Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wiper motor mounting gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Open rear liftgate and ensure it is securely supported
4. Place protective covering over rear cargo area to catch debris
5. Remove rear wiper arm by lifting the protective cap, removing the retaining nut, and pulling the arm off the splined shaft

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear interior trim panel
   From inside the vehicle, locate and remove all fasteners securing the rear liftgate interior trim panel. This typically includes several plastic push pins around the perimeter and Torx screws near the latch area. Carefully use trim panel removal tools to disengage the retaining clips. Gently pull the panel away from the liftgate, working from bottom to top. Disconnect any electrical connectors for liftgate lights or switches if present.
2. 2

   Access the wiper motor mounting area
   With the interior panel removed, locate the rear wiper motor assembly mounted to the rear liftgate glass area. You will see the motor body, electrical connector, and linkage arm. Clear away any insulation material or sound deadening that may be covering the motor mounting fasteners. Take note of the motor orientation and linkage position for reinstallation reference.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the wiper motor body. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull it away from the motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry before proceeding.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor linkage
   Locate where the wiper motor linkage arm connects to the wiper shaft mechanism. There will be a small retaining clip or nut securing this connection. Remove the clip or fastener and carefully separate the linkage arm from the wiper shaft. Note the exact positioning for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting bolts or nuts securing the wiper motor assembly to the liftgate structure. These are typically three 10mm or 13mm fasteners arranged in a triangular pattern. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling. Remove all mounting hardware and keep organized for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the liftgate. The motor shaft will pass through a grommet or seal in the liftgate outer panel. Gently work the shaft through this seal while pulling the motor inward. Remove the old mounting gasket from the liftgate if one is present and inspect the mounting surface for damage or corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare new wiper motor for installation
   Unpack the new wiper motor and verify it matches the original unit in appearance and connector type. If supplied with a new mounting gasket, position it on the new motor. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals on the new motor to prevent corrosion. Ensure the motor shaft splines are clean and free of debris.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor assembly at the mounting location. Guide the motor shaft through the grommet or seal in the liftgate outer panel from inside. Align the mounting holes with the liftgate structure. Install all mounting fasteners finger-tight initially, then tighten in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Verify the motor is securely mounted and does not move when lightly pulled.
9. 9

   Reconnect linkage and electrical connector
   Reconnect the wiper motor linkage arm to the wiper shaft mechanism, ensuring proper alignment with the position noted during disassembly. Install the retaining clip or fastener and verify the connection is secure with no excessive play. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, listening for the audible click indicating full engagement.
10. 10

    Test wiper motor operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable temporarily. Turn the ignition to the ON position and activate the rear wiper switch. Observe the motor operation through several complete cycles in both intermittent and continuous modes. Listen for any unusual noises indicating binding or misalignment. Verify the motor returns to the park position when switched off. Disconnect the battery again before proceeding.

Reassembly

1. Replace any sound deadening material or insulation around the motor area
2. Reinstall the interior liftgate trim panel, ensuring all clips engage properly and all fasteners are installed
3. Reconnect any electrical connectors for liftgate accessories
4. Position the rear wiper arm on the splined shaft in the correct park position (typically bottom right of glass)
5. Install and tighten the wiper arm retaining nut securely, then close the protective cap
6. Reconnect the negative battery cable

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test rear wiper operation in all modes (low, high, intermittent, washer spray)
• Verify wiper blade parks in correct position when turned off
• Check for any water leaks around the motor mounting area during washer operation
• Listen for smooth, quiet motor operation with no grinding or binding noises
• Verify all interior trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose clips
• Test rear liftgate operation to ensure trim panel does not interfere with latch mechanism

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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