correct park position when turned off.
• Test the rear washer function to confirm proper fluid delivery and no leaks at the motor connection.
• Listen for any unusual noises during wiper operation that could indicate improper installation or binding.
• Inspect the interior trim panel area and exterior grommet seal for any water leaks after the first rain or car wash.
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes are present in the vehicle's instrument cluster related to the wiper system.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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