Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor on 2011-2014 Ford F-150 trucks with rear wipers.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor gasket/seal × 1 — Usually included with motor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Open rear liftgate/tailgate fully and secure in open position
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the glass with tape or marker for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Locate the release tab or cover at the base of the wiper arm where it mounts to the pivot. Pry up the cover with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the retaining nut (typically 13mm or 15mm) and pull the wiper arm straight off the splined shaft. You may need to gently rock it back and forth.
2. 2

   Remove exterior trim cover
   From outside the vehicle, locate the plastic trim cover that surrounds the wiper pivot shaft on the exterior of the liftgate glass. This cover typically has a rubber gasket and may be held by clips or a small fastener. Carefully pry or unscrew to remove the cover and gasket, exposing the pivot shaft nut.
3. 3

   Access interior liftgate panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the interior trim panel on the liftgate. Remove any screws or push-pin fasteners securing the lower portion of the trim panel. You may only need to remove the section near the wiper motor location rather than the entire panel. Carefully pull the panel away to access the wiper motor mounting area.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the rear wiper motor. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Ensure you do not pull on the wires themselves. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove pivot shaft nut from interior
   From the interior side, locate the nut securing the wiper pivot shaft to the liftgate. Use a 10mm socket to remove this nut. The pivot shaft assembly may have a gasket or seal that should be removed with the nut.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the wiper motor mounting bolts (typically three 10mm bolts) securing the motor assembly to the liftgate structure. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the motor to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the liftgate. The pivot shaft will withdraw through the mounting hole in the liftgate. Remove the old gasket/seal from the liftgate if it did not come off with the motor. Clean the mounting surface on the liftgate with a shop towel to ensure proper seal for the new motor.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new gasket/seal onto the new wiper motor or onto the liftgate mounting surface as designed. Insert the pivot shaft through the mounting hole from the interior side. Align the motor mounting holes with the liftgate structure. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
   Torque spec

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

   Install pivot shaft nut
   From the interior side, install the pivot shaft nut onto the shaft threads. Tighten to secure the motor position while ensuring the gasket is properly seated. Use a 10mm socket to tighten snugly but do not overtighten as this secures through plastic components.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the wiper motor until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated. Route the wiring harness in the original path, ensuring it will not be pinched by the trim panel.
11. 11

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reposition the interior liftgate trim panel. Ensure all clips are aligned with their mounting holes. Press firmly to seat the clips and reinstall any screws or push-pin fasteners removed earlier. Verify the panel is secure and sits flush.
12. 12

    Install exterior trim and wiper arm
    From the exterior, install the trim cover and gasket around the pivot shaft. Align the wiper arm to the marked position on the glass and press onto the splined shaft. Install the retaining nut and tighten securely. Snap the cover back over the nut. Ensure the wiper arm parks in the correct position.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to specification
2. Ensure all interior trim panels are securely fastened with no rattles
3. Verify wiper arm is properly aligned with original park position

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test rear wiper operation in all speed settings
• Verify wiper parks correctly in the proper position when turned off
• Test rear washer function if equipped to ensure motor does not interfere
• Check for any abnormal noises during wiper operation
• Inspect for water leaks around the pivot shaft seal during washer operation
• Ensure wiper blade makes full contact with glass through entire sweep range

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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