This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips
• Wiper motor mounting grommet × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Mark wiper blade rest positions on windshield with masking tape for alignment reference
3. Open hood and support with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Clear any leaves or debris from cowl area using shop vacuum or compressed air

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Locate the small retaining tab at the base of each wiper arm and pry it up with a flat blade screwdriver. While holding the tab up, pull the wiper arm straight off the splined shaft. Remove both driver and passenger side wiper arms. If arms are seized, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10 minutes before attempting removal.
2. 2

   Remove cowl vent screens
   Remove the rubber weatherstrip seal from the rear edge of the hood opening. Starting at one end, carefully pry up the cowl vent screen grilles using trim panel tools. There are multiple retaining clips along the length of each grille. Work gradually from one end to the other to avoid breaking clips. Remove both left and right cowl vent screens and set aside.
3. 3

   Remove cowl panel fasteners
   Locate and remove all fasteners securing the cowl panel. Remove the cover screws along the cowl panel using a 10mm socket. There are typically 8-10 screws securing the panel. Keep track of fastener locations as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect washer hoses and remove cowl panel
   Disconnect the windshield washer hoses from the washer nozzles by pressing the release tabs and pulling the hoses free. Carefully lift the cowl panel up and away from the vehicle. The panel may require some manipulation to clear the wiper motor shaft and other components. Set the panel aside in a safe location to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the firewall. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor. Ensure the connector is fully released before pulling to avoid damaging the terminals.
6. 6

   Disconnect ground wire
   Locate the ground wire connection on the wiper motor assembly. Using a 10mm socket, remove the ground bolt securing the ground wire to the motor housing. Store the bolt safely for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the wiper motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the firewall. There are typically three bolts. Support the motor assembly while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot points where the linkage arms connect to the firewall on both driver and passenger sides. Using a 13mm socket, remove the linkage pivot nuts securing each pivot to the cowl. Support the linkage assembly as you remove the final fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the entire wiper linkage and motor assembly out from under the cowl area. The assembly must be angled and rotated to clear the firewall and cowl opening. Work slowly to avoid catching linkage arms on surrounding components. Once clear, place the old assembly aside.
10. 10

    Install new wiper linkage assembly
    Position the new wiper linkage assembly and carefully lower it into place under the cowl area. Align the linkage pivot points with their mounting holes on the firewall. Ensure the motor is positioned correctly on the driver side and all linkage arms are clear of obstructions. Hand-thread the pivot nuts to hold the assembly in position before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install motor mounting and ground connections
    Install the wiper motor mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Reconnect the ground wire to the motor housing and torque the ground bolt to specification. Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
    Torque spec

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Ground Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl panel and components
    Reconnect the windshield washer hoses to the washer nozzles, ensuring they are fully seated. Position the cowl panel over the linkage area, carefully aligning it with the mounting holes and ensuring the wiper motor shafts protrude through the correct openings. Install and torque all cover screws to specification. Snap the cowl vent screen grilles back into place, ensuring all clips are fully engaged. Reinstall the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the hood opening.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Align each wiper arm with the reference marks made on the windshield during preparation. Press each arm firmly onto its splined shaft, ensuring the retaining tab clicks into the locked position. The driver side arm should rest approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the windshield, and the passenger side arm should be slightly higher. Verify both arms are secure by attempting to pull them off the shafts.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque terminal bolt to specification per battery documentation
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine
3. Cycle the wipers through one complete cycle using the wiper switch to verify proper operation
4. If window one-touch auto features do not work, perform window re-initialization by holding each window switch in the DOWN position for 5 seconds after window reaches bottom, then UP position for 5 seconds after reaching top

Verification

• Test wiper operation at all speed settings (intermittent, low, high) to ensure smooth operation without binding
• Verify wiper arms park in the correct position when turned off and align with reference marks
• Check for any unusual noises, clicking, or grinding during wiper operation
• Test washer fluid spray to ensure nozzles are functioning and hoses were properly reconnected
• Verify wiper blades make full contact with windshield throughout entire sweep pattern
• Inspect cowl panel for proper fitment and ensure all clips and fasteners are secure

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