Remove and replace the front wiper motor assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte, including disconnection of wiper linkage and electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting grommet set × 1 — Often included with motor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal
4. Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Mark wiper blade rest positions on windshield with tape for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift wiper arm away from windshield. Remove the protective cap from the wiper arm nut. Use a 12mm socket to loosen and remove the wiper arm retaining nut on both driver and passenger side. Rock the wiper arm gently while pulling away from the cowl to release from the splined shaft. Remove both wiper arms completely.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover panel
   Open the hood. Locate and remove the plastic caps covering the cowl panel mounting screws. Remove all cowl panel mounting screws using a 10mm socket. Carefully lift the cowl cover starting from one end, disconnecting any clips. Disconnect the washer nozzle hoses if equipped by pressing the release tabs. Remove the cowl cover completely and set aside.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the wiper assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the wiper motor. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper linkage
   Locate the wiper linkage connecting rod attached to the motor crank arm. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the linkage ball joint off the motor crank arm. Note the orientation of the linkage for reassembly. If the linkage is stiff, gently wiggle while prying to avoid damage.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three wiper motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the cowl panel frame. Use a 10mm socket to remove all three mounting bolts. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully lift the wiper motor assembly away from the mounting location. Maneuver the motor and crank arm through the access area, being careful not to damage surrounding components. Inspect the mounting grommets and replace if cracked or deteriorated.
7. 7

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor assembly into the mounting location, ensuring the crank arm is oriented correctly and grommets are properly seated. Align the mounting holes with the cowl frame. Hand-thread all three mounting bolts before tightening to ensure proper alignment.
8. 8

   Torque mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the three wiper motor mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution and proper motor alignment.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect wiper linkage
   Align the wiper linkage ball joint with the motor crank arm socket. Press firmly until the ball joint snaps into place. Verify secure connection by gently pulling on the linkage rod.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector and test
    Clean the electrical connector terminals if necessary with electrical contact cleaner. Push the wiper motor electrical connector onto the motor terminal until it clicks into place. Reconnect the battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position and test wiper operation through all speeds and intermittent settings. Verify park position is correct before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall cowl cover
    Reconnect washer nozzle hoses if equipped. Position the cowl cover panel, ensuring all alignment tabs engage properly. Install all cowl panel mounting screws and torque to specification. Install protective caps over screws.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Cycle the wipers one time to ensure motor is in park position, then turn off. Align the wiper arm splines with the motor shafts, referencing the tape marks made during removal. Press the wiper arms firmly onto the shafts. Install the retaining nuts and tighten securely with a 12mm socket. Install protective caps over nuts.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly seated
2. Verify wiper arms are correctly positioned in park position before final tightening
3. Check that cowl cover is fully seated and all clips are engaged
4. Confirm washer nozzles are reconnected and aimed properly

Verification

• Test wiper operation at all speed settings including intermittent
• Verify wipers return to correct park position when turned off
• Check for unusual noise or binding during operation
• Spray washer fluid to confirm nozzles are functioning and properly aimed
• Verify no interference between wiper arms and hood or cowl panel
• Confirm wiper pattern properly clears driver viewing area

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