Wiper Linkage

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips
• Wiper motor connector seal × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Move wiper arms to mid-stroke position by turning on wipers briefly, then turning off ignition when arms are vertical
4. Mark wiper blade resting positions on windshield with masking tape for reference during reinstallation
5. Open hood and secure with prop rod

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the plastic cap covering the wiper arm nut. Using the appropriate socket (commonly 15mm on this platform — verify size), remove the nut securing each wiper arm to the linkage post. Mark the orientation of each arm. Carefully rock the wiper arm while pulling upward to remove it from the splined post. A wiper arm puller may be needed if arms are stuck.
2. 2

   Remove cowl screen panel
   Remove the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the hood. Locate and remove all plastic clips securing the cowl screen panel. There are typically 8-10 clips along the panel. Use a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up each clip. Once all clips are released, lift the cowl screen panel away from the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove cowl lower panel
   With the screen removed, locate the lower cowl panel fasteners. Remove the fasteners securing the lower cowl panel on both driver and passenger sides (verify fastener type and count against the service manual, as these may be plastic clips or screws). Disconnect the windshield washer hose from any clips attached to the cowl panel. Carefully lift and remove the lower cowl panel to expose the wiper motor and linkage assembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the firewall. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor. Move the wiring harness aside to provide clearance for linkage removal.
5. 5

   Remove wiper linkage mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts securing the wiper motor and linkage assembly to the cowl panel mounting points (verify bolt size and count against the service manual). Note the location of each fastener as you remove them. Support the assembly as you remove the final fastener.
6. 6

   Remove linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper linkage and motor assembly out through the cowl opening. The assembly may need to be rotated and tilted to clear the firewall and cowl structure. Work slowly to avoid damaging the linkage arms or motor. Once cleared, remove the assembly from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new linkage
   Compare the old linkage assembly to the new unit to ensure correct application. Check that all pivot points move freely on the new assembly. If reusing the wiper motor, transfer it from the old linkage to the new linkage by removing the motor mounting bolts and carefully disconnecting the motor crank arm from the linkage. Ensure the motor is in the park position before installation.
8. 8

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new wiper linkage assembly into the cowl area, rotating and tilting as necessary to fit it through the opening. Align the linkage mounting holes with the cowl mounting points. Ensure the wiper posts protrude through their respective holes in the cowl.
9. 9

   Install linkage mounting fasteners
   Install the mounting bolts securing the linkage assembly and motor to the cowl (use the same bolts and locations noted during removal). Start all bolts before fully tightening. Tighten the bolts snugly but do not overtighten as the mounting points are into sheet metal or plastic grommets. Ensure the linkage moves freely after tightening.
10. 10

    Reconnect wiper motor electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Verify the connector seal is properly seated to prevent water intrusion.
11. 11

    Test wiper operation before reassembly
    Turn the ignition to the run position and test the wiper motor operation through all speeds and settings. Verify the linkage moves smoothly without binding and returns to the proper park position. If operation is incorrect, turn off ignition and check linkage installation and motor positioning.
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl panels
    Reconnect the windshield washer hose to any cowl panel clips. Position the lower cowl panel and install all Torx T20 screws. Position the cowl screen panel and install all plastic clips, ensuring each clip seats fully. Reinstall the rubber weatherstrip seal along the hood edge.
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    With the wipers in park position, align each wiper arm with the marked positions on the windshield. Position the arm on the splined post in the correct orientation as marked during removal. Install the retaining nut on each wiper post (verify socket size) and torque to the manufacturer's specification. Install the plastic caps over the nuts. Ensure wiper blades rest in their original positions.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cowl panel clips are fully seated to prevent wind noise and water leaks
2. Verify wiper arms are tightened securely to prevent movement during operation
3. Double-check that the wiper motor electrical connector is fully engaged and sealed

Verification

• Turn ignition to run position and test wipers through all speed settings (low, high, intermittent)
• Verify wipers park in the correct position at the bottom of the windshield
• Check for smooth operation without binding, skipping, or unusual noises
• Spray windshield washer fluid and verify wipers clear fluid properly
• Inspect cowl area for any water leaks during washer operation
• Verify wiper arms do not contact hood or cowl during full sweep
• Test wiper operation with vehicle running to ensure adequate electrical supply under load

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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