3.5L V6 EcoBoostRWDAUTOMATICgasturbo
18 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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electrical

Wiper Motor - Rear

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.2 h
Tools
6
Steps
13
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, requiring access through the rear liftgate interior trim panel.

Warnings

Ensure the rear wiper is in the parked position before beginning work to avoid damaging the wiper arm linkage.
ℹ️This vehicle does not have a rear wiper on all trim levels. Verify your vehicle is equipped before ordering parts.

Tools required

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to allow electrical system to discharge
  3. Move rear wiper arm to vertical position if frozen or stuck, then return to park position
  4. Open rear liftgate fully and secure in open position

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove Rear Liftgate Interior Trim Panel
    Locate and remove all visible fasteners securing the lower liftgate trim panel. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry out the plastic retaining clips starting from the bottom corners and working your way around the perimeter. Pull the panel away gently to disengage any hidden clips. Be careful not to break clips as they can become brittle over time.
  2. 2
    Access Wiper Motor Mounting Area
    With the trim panel removed, locate the rear wiper motor assembly on the passenger side of the liftgate structure. You will see the motor body with an electrical connector and mounting bolts. Clear any sound deadening material or vapor barrier as needed to access the motor fully.
  3. 3
    Disconnect Wiper Motor Electrical Connector
    Press the locking tab on the wiper motor electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the motor. If the connector is difficult to remove, use a pick tool to depress the locking tab while pulling. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
  4. 4
    Remove Wiper Arm Nut and Arm
    From outside the liftgate, lift the wiper arm cover cap at the base of the wiper arm. Remove the retaining nut securing the wiper arm to the motor shaft using a 10mm socket. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the shaft for reinstallation. Use a rocking motion to pull the wiper arm off the splined shaft.
  5. 5
    Remove Exterior Wiper Motor Cover
    Remove the plastic cover or bezel surrounding the wiper motor shaft on the exterior of the liftgate glass. This may be held by clips or small screws depending on trim level. Set aside with fasteners.
  6. 6
    Remove Wiper Motor Mounting Bolts
    From inside the liftgate, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the liftgate structure using a 10mm socket. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
  7. 7
    Extract Wiper Motor Assembly
    Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly inward through the liftgate opening. Angle the motor shaft through the mounting hole in the liftgate glass area. Remove the motor from the vehicle and inspect the mounting surface and rubber seal for damage.
  8. 8
    Prepare New Wiper Motor
    Compare the new wiper motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement. Ensure the rubber mounting seal is properly seated on the new motor. Verify the motor shaft length and spline pattern match. If the motor has a park position sensor, ensure it is properly aligned.
  9. 9
    Install New Wiper Motor
    Position the new wiper motor assembly and insert the motor shaft through the liftgate glass mounting hole from the interior side. Align the motor with the mounting holes in the liftgate structure. Ensure the rubber seal is properly seated against the liftgate to prevent water intrusion.
  10. 10
    Secure Wiper Motor Mounting Bolts
    Install and hand-tighten all three mounting bolts, then torque them in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the motor assembly. Verify the motor sits flush against the mounting surface with no gaps.
  11. 11
    Reinstall Exterior Components
    Reinstall the exterior wiper motor cover or bezel, ensuring it seats properly. Install the wiper arm onto the motor shaft, aligning with the marks made during removal. Install and hand-tighten the wiper arm retaining nut, then torque to specification. Close the cover cap.
  12. 12
    Reconnect Electrical and Test
    Connect the electrical connector to the new wiper motor until it clicks into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Before reinstalling trim, test the wiper motor operation in all speeds and ensure it returns to the proper park position. Check for any unusual noise or binding.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reinstall Interior Trim Panel
    Replace any vapor barrier or sound deadening material that was disturbed. Position the liftgate trim panel and press firmly to engage all retaining clips. Install any screws or fasteners removed earlier. Verify all clips are fully seated and the panel fits flush.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and fully seated with locking tabs engaged
  2. Verify the wiper motor rubber seal is properly positioned to prevent water leaks into the liftgate
  3. Replace any broken trim clips to ensure proper panel retention
  4. Check that the wiper arm is positioned correctly in the park position and does not contact the liftgate trim

Verification

  • Test rear wiper operation at all speeds (low, high if equipped) and verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise
  • Verify wiper returns to correct park position when turned off
  • Check wiper arm does not contact liftgate glass edges or trim in full sweep range
  • Test washer function if equipped to ensure proper spray pattern
  • Inspect liftgate interior trim panel for proper fit and secure attachment
  • Verify no water leaks around wiper motor mounting area after car wash or rain

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

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More procedures for this vehicle

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