Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor on 2016-2021 Honda Civic hatchback models equipped with a rear wiper system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wiper motor mounting grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Open rear hatch and support it in the fully open position
4. Verify rear wiper is in parked position at bottom of glass
5. Allow engine to cool if recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Locate the small plastic cap at the base of the wiper arm where it mounts to the shaft. Pry off the cap using a flathead screwdriver. Remove the 10mm retaining nut securing the wiper arm to the motor shaft. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the shaft for proper reinstallation alignment. Pull the wiper arm straight off the splined shaft using a rocking motion if necessary.
2. 2

   Remove rear interior trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the plastic trim panel covering the rear hatch interior. Remove any visible screws securing the upper portion of the trim panel using a 10mm socket. Carefully pry the trim panel away from the hatch using a trim removal tool, working around the perimeter to release the retaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for hatch lighting or other accessories if equipped. Set the trim panel aside.
3. 3

   Access wiper motor mounting area
   Locate the rear wiper motor assembly behind the trim panel. It will be mounted to the inner hatch structure near the center of the rear glass. Identify the rubber grommet seal surrounding the wiper motor shaft where it passes through the hatch panel. Note the routing of the wiper motor electrical harness.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the rear wiper motor. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight away from the motor terminal. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry completely.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three 10mm mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the hatch structure. Support the wiper motor with one hand while removing the bolts with a 10mm socket. Remove all three mounting bolts completely and set aside for reuse if in good condition.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the hatch panel. Guide the motor shaft through the mounting hole and rubber grommet from the inside. Remove the rubber grommet from the hatch panel and inspect it for cracks, tears, or deterioration. Replace the grommet if damaged to prevent water intrusion.
7. 7

   Install new or replacement wiper motor
   Transfer the rubber grommet to the new wiper motor if replacing with a new unit. Insert the grommet into the hatch panel mounting hole, ensuring it seats properly in the panel. Guide the wiper motor shaft through the grommet from inside the hatch. Align the motor mounting holes with the hatch panel mounting points. Ensure the motor linkage is in the parked position before securing.
8. 8

   Secure wiper motor mounting bolts
   Install the three mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even mounting pressure. Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts to specification. Verify the motor housing sits flush against the hatch panel and the rubber grommet is not pinched or displaced.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the wiper motor terminals. Push the connector firmly onto the motor until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Test wiper motor operation
    Before reinstalling the interior trim panel, insert the key and turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to start). Activate the rear wiper switch to verify the motor operates correctly in all speed settings and the park function returns the linkage to the correct position. Listen for unusual noises that might indicate binding or improper installation. Turn off the ignition.
11. 11

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reconnect any electrical connectors for hatch lighting or accessories. Align the trim panel with the hatch structure and press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Install any screws that were removed and tighten securely, but do not overtighten plastic screw bosses.
12. 12

    Reinstall wiper arm
    Align the wiper arm with the marks made during removal, ensuring the arm is positioned in the correct parked location at the bottom of the glass. Press the wiper arm onto the splined shaft. Install the 10mm retaining nut and tighten securely. Snap the plastic cap back into place over the nut. Gently lower the wiper arm to the glass to verify proper alignment and clearance.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Verify interior trim panel clips are fully engaged and panel sits flush
3. Confirm wiper arm is properly aligned and parked position is correct
4. Check that rubber grommet is not pinched and creates a proper water seal

Verification

• Start the vehicle and test rear wiper operation in all switch positions (intermittent, low, high if equipped)
• Verify wiper returns to proper parked position when turned off
• Check for water leaks around the wiper motor shaft area during car wash or rain
• Listen for abnormal noises during wiper operation that might indicate binding or loose mounting
• Verify wiper blade makes proper contact with rear glass throughout full sweep range

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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