Wiper Motor - Front

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front windshield wiper motor assembly on a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar or quality aftermarket
• Wiper linkage bushings (if worn) × 1 — Inspect during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm wrench
4. Mark the position of wiper arms on the windshield with masking tape for reference
5. Lift wiper arms away from windshield and note the park position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the protective caps at the base of each wiper arm. Using the appropriate size socket (commonly 15mm on this platform — verify before applying force), remove the retaining nuts securing the wiper arms to the pivot shafts. Carefully pull the wiper arms straight off the splined shafts. If stuck, gently rock the arms while pulling or use a specialized wiper arm puller tool to avoid damaging the splines.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover panel
   Remove the plastic cowl cover that spans the base of the windshield. Remove all retaining screws along the rear edge of the cowl panel (typically 6-8 screws). Carefully lift the cowl panel up and toward the rear of the vehicle, disengaging the clips along the front edge. Set the cowl panel aside in a safe location to avoid damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the wiper motor assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage. If equipped with a ground strap at the motor, disconnect it by removing the ground bolt.
4. 4

   Remove wiper linkage arm from motor crank
   Locate the wiper linkage arm connected to the motor crank arm. Remove the retaining nut or clip securing the linkage to the motor crank. Carefully pry the linkage arm off the ball joint using a flathead screwdriver, taking care not to damage the plastic bushing. Note the orientation of the crank arm for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the firewall/cowl plenum (verify count against factory documentation). Using the correct socket size for your year, remove all mounting bolts. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor out of the cowl area. You may need to rotate or angle the motor to clear the firewall and surrounding components. Once clear, set the old motor aside and inspect the mounting area for debris or rust.
7. 7

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Compare the new wiper motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Ensure the motor is in the park position before installation. If applicable, transfer any brackets or hardware from the old motor to the new unit. Clean all mounting surfaces on the firewall with a wire brush to ensure proper grounding.
   ℹ️Verify the new motor crank arm is in the park position to ensure proper wiper operation after installation
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor into the cowl area, angling as necessary to clear obstructions. Align the mounting holes with the firewall/cowl plenum. Install all mounting bolts (verify count against factory documentation) and tighten evenly to the specified torque (typically around 7-9 lb-ft / 10-12 Nm for these small fasteners — confirm against factory spec).
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect wiper linkage to motor crank
   Align the wiper linkage arm with the motor crank arm ball joint. Press the linkage arm onto the ball joint until it snaps into place. Install the retaining nut or clip and ensure it is fully seated. Verify the linkage moves freely without binding.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connections
    If equipped with a ground strap, clean the contact surface with a wire brush or sandpaper until bright metal is visible. Attach the ground strap and tighten the ground bolt snugly (verify torque against factory documentation). Connect the main electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks into place and the locking tab engages.
11. 11

    Test wiper motor operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp securely (typically around 5-9 lb-ft — verify against factory documentation). Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Test the wiper motor through all speed settings (low, high, and intermittent if equipped). Verify the motor parks correctly when turned off. If operation is correct, disconnect the battery again before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl cover panel
    Position the cowl cover panel over the wiper motor area, engaging the front clips first. Press down firmly along the panel to seat all clips. Install all cowl cover retaining screws and tighten snugly by hand until seated (do not overtighten into plastic). Ensure the panel is flush and secure along its entire length.
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Align the wiper arms with the marked positions on the windshield from preparation. Press each wiper arm onto its splined shaft, ensuring proper engagement. Install the retaining nuts and tighten securely. Close the protective caps over the nuts. Verify both arms are at the correct park position.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Verify cowl panel is properly seated with no gaps or loose clips
3. Confirm wiper arms are at the correct park position and aligned with reference marks

Verification

• Reconnect battery negative terminal and tighten to specification
• Turn ignition to ON position and test wipers through all speed settings
• Verify wipers park in the correct position when turned off
• Test intermittent wiper delay function if equipped
• Check for proper blade tracking across windshield with no skipping or binding
• Spray washer fluid and verify wipers clear fluid properly
• Listen for unusual noises or grinding during operation
• Confirm no electrical warning lights appear on dashboard

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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