This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnection of the wiper motor and linkage arm components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper linkage bushings (if not included with assembly) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl cover clips (as needed) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and ensure wipers are in parked position
3. Mark wiper blade positions on windshield with masking tape or grease pencil for reinstallation reference
4. Open hood and secure in open position
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes to allow airbag system to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the protective cap from the wiper arm base. Use a 14mm socket to loosen the wiper arm retaining nut. Mark the exact position of each wiper arm on the windshield. Carefully pull the wiper arm straight up off the splined shaft. A wiper arm puller tool may be needed if arms are stuck. Remove both driver and passenger side wiper arms.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover
   Locate and remove the plastic cowl cover screws along the rear edge of the hood opening. There are typically 5-7 screws securing the cowl panel. Use a flat blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully release the retaining clips along the cowl panel. Gently lift the cowl cover upward and toward the rear to disengage it from the windshield lip. Remove the cowl cover completely and set aside. Disconnect the washer hose from the cowl if equipped.
   Torque spec

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

   Drain washer fluid reservoir
   Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir on the driver side of the engine bay. Use a fluid transfer pump or turkey baster to remove as much washer fluid as possible to prevent spillage during linkage removal. Alternatively, disconnect the washer pump hose and drain into a suitable container. This step prevents fluid from spilling onto engine components when the linkage is removed.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the firewall beneath where the cowl cover was removed. Press the release tab on the wiper motor electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the motor. Ensure the connector is moved away from the work area to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Disconnect ground wire
   Locate the ground wire bolt on the wiper motor or mounting bracket. Use a 10mm socket to remove the ground bolt. Remove the ground wire terminal and secure it out of the way. This ground connection is critical for proper wiper operation.
   ⚠The ground connection is critical for wiper motor operation. Ensure terminals are clean and free of corrosion during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm or 12mm socket (depending on configuration), remove the wiper motor mounting bolts. There are typically 3-4 bolts securing the motor to the firewall or mounting bracket. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove linkage pivot nuts and mounting bolts
   Locate the linkage pivot points where the wiper arm shafts extend through the cowl area. Remove the pivot nuts using a 12mm socket. These nuts secure the linkage pivots to the cowl panel mounting points. Next, remove any additional linkage assembly mounting bolts securing the linkage frame to the firewall or support brackets.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

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

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the entire wiper linkage assembly (including motor if still attached) out from under the cowl area. The linkage may need to be rotated or angled to clear obstructions. Work slowly to avoid bending linkage arms or damaging surrounding components. Once clear, place the old assembly on a clean work surface.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting points and prepare new linkage
   Inspect the cowl area mounting points for damage, rust, or debris. Clean all mounting surfaces with a shop towel. Check the condition of rubber grommets and bushings in the cowl panel. If installing a new linkage assembly, verify it matches the old unit and transfer the wiper motor if necessary. Ensure all pivot points move freely and bushings are properly seated.
10. 10

    Install new wiper linkage assembly
    Position the new linkage assembly into the cowl area, carefully routing it into place. Align the linkage pivot shafts with their respective holes in the cowl panel. Ensure the motor is positioned correctly on its mounting surface. Start all mounting bolts and pivot nuts by hand before tightening any fasteners.
11. 11

    Secure linkage and motor
    Torque the linkage pivot nuts to specification using a torque wrench. Install and torque the wiper motor mounting bolts to specification. Install any additional linkage mounting bolts and torque to the appropriate specification. Verify all fasteners are tight and the linkage moves freely through its full range of motion by manually rotating the motor output shaft.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical and ground connections
    Reconnect the ground wire to the motor or mounting bracket. Install the ground bolt and torque to specification to ensure proper electrical continuity. Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Verify the connector locking tab is fully engaged.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl cover
    Reconnect the washer hose to the cowl panel if it was disconnected. Position the cowl cover over the linkage area, engaging the front edge under the windshield lip first. Press down firmly along the cowl to engage all retaining clips. Install the cowl cover screws and torque to specification. Ensure the cover is seated properly with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wiper arms and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Refill the windshield washer fluid reservoir to the proper level. Before installing wiper arms, turn the ignition to ON and activate the wipers briefly to ensure the linkage returns to the parked position. Install the wiper arms onto the splined shafts in their marked positions. Install the wiper arm nuts and tighten securely with a 14mm socket. Install the protective caps over the wiper arm nuts.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify cowl cover clips are fully engaged before driving
4. Refill windshield washer fluid to proper level after testing

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and test wiper operation at all speeds (low, high, intermittent) to verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise
• Verify wipers return to proper parked position when turned off
• Check that wiper blades make full contact with windshield across entire sweep pattern
• Test washer spray function to ensure nozzles are functioning and hoses are not kinked
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around washer connections
• Verify no rattles or loose components from the cowl area during operation
• Confirm wiper arms are positioned correctly and do not contact hood or A-pillars at any point in their travel

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