This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front windshield wiper motor assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Motorcraft WM-4766 or equivalent
• Wiper motor gasket/seal (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. Mark the position of wiper arms on the windshield with tape or marker for reference.
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post. Wait 2 minutes.
5. Lift wiper arms to vertical service position.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the protective cap at the base of each wiper arm to expose the retaining nut. Use a 13mm socket to remove the nut from each wiper arm. Gently rock the wiper arms while pulling upward to remove them from the splined drive posts. If arms are stuck, use a wiper arm puller tool to avoid damaging the windshield or posts.
2. 2

   Remove cowl panel
   Open the hood. Remove the plastic cowl panel caps along the rear edge of the cowl using a trim removal tool. Remove all 10mm screws securing the cowl panel (typically 6-8 screws depending on trim level). Disconnect the washer nozzle hoses by squeezing the tabs and pulling gently. Lift the cowl panel up and forward to remove it from the vehicle.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the wiper motor assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. If equipped with a secondary ground wire, remove the ground bolt using a 10mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove wiper linkage from motor
   Locate the wiper linkage arm connection to the motor crank arm. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip from the ball socket connection. Carefully pry the linkage arm off the motor crank arm ball stud. Support the linkage assembly to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the mounting bracket. The bolts are located around the perimeter of the motor housing. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully lift the wiper motor assembly out of the cowl area. Angle the motor as needed to clear the firewall and surrounding components. Inspect the mounting location for debris, corrosion, or damage. Clean the mounting surface if necessary.
7. 7

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor assembly into the mounting location, ensuring the mounting holes align properly. If equipped with a gasket or seal, ensure it is properly seated. Install the three mounting bolts and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect wiper linkage to motor
   Align the wiper linkage arm with the motor crank arm ball stud. Push the linkage socket firmly onto the ball stud until it seats completely. Install the retaining clip to secure the connection. Verify the linkage moves freely without binding.
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the wiper motor electrical connector onto the motor until the locking tab clicks into place. If equipped with a ground wire, reconnect it and torque the ground bolt to specification. Ensure clean metal-to-metal contact at the ground connection point.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall cowl panel
    Reconnect the washer nozzle hoses to the cowl panel by pushing them into the fittings until they click. Position the cowl panel over the wiper motor area, ensuring it seats properly against the windshield base. Install all 10mm screws and tighten securely. Reinstall the plastic caps over the cowl panel mounting points.
11. 11

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Position each wiper arm onto its respective splined drive post, aligning with the reference marks made during disassembly. The driver side arm should rest approximately 1-2 inches from the base of the windshield in the park position. Press the arms firmly onto the posts and install the retaining nuts. Torque to 13mm specification (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn). Close the protective caps.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Ensure the connection is clean and tight.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly locked.
2. Ensure cowl panel is completely seated with no gaps and all fasteners are installed.
3. Confirm wiper arms are properly positioned and aligned with reference marks.
4. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the cowl area before closing hood.

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine.
• Test wiper motor operation in all speed settings (intermittent, low, high) to verify proper function.
• Verify wiper arms park in the correct position when turned off.
• Test washer spray function to ensure nozzles are properly connected.
• Observe wiper operation through several complete cycles to confirm smooth movement without binding or unusual noise.
• Check for proper wiper blade contact with windshield throughout entire sweep pattern.

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