Wiper Linkage

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including disconnection of the wiper motor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
3. Mark wiper blade position on windshield with tape for reference
4. Ensure wiper arms are in the parked position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the protective cap at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 14mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nuts. Carefully rock the wiper arms back and forth while pulling away from the cowl to remove them from the splined shafts. If stuck, use a wiper arm puller to avoid damaging the shafts.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover panels
   Open the hood. Locate and remove the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the hood opening at the cowl area. Use trim panel tools to carefully pry up the cowl cover end caps on both driver and passenger sides. Remove the plastic clips securing the cowl cover panels. There are typically 6-8 clips along the length of the cowl. Lift the cowl panels away to expose the wiper linkage assembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the linkage assembly. Press the tab on the electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect it from the wiper motor. If equipped, disconnect the washer hose from the distribution manifold in the cowl area.
4. 4

   Remove ground connection
   Locate the ground wire bolted to the wiper motor or linkage assembly. Use a 10mm socket to remove the ground bolt. Set the ground wire and bolt aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Use a 10mm socket to remove the three wiper motor mounting bolts that secure the motor to the linkage frame. Keep these bolts organized as they may differ in length.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot points where the linkage arms connect to the mounting posts on the cowl. Use a 12mm socket to remove the nuts securing each pivot point. There are typically two pivot mounting points. Support the linkage assembly as you remove the final fastener.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove linkage assembly mounting bolts
   Remove the main mounting bolts that secure the linkage frame to the firewall/cowl. Use a 12mm or 14mm socket as appropriate. There are typically 3-4 mounting bolts holding the assembly in place.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the entire wiper linkage and motor assembly out of the cowl area. You may need to angle it and feed it through the opening. Take note of how the linkage is oriented for reinstallation. Inspect the pivot bushings and linkage arms for wear or damage.
9. 9

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new or repaired wiper linkage assembly in the cowl area, ensuring it is oriented correctly. Align the mounting holes with the firewall/cowl mounting points. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install pivot nuts and motor bolts
    Install and torque the linkage pivot nuts to specification. Then install the wiper motor mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the motor is seated flush against the linkage frame.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect ground and electrical connections
    Reinstall the ground wire to the wiper motor or linkage assembly and torque the ground bolt to specification. Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector until it clicks into place. If disconnected, reconnect the washer hose.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl covers
    Position the cowl cover panels back in place. Install new clips if the originals were damaged during removal. Ensure all clips are fully seated. Reinstall the cowl end caps and the rubber weatherstrip seal along the hood opening. Tighten any cowl cover screws to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON and activate the wipers briefly, then turn them off to ensure they return to the parked position. Place each wiper arm onto its splined shaft in the correct orientation using your reference marks. Install the retaining nuts and tighten securely with a 14mm socket. Install the protective caps over the nuts.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all cowl panel clips are properly installed to prevent wind noise
3. Double-check that wiper arms are positioned correctly in the parked position before final tightening

Verification

• Reconnect battery and test wiper operation at all speeds (low, high, intermittent)
• Verify wipers return to proper park position when turned off
• Check for smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise
• Test washer function if hoses were disconnected
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around washer connections
• Verify wiper blades make proper contact across entire windshield sweep
• Check that cowl panels are secure with no rattles or gaps

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 →

More procedures for this vehicle