Wiper Linkage

Remove and replace the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including disconnecting the wiper motor and removing the cowl cover to access the linkage mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl seal weatherstrip × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Position wiper blades in service position (mid-stroke) before removing power
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge

Procedure

1. 1

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

   Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm covers at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 13mm socket to remove the wiper arm retention nuts. Mark the position of each wiper arm on the windshield with tape for reinstallation reference. Gently rock the wiper arms while pulling away from the windshield to release them from the splined shafts.
3. 3

   Remove cowl cover panel
   Open the hood fully. Remove the rubber weatherstrip seal from the cowl area. Using a panel removal tool, carefully release the clips securing the plastic cowl cover. Work from one side to the other, releasing all clips. Remove the T25 Torx screws at each end of the cowl panel. Lift the cowl cover up and away, disconnecting any washer nozzle hoses by pressing the quick-release tabs.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor on the passenger side of the cowl area. Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect it from the wiper motor. If equipped with a ground strap at this location, use a 10mm socket to remove the ground strap bolt after cleaning the contact area with a wire brush.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three bolts securing the wiper motor to the bulkhead. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect linkage from motor crank arm
   Locate the ball socket connection between the wiper motor crank arm and the linkage drive arm. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the linkage ball socket off the motor crank arm ball stud. Take care not to damage the plastic socket.
7. 7

   Remove linkage pivot mounting hardware
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the nuts securing each linkage pivot point to the cowl structure. There are typically two pivot assemblies: one on the driver side and one on the passenger side. Support the linkage assembly as you remove the final fasteners.
   ⚠The linkage assembly contains internal springs that may cause sudden movement when pivots are released
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the complete wiper linkage assembly up and out of the cowl area. You may need to rotate and angle the assembly to clear the bulkhead and hood hinge structures. Inspect the pivot points and ball sockets for wear or damage.
9. 9

   Install new wiper linkage assembly
   Position the new linkage assembly into the cowl area, aligning the pivot mounting holes with the studs on the bulkhead. Ensure the linkage is oriented correctly with the driver side and passenger side pivot points in their proper locations. Thread the pivot nuts by hand to hold the assembly in place but do not tighten yet.
10. 10

    Connect linkage to motor crank arm
    Press the linkage drive arm ball socket firmly onto the wiper motor crank arm ball stud until it snaps into place. Verify the connection is secure by attempting to pull the socket off the ball stud.
11. 11

    Install and torque wiper motor
    Position the wiper motor against the bulkhead, aligning the mounting holes. Install the three motor mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. If applicable, reinstall the ground strap bolt to specification after ensuring contact surfaces are clean.
    Torque spec

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque linkage pivot nuts
    Using a torque wrench with a 10mm socket, tighten all linkage pivot nuts to specification in a cross pattern if multiple fasteners are present at each pivot point. Verify the linkage moves freely without binding.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl cover
    Reconnect any washer nozzle hoses to the cowl panel by pressing them into the quick-connect fittings. Position the cowl cover over the linkage area and align all mounting points. Install the T25 Torx screws at each end and tighten to specification. Press firmly along the length of the cowl to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall the rubber weatherstrip seal.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test wiper operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off). Activate the wipers to verify proper operation and park position before installing wiper arms. Observe that both sides move smoothly and synchronously without binding or unusual noise.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Align each wiper arm with the reference marks made during removal. Press each wiper arm firmly onto its splined shaft. Install the wiper arm retention nuts and tighten to secure. Close the wiper arm covers. Test wiper operation through all speeds and verify proper park position and blade position on the windshield.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Check that cowl panel clips are fully engaged and weatherstrip is properly seated
3. Confirm wiper arms park in the correct position below the hood line
4. Test washer system operation to ensure hoses were properly reconnected

Verification

• Start the engine and test wipers at all speed settings including intermittent mode
• Verify wipers operate smoothly without chattering, binding, or unusual noise
• Confirm both wiper blades cover their full sweep area and park correctly
• Check that wiper arms do not contact the hood or cowl at any point in their travel
• Test washer fluid spray function at both nozzles
• Verify no dashboard warning lights related to wiper system are illuminated

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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