Wiper Motor - Front

Remove and replace the front wiper motor assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the linkage and electrical connector.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting gasket (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
3. Move wiper arms to mid-stroke position if possible, then turn ignition off
4. Mark the position of wiper arms on the windshield with tape for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the plastic cap covering the wiper arm nut at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 13mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut from each wiper post. Pull the wiper arms straight off the splined posts. If stuck, gently rock the arm while pulling, or use a wiper arm puller tool.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover panel
   Open the hood. Locate the cowl cover panel that spans the width of the vehicle at the base of the windshield. Remove the fasteners securing the cowl panel (typically clips and screws along the rear edge and at the ends near the hood hinges). Carefully lift the cowl panel up and away from the vehicle, disconnecting any washer hoses if attached to the panel. Note the location of any grommets or seals for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Access wiper motor assembly
   With the cowl panel removed, the wiper motor and linkage assembly will be visible in the plenum area. Locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the plenum chamber. The motor is typically mounted to a bracket with the drive crank arm connected to the wiper linkage.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the wiper motor. Press the locking tab or release mechanism and pull the connector straight off the motor. Ensure the connector is moved out of the work area to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper linkage from motor crank arm
   Locate the wiper linkage arm connection to the motor drive crank. The linkage typically attaches via a socket connection with a clip or retainer. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip from the crank arm ball joint. Carefully pry or pull the linkage arm socket off the motor crank ball stud. Do not force or bend the linkage.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the 3 mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the mounting bracket or plenum structure using a 10mm socket. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor
   Lift the wiper motor assembly out of the plenum chamber. Maneuver it carefully to clear any surrounding structure or wiring. Inspect the mounting area for any gasket material or debris that should be cleaned before installing the new motor.
8. 8

   Prepare new wiper motor for installation
   Compare the new wiper motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Check that the motor drive crank arm is in the park position (fully retracted). If a mounting gasket was present on the original motor, transfer it to the new motor or install a new gasket if provided.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor into the mounting location in the plenum chamber. Align the mounting holes with the bracket or structure. Install the 3 mounting bolts finger-tight, then tighten in a crossing pattern using a 10mm socket. Ensure the motor is seated flat against the mounting surface.
10. 10

    Connect wiper linkage to motor crank arm
    Position the wiper linkage arm socket onto the motor crank ball stud. Push firmly until it seats completely. Install the retaining clip using needle-nose pliers, ensuring it fully engages the groove on the ball stud. Verify the connection is secure by attempting to pull the linkage off.
11. 11

    Connect wiper motor electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector onto the wiper motor terminals, pressing firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl cover panel
    Position the cowl cover panel back into place, ensuring any grommets or seals are properly seated. Reconnect any washer hoses if they were disconnected. Install all fasteners that secure the cowl panel, working from one end to the other. Ensure clips are fully engaged and screws are snug but not overtightened.
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition on and activate the wipers briefly, then turn them off to allow the motor to return to the park position. Place each wiper arm onto its splined post, aligning with the reference marks made during removal. Install the wiper arm retaining nut on each post and tighten with a 13mm socket. Replace the plastic cap over each nut. Verify the wiper arms are properly positioned and do not contact the hood or A-pillars.

Reassembly

1. Torque specifications for wiper arm nuts and motor mounting bolts were not available in the database; tighten wiper arm nuts firmly (typically 15-20 ft-lbs) and motor mounting bolts securely
2. Ensure all cowl panel fasteners are installed and the panel is fully seated to prevent water intrusion into the plenum chamber
3. Verify washer hoses are reconnected if they were detached during cowl panel removal

Verification

• Reconnect battery and test wiper operation in all speeds (low, high, intermittent) to verify proper motor function
• Test wiper park function by turning wipers off from each speed setting to confirm they return to correct park position
• Operate windshield washer to verify washer system function and that no leaks are present in the cowl area
• Visually inspect wiper blade travel to ensure full coverage of windshield without contacting hood, A-pillars, or each other
• Check for unusual noise or binding during wiper operation that might indicate improper linkage connection

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