Wiper Motor - Front

Remove and replace the front wiper motor assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including wiper linkage disconnect and electrical connection service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor gasket or seal × 1 — Check if included with motor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off
2. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Mark wiper blade resting positions on windshield with tape or marker for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift wiper arm away from windshield. Remove the protective cap from the wiper arm base if equipped. Loosen and remove the wiper arm retaining nut. Use a wiper arm puller or carefully pry the arm from the splined shaft using controlled force. Remove both wiper arms and set aside with hardware.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover panel
   Open the hood. Locate the plastic cowl cover panel at the base of the windshield. Remove the fasteners securing the cowl panel - these are typically located along the front edge and sides of the panel. Lift the cowl panel away from the vehicle to expose the wiper motor and linkage assembly underneath. Inspect for any additional clips or fasteners before fully removing.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the motor housing. Press the locking tab or release mechanism and disconnect the harness connector from the wiper motor. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper linkage
   Identify the wiper linkage connection point on the wiper motor crank arm. Remove the retaining clip or fastener securing the linkage rod to the motor crank arm. Carefully separate the linkage from the motor crank - the linkage may be under slight spring tension. Support the linkage to prevent it from falling or binding.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the wiper motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the firewall or cowl structure. Remove the 3 mounting bolts from the motor assembly. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor out of the cowl area. The motor may need to be rotated or angled to clear surrounding structure and the linkage assembly. Remove the motor from the vehicle and inspect the mounting surface and gasket condition.
7. 7

   Prepare mounting surface
   Clean the wiper motor mounting surface on the firewall or cowl structure. Remove old gasket material completely. Wire brush or sand any corrosion from the mounting surface to ensure proper motor seating and good electrical ground contact. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new gasket or seal on the motor or mounting surface as designed. Align the new wiper motor with the mounting holes and carefully insert it into the cowl area. Start all 3 mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
9. 9

   Torque wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the wiper motor mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Verify the motor sits flush against the mounting surface with no gaps.
10. 10

    Reconnect wiper linkage
    Align the wiper linkage rod with the motor crank arm connection point. Install the linkage onto the crank arm and secure with the retaining clip or fastener. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the linkage - it should not separate from the crank arm.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the wiper motor electrical harness connector to the motor. Ensure the connector locks fully into place with an audible click or visible engagement of the locking mechanism.
12. 12

    Test wiper motor operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to the RUN position without starting the engine. Test the wiper motor in all speed settings (low, high, intermittent) and verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. Test the park function by turning wipers off - the motor should return to the park position. If operation is satisfactory, turn ignition off and disconnect battery negative terminal again for cowl panel installation.
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl cover panel
    Position the cowl cover panel over the wiper motor and linkage area. Align all mounting points and secure with the original fasteners. Ensure all clips engage properly and the panel sits flush with no gaps.
14. 14

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Align the wiper arms with the marked park positions on the windshield. Install each wiper arm onto the splined shaft, ensuring the arm is oriented correctly for proper sweep pattern. Install and tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts. Install protective caps if equipped.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification
2. Verify wiper arm park positions match original marks - adjust if necessary by removing arm and repositioning on splines
3. Test complete wiper system function including washer spray if equipped

Verification

• Test wiper operation in all speed settings with ignition on - wipers should operate smoothly without hesitation or binding
• Verify wiper arms return to proper park position when turned off
• Check for any unusual noise, vibration, or binding during operation
• Inspect cowl panel for proper fit with no rattles or gaps
• Verify no water leaks into cowl area after motor installation by testing with water spray or car wash

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