Replace the front wiper motor assembly on a 2024 Model Y. The wiper motor and linkage are a single serviceable module accessed by removing the cowl panel below the windshield.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor and linkage assembly (Model Y 2024) × 1 — OEM Tesla front wiper motor/linkage assembly — confirm via VIN with Tesla parts
• Cowl panel clips/retainers (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM cowl retainer clips — replace any that break

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On the 2024 Model Y, the low-voltage battery is located under a trim cover in the rear cargo/under-seat area — refer to the architecture notes. Loosen the negative terminal first.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Open the frunk and the hood-area service access. Confirm wipers are in the parked (down) position before disconnecting 12V. If they are mid-stroke, briefly reconnect 12V, cycle wipers off so they self-park, then disconnect again.
7. Mark the position of each wiper arm on the windshield glass with masking tape so the new install can be re-indexed correctly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the plastic cap at the base of each wiper arm to expose the retaining nut. Remove the nut. Use a wiper arm puller to lift the arm straight off the splined shaft — do NOT pry or hammer, as this can damage the linkage shaft and the aluminum cowl area. Set arms aside, noting driver vs passenger orientation.
   ⚠If the arm is stuck, only use a proper puller. Prying risks bending the arm or cracking the windshield.
2. 2

   Remove the cowl panel / hood seal
   Lift the rubber hood-to-cowl seal off the leading edge of the cowl. Release the plastic cowl panel retainers using a trim tool, working from one end to the other. Lift the cowl panel up and forward to disengage the windshield-edge tabs. Take care around the windshield glass and painted hood edge.
3. 3

   Disconnect washer hose and any sensor connectors
   Note the routing of the windshield washer hose along the cowl. Disconnect it at the appropriate junction and plug or cap it to prevent washer fluid loss. Disconnect any rain/light sensor or related connectors that interfere with linkage removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the multi-pin connector on the wiper motor. Release the locking tab and disconnect. Inspect the connector and pins for corrosion or moisture intrusion — a known cause of intermittent wiper faults. Set the harness aside, clear of the linkage.
5. 5

   Unbolt the wiper motor / linkage assembly
   The Model Y front wiper motor is integrated with the linkage frame and is removed as a single assembly. Locate the mounting bolts securing the linkage frame to the body at both ends and at the motor. Support the assembly with one hand, then remove the bolts. Torque on reinstall per the verified bracket bolt specification.
   ⚠Do not let the assembly drop — it is heavy enough to chip paint on the cowl tub or scratch the windshield.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove assembly from vehicle
   Tilt and maneuver the wiper motor/linkage assembly out of the cowl tub. There is limited clearance — angle the motor end out first, then walk the linkage shafts free of their grommets. Inspect the rubber grommets/isolators where the shafts pass through the body; replace if cracked or torn.
7. 7

   Transfer or replace as a unit
   Tesla typically supplies the wiper motor as part of the complete linkage assembly for this generation. If a discrete motor is supplied, transfer it to the linkage frame using the manufacturer-specified bolts and torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Otherwise install the new complete assembly as received.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor/linkage assembly
   Position the new assembly into the cowl tub, ensuring the linkage shafts pass cleanly through their body grommets. Start all mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the body inserts. Once all are seated, torque the bracket bolts in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical and washer plumbing
   Reconnect the wiper motor connector — listen for a positive click on the locking tab. Reconnect the washer hose and any sensor connectors. Verify the harness is routed in its original clips and not pinched between the cowl and body.
10. 10

    Reinstall cowl panel and hood seal
    Align the cowl panel's windshield-edge tabs first, then press down to seat the body retainers. Replace any retainers that broke during removal. Reinstall the rubber hood-to-cowl seal, ensuring it is fully seated along its entire length to prevent water intrusion into the HVAC intake.
11. 11

    Park motor before installing arms
    Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery (negative last). Turn on the vehicle, briefly activate the wipers, then turn them off so the motor self-parks. Power the vehicle off and disconnect 12V again before installing the arms — this guarantees the splines are at the true park position.
    ⚠Never install wiper arms with the motor energized — pinch hazard.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wiper arms at marked positions
    Place each wiper arm onto its spline so the blade tip aligns with the masking-tape mark made during preparation. Install the retaining nut and torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Snap the plastic caps back over the nuts.

Reassembly

1. Confirm cowl panel is fully seated and hood seal is continuous.
2. Reconnect 12V battery: positive first, then negative. Torque battery terminal bolts to spec — do not overtighten.
3. Close hood/frunk and verify nothing is pinched at the cowl.
4. Allow the vehicle to fully wake up; expect a brief delay before touchscreen and wiper controls respond after a 12V disconnect.

Verification

• With windshield wet (use washer fluid), cycle wipers through all speeds: intermittent, low, high, and single-wipe. Confirm smooth motion with no chatter.
• Confirm both wipers self-park to the marked positions and below the black ceramic frit at the base of the windshield.
• Activate washer spray and verify both nozzles spray correctly and the wipers cycle the wash sequence.
• Check for any wiper-related alerts on the touchscreen (Controls → Service or vehicle alert list). Clear any stored faults if present.
• Inspect the cowl-to-hood seal during a drive or hose test to confirm no water is reaching the HVAC intake.
• Note: the 2024 Model Y has no Tesla-published recurring service interval for the wiper motor, but take this opportunity to inspect cabin air filter (Tesla recommends every 2 years) and brake fluid (every 2 years) if either is due.

More procedures for this vehicle