Wiper Motor - Rear

Remove and replace the rear wiper motor on a 1992 Dodge Viper by accessing it through the rear hatch interior trim panel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting gasket/seal (if equipped) × 1 — Inspect original and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and secure cable away from battery post.
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven.
4. Mark the rear wiper arm rest position on the glass with tape or marking pen for reinstallation reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass to access the base nut cover. Pry off the plastic cover cap at the base of the wiper arm. Using a socket, remove the wiper arm retaining nut. Rock the wiper arm gently while pulling away from the pivot shaft to remove it from the splined shaft. Set aside the wiper arm and hardware.
2. 2

   Remove rear hatch interior trim panel
   Open the rear hatch and locate the interior trim panel covering the wiper motor area. Identify fasteners securing the trim panel—these will typically be a combination of screws around the perimeter and push-pin style clips. Remove visible screws first, then use plastic trim tools to carefully release the retaining clips by working around the panel edges. Disconnect any electrical connections for hatch lighting or other accessories if present on this trim panel. Remove the trim panel and set aside.
3. 3

   Access wiper motor mounting area
   With the interior trim removed, locate the rear wiper motor assembly mounted to the rear hatch structure. The motor will be visible along with its electrical connector and mechanical linkage to the wiper pivot shaft. Inspect the area for any additional covers or weather sealing that may need to be moved aside to access the motor mounting fasteners.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the rear wiper motor. Press the release tab on the connector and pull it straight away from the motor to disconnect. If the connector is corroded or difficult to remove, spray with electrical contact cleaner and work it gently to avoid breaking the connector housing.
5. 5

   Remove wiper linkage from motor output shaft
   Locate the wiper linkage connection between the motor output shaft and the wiper pivot mechanism. This typically uses a small retaining nut or clip. Remove the fastener and disconnect the linkage from the motor output shaft. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Locate and remove the 3 bolts securing the wiper motor to the hatch structure. These are typically located around the motor mounting bracket perimeter. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully withdraw the wiper motor assembly from the hatch structure, maneuvering it through the access opening. Be mindful of any weather sealing or grommets that may be attached to the motor—note their position for reinstallation. Inspect the mounting gasket or seal and replace if torn or deteriorated.
8. 8

   Prepare new wiper motor for installation
   Compare the new wiper motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. If a mounting gasket or seal was present on the original motor, transfer it to the new motor or install a new gasket if the original is damaged. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the output shaft splines to prevent corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor into the mounting location in the hatch structure, ensuring any weather sealing or grommets are properly seated. Align the mounting holes with the hatch structure. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight initially to allow for minor adjustment, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
10. 10

    Connect wiper linkage to motor output shaft
    Attach the wiper linkage to the new motor output shaft, ensuring proper alignment and orientation. Install any washers or spacers in their original positions. Secure with the retaining nut or clip and verify the linkage moves freely without binding.
11. 11

    Reconnect wiper motor electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the wiper motor terminals until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall rear hatch interior trim panel
    Position the interior trim panel back into place, reconnecting any electrical connections for hatch lighting or accessories. Align the panel with its mounting locations and press firmly to engage the retaining clips. Install all screws removed during disassembly and tighten securely but do not overtighten plastic trim fasteners.
13. 13

    Reinstall rear wiper arm
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal temporarily for testing. Turn the ignition to the accessory position and activate the rear wiper to cycle the motor to its park position, then turn off. Align the wiper arm to the marked rest position on the glass. Slide the wiper arm onto the splined shaft, ensuring proper engagement. Install the retaining nut and torque appropriately (hand-tight plus a quarter turn for wiper arm nuts). Install the plastic cover cap over the nut.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification.
2. Verify all interior trim panels are fully seated and all fasteners are installed.
3. Ensure wiper arm is properly aligned with the marked rest position before final tightening.

Verification

• With battery connected, turn ignition to accessory position and test rear wiper operation through all speeds and intermittent settings.
• Verify wiper returns to proper park position when turned off.
• Check for proper wiper blade contact across the full sweep of the rear glass.
• Inspect for any abnormal noise, binding, or vibration during operation.
• Verify no water leaks around the wiper motor mounting area after reinstallation by spraying area with water.
• Confirm all interior trim panels are secure and all electrical accessories in the hatch area function properly.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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