This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front wiper motor assembly on 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Mopar 68079257AB or equivalent
• Wiper linkage connector bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to ON position, activate wipers, then turn ignition OFF when wipers reach vertical position (mid-wipe) for easier arm removal
3. Mark wiper arm positions on windshield glass with masking tape
4. Open hood and secure in upright position
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift protective cap at base of each wiper arm. Remove the retaining nut at base of each wiper arm using 13mm socket. Carefully rock wiper arms side to side while pulling away from windshield to remove from splined shaft. If arms are stuck, use wiper arm puller tool to avoid damage.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover assembly
   Remove rubber weather seal from cowl panel by pulling upward along entire length. Remove seven T20 Torx screws securing cowl cover panel. Starting at one end, carefully lift cowl cover and disconnect washer hoses from nozzles (squeeze tabs and pull). Remove cowl cover completely and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access wiper motor
   Locate wiper motor assembly on driver side of cowl area. Note position of wiper linkage arms and their connection points for reassembly reference. Take photo if possible for reference.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Press the tab on the wiper motor electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Ensure connector is completely free from motor before proceeding.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper linkage
   Using flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the wiper linkage ball socket from the motor crank arm ball stud. Work gently to avoid breaking plastic socket. Inspect socket bushing for wear and replace if cracked or loose.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Remove three 10mm mounting bolts securing wiper motor bracket to cowl panel. Support motor with one hand while removing final bolt to prevent dropping.
   ⚠Support motor assembly during bolt removal to prevent damage to cowl panel or linkage
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver wiper motor and bracket assembly out of cowl area. May need to rotate and angle motor to clear surrounding components. Remove ground wire from motor if equipped and note position.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position new wiper motor assembly into cowl area in same orientation as removed. If equipped, attach ground wire to motor. Ensure motor is properly seated against mounting surface before installing bolts.
9. 9

   Install mounting bolts
   Install three 10mm mounting bolts and tighten in star pattern to ensure even pressure. Torque to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect wiper linkage and electrical
    Snap wiper linkage ball socket onto motor crank arm ball stud - should click into place securely. Verify connection by attempting to pull off. Connect electrical connector to wiper motor until tab clicks into locked position.
11. 11

    Reinstall cowl cover
    Connect washer hoses to cowl nozzles (press firmly until tabs click). Position cowl cover panel and verify alignment with hood and fenders. Install seven T20 Torx screws and torque to specification. Reinstall rubber weather seal by pressing into channel along entire length.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Position wiper arms onto splined shafts aligned with tape marks made during removal. Driver side wiper should be approximately 2 inches above cowl, passenger side approximately 3 inches above cowl when in park position. Install retaining nuts and tighten securely.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Test wiper operation in all speeds (low, high, intermittent) and verify park position. Check washer spray function if nozzles were disturbed.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify wiper linkage ball socket connection is secure before cycling wipers
3. Check washer fluid level and top off if needed after testing nozzles
4. Verify cowl cover is properly sealed to prevent water intrusion into cabin

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and test wipers in all speed settings - should operate smoothly without binding or unusual noise
• Verify wipers return to proper park position below hood line when turned off
• Test intermittent wiper delay settings cycle properly
• Activate washer system to verify spray pattern and wiper coordination
• Inspect for any water leaks around cowl area during washer operation
• Verify wiper arms do not contact hood or each other during operation

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