This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Ensure wiper arms are in parked position at bottom of windshield
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
5. Clear any debris from cowl area and windshield base

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the plastic cover at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 13mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut from each wiper post. Mark the position of the wiper arms on the glass with tape for reinstallation reference. Rock the wiper arms gently while pulling away from the cowl to remove them from the splined posts.
2. 2

   Remove cowl panel cover
   Open the hood fully. Locate and remove all cowl panel retaining screws along the rear edge of the cowl using a 10mm socket. There are typically 8-10 screws across the width of the cowl. Use a trim panel tool to carefully release the plastic clips securing the cowl panel. Start at one end and work across, releasing each clip. Lift the cowl panel up and away from the vehicle, being careful not to damage the windshield washer nozzles if attached.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect washer hoses
   Locate the windshield washer fluid hoses connected to the washer nozzles on the cowl or connected through the cowl area. Using needle-nose pliers or by hand, carefully disconnect the washer hoses from the nozzles. Note the routing for reinstallation. If the nozzles remain attached to the cowl panel, set the panel aside safely.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor assembly on the driver side of the cowl area. Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight away from the wiper motor to disconnect. Ensure the connector is completely free and not under tension.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three bolts securing the wiper motor to the mounting bracket and cowl structure. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot points where the wiper linkage arms attach to the cowl structure at each wiper post location. Using a 10mm socket, remove the nuts securing each pivot point. There are typically two pivot points, one on each side. Support the linkage as you remove the final fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the complete wiper motor and linkage assembly out of the cowl area. The assembly must be angled and rotated to clear the cowl opening. Remove the motor from one side first, then work the linkage arms and pivot points through the opening. Take note of the orientation for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new wiper linkage assembly near the cowl opening. Insert the linkage into the cowl area by reversing the removal process - feed the pivot points through first, then position the motor. Ensure all pivot points align with their mounting holes in the cowl structure. Verify the linkage moves freely and is not binding before securing.
9. 9

   Install linkage pivot nuts
   Hand-thread the pivot nuts onto each mounting stud. Ensure the pivot assemblies are properly seated against the cowl before tightening. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten each pivot nut to specification in a cross pattern if multiple fasteners are present.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install wiper motor mounting bolts
    Position the wiper motor against its mounting bracket, ensuring proper alignment. Hand-thread all three mounting bolts before tightening any. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the motor mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect wiper motor electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the wiper motor terminal and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reconnect washer hoses and reinstall cowl panel
    Reconnect the windshield washer hoses to the nozzles, ensuring they are fully seated. Position the cowl panel over the wiper linkage area, aligning all mounting holes and clip locations. Press down firmly on each clip location until you hear or feel them snap into place. Install all cowl panel retaining screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 10mm socket.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position and activate the wipers briefly, then turn them off to ensure they return to the park position. Disconnect the battery again. Align each wiper arm with the reference marks made during removal and press onto the splined posts. Install the retaining nuts and tighten with a 13mm socket. Install the plastic covers over the nuts.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely
2. Perform wiper system relearn if required: Turn ignition to ON, cycle wipers through all speeds and allow them to return to park position three times
3. Test windshield washer function to verify proper hose connections
4. Close hood and verify cowl panel is secure with no gaps or loose clips

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test wiper operation at all speeds (intermittent, low, high)
• Verify wipers return to proper park position when turned off
• Check for smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Test washer fluid spray pattern to confirm nozzles are functioning properly
• Inspect cowl panel for proper fitment and ensure all fasteners are secure
• Verify no interference between wiper arms and hood or cowl panel during operation

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