This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Mopar 68078085AA or equivalent
• Cowl weather 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 from ignition
3. Mark wiper blade positions on windshield with masking tape for reference
4. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal bolt. Carefully lift the cable terminal off the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift each wiper arm away from the windshield to the service position. Locate the small tab or clip at the base of each wiper arm where it mounts to the linkage stud. Pry up the retaining tab with a flathead screwdriver, then pull the wiper arm straight off the linkage stud. Remove both driver and passenger wiper arms.
3. 3

   Remove cowl cover screws
   Open the hood. Locate and remove all cowl cover retaining screws along the base of the windshield. There are typically 6-8 screws securing the plastic cowl cover. Use a 10mm socket or appropriate driver to remove these fasteners. Keep screws organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove cowl cover and weather seal
   Carefully lift the cowl cover straight up and away from the vehicle. The cover may have clips in addition to screws, so work slowly to avoid breaking tabs. Remove the rubber weather seal that runs along the cowl area. Inspect the seal for damage and replace if cracked or torn.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the linkage assembly. Press the tab on the connector and pull it straight off the wiper motor. If the connector is difficult to access, note its position and routing for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the three bolts securing the wiper motor to the cowl panel. Support the wiper linkage assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove linkage bracket bolts
   Locate the bracket bolts on the passenger side of the linkage assembly. Using a 10mm socket, remove the two bracket mounting bolts that secure the linkage assembly to the cowl structure.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the entire wiper linkage assembly (motor and linkage as one unit) out of the cowl area. The assembly may need to be rotated or angled to clear the cowl opening. Take care not to damage the cowl structure or painted surfaces during removal.
9. 9

   Clean mounting surfaces
   With the linkage removed, clean the cowl mounting surface and bolt holes with a wire brush or shop towel. Remove any debris, leaves, or rust from the cowl drain area. Inspect the cowl structure for rust or damage that may need repair.
10. 10

    Install new linkage assembly
    Position the new wiper linkage assembly into the cowl area, orienting it in the same position as the original. The motor should be on the driver side. Align the mounting holes with the cowl structure. Install the passenger side bracket bolts finger-tight first.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wiper motor mounting bolts
    Install the three wiper motor mounting bolts and tighten them finger-tight. Once all mounting points are engaged, torque the motor mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench, then torque the bracket bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)

    Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect wiper motor electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector body.
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl cover
    Position the rubber weather seal back into its channel along the cowl. Place the plastic cowl cover back into position, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install all cowl cover screws and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wiper arms
    Position each wiper arm onto its respective linkage stud, aligning with the tape marks made during disassembly. Press down firmly on each arm until the retaining clip engages with an audible click. Verify both arms are secure by attempting to pull them off the studs.
15. 15

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

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly seated
2. Ensure cowl cover is fully seated and all fasteners are installed
3. Check that wiper arms are positioned correctly in their park position
4. Remove masking tape reference marks from windshield

Verification

• Turn ignition to RUN position and activate wipers through all speed settings (intermittent, low, high)
• Verify wipers operate smoothly without binding or unusual noise
• Check that wipers park in the correct position when turned off
• Test windshield washer function to ensure spray pattern is correct
• Verify wiper arms do not contact the cowl cover or hood during operation
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around cowl area if washer system was disturbed

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