This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models with hardtop or soft top with rear glass.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting gasket/seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Turn ignition off and remove key.
3. Open the rear liftgate or tailgate to access the interior side of the rear glass.
4. If equipped with soft top, ensure rear glass panel is accessible from interior.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts during the repair. Use a 10mm wrench or socket to loosen the terminal bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove interior trim panel
   From inside the vehicle, carefully remove the interior trim panel covering the rear liftgate area. On hardtop models, this is typically the upper liftgate trim panel. Use trim removal tools to release the retaining clips without breaking them. Set the panel aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector behind the trim panel. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector from the wiper motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect washer hose (if equipped)
   If the vehicle has rear washer functionality, disconnect the washer fluid hose from the wiper motor assembly. Have a rag ready as some residual washer fluid may drain from the hose. Note the routing of the hose for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove wiper arm
   From the exterior, lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Remove the protective cap covering the wiper arm nut. Use a 13mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the motor shaft for proper reinstallation. Pull the wiper arm straight off the motor shaft using a rocking motion if needed.
6. 6

   Remove exterior trim bezel
   Remove the plastic trim bezel or cover around the wiper motor shaft on the exterior glass surface. This is typically held by clips or small screws. Carefully pry or unscrew as applicable.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   From inside the vehicle, locate the wiper motor mounting bolts (typically 3 bolts). Use a 10mm socket to remove all mounting bolts securing the motor to the liftgate. Support the motor with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the liftgate glass. The motor shaft will pull through the mounting hole in the glass. Inspect the mounting gasket/seal and replace if damaged, cracked, or deteriorated.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor assembly with fresh gasket/seal if needed. Insert the motor shaft through the mounting hole in the glass from the interior side. Align the mounting holes with the liftgate structure. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall exterior components
    Install the exterior trim bezel around the motor shaft. Place the wiper arm onto the motor shaft in the marked position (typically park position is at bottom of glass). Install the wiper arm retaining nut and tighten to secure. Replace the protective cap over the nut.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical and washer connections
    Connect the electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks securely into place. If equipped, reconnect the washer fluid hose following the original routing. Ensure the hose is fully seated on the barb fitting.
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim
    Reinstall the interior trim panel by aligning the retaining clips and pressing firmly until all clips are fully seated. Ensure no wiring is pinched behind the panel.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
2. Ensure the wiper motor mounting gasket is properly seated to prevent water intrusion.
3. Route washer hose away from moving parts and sharp edges.
4. Verify all interior trim panels are fully secured and aligned properly.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run).
• Test the rear wiper operation in all speed settings and intermittent modes to confirm proper function.
• Test the rear washer function (if equipped) to verify fluid sprays correctly and wiper activates.
• Verify the wiper parks in the correct position at the bottom of the glass when turned off.
• Check for any abnormal noises or binding during wiper operation.
• Inspect for water leaks around the motor mounting area after washing the vehicle or during rain.

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