electrical
Wiper Motor - Front
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
7
Steps
11
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front windshield wiper motor assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Warnings
⚠Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes before beginning work to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge
ℹ️Mark wiper arm positions on windshield with tape or grease pencil before removal to ensure proper reinstallation alignment
⚠Cowl panel clips are fragile and may break during removal; have replacements available
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Torque wrenchEssential
Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner
Wiper arm removal tool
Parts
- Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Mark wiper blade positions at rest on windshield with tape for reinstallation reference
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Disconnect battery negative terminal and secure cable away from battery post
- Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
Procedure
- 1Remove wiper armsLift wiper arm away from windshield and locate the release tab or nut at base of arm. If equipped with release tab, press tab and pull arm off splined shaft. If equipped with retaining nut, use 13mm socket to remove nut, then wiggle arm while pulling away from cowl to remove from splined shaft. Remove both driver and passenger wiper arms.
- 2Remove cowl panel grilleRemove the plastic cowl vent grille panel that runs along the base of the windshield. Use trim panel removal tool to carefully pry up and release the retaining clips starting from one end. Work along the entire length, releasing each clip. Once all clips are released, lift the cowl panel up and away from the firewall. Disconnect any washer hoses if attached to the panel.
- 3Access wiper motor mounting areaWith cowl removed, locate the wiper linkage assembly and motor on the driver side of the cowl area. Remove any plastic covers or shields that obstruct access to the wiper motor mounting bolts. On some models, a plastic access cover is secured with clips or screws that must be removed.
- 4Disconnect wiper motor electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the wiper motor assembly. Press the locking tab and pull connector straight away from motor. Ensure connector is completely disconnected and positioned away from work area.
- 5Remove wiper linkage arm from motorLocate the wiper linkage arm connection to the motor crank arm. Use 10mm socket to remove the retaining nut securing the linkage to the motor crank arm. Carefully separate the linkage arm from the motor crank. Support the linkage to prevent it from falling.
- 6Remove wiper motor mounting boltsUsing 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the cowl support bracket. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. Carefully maneuver the motor out of the cowl area, taking care not to damage surrounding components.
- 7Install new wiper motorPosition new wiper motor into mounting location in cowl area. Align motor with mounting holes on support bracket. Hand-thread all three mounting bolts before tightening any. Torque mounting bolts to 8.0 Nm (6 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 8Connect wiper linkage to motorPosition wiper linkage arm onto new motor crank arm. Install retaining nut and torque to 8.0 Nm (6 lb-ft). Verify linkage moves freely without binding.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorConnect electrical connector to wiper motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify locking tab is engaged and connector is secure.
- 10Reinstall cowl panel and componentsReinstall any plastic covers or shields removed during disassembly. Position cowl vent grille panel over cowl area, reconnect any washer hoses, and press firmly along entire length to engage all retaining clips. Verify all clips are fully seated.
- 11Reinstall wiper armsBefore installing wiper arms, reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4 lb-ft). Turn ignition to ON position and activate wipers once to allow motor to reach park position, then turn ignition OFF. Position wiper arms on splined shafts according to marks made during removal. If equipped with retaining nuts, torque to specification. Press arms firmly onto shafts until fully seated.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all cowl panel clips are fully engaged and panel is secure
- Verify wiper arms are aligned with original positions marked on windshield
- Double-check all electrical connections are secure and locked
- Confirm no tools or parts are left in cowl or engine bay
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position and test wipers in all speed settings (intermittent, low, high)
- Verify wipers park correctly in rest position when turned off
- Check for proper wiper blade contact across full windshield sweep
- Test washer function to ensure spray pattern is correct and wipers activate
- Listen for any unusual noises during wiper operation that might indicate binding or misalignment
- Verify wiper arms do not contact hood or cowl at any point in their travel