Replacement of the front wiper motor assembly on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The motor and linkage are integrated into a single cowl-mounted assembly accessed by removing the wiper arms and the plastic cowl panel below the windshield.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor / linkage assembly × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y front wiper motor assembly — verify by VIN
• Cowl panel clips / fasteners (as needed if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM-spec replacement clips

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 (located behind/under the rear seat area on 2024 Model Y — refer to Tesla Service Manual for exact access). Insulate the negative terminal so it cannot contact the post.
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. Place the wipers in the 'service mode' park position via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V, if not already vertical (Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode). This raises the arms off the glass for easier removal.
7. Open the frunk and remove any cargo/liner that obstructs access to the cowl area.
8. Lay a windshield protector or moving blanket across the lower windshield to prevent scratching during cowl removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark and remove wiper arms
   Lift each wiper arm cap (small hinged plastic cover at the base) to expose the retaining nut. Mark the arm-to-windshield position with low-tack tape. Loosen but do not fully remove the nut. Use a wiper arm puller to break the arm loose from the splined shaft — do not lever against the cowl or windshield. Once loose, remove the nut and lift the arm off the splines. Repeat for the second arm.
   ⚠Wiper arms are spring-loaded — control them as they come free so they don't snap onto the windshield.
2. 2

   Remove the cowl panel
   Release the plastic cowl panel that runs along the base of the windshield. It is retained by push-pin clips and tabs along its length. Use a plastic trim tool to gently lift the clips evenly across the panel. Disconnect any washer hose or sensor connectors attached to the underside before fully removing it. Set the cowl aside on a soft surface.
   ⚠Clips are easily broken — work slowly and have replacements on hand.
3. 3

   Identify wiper motor / linkage assembly
   With the cowl removed, the wiper motor and linkage assembly will be visible mounted to the body structure beneath the windshield. On Model Y, the motor and linkage are typically a single bolt-in module. Inspect the mounting points and trace the wiring harness to its connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the wiper motor harness connector and unplug it. Move the harness aside and secure it so it does not fall into the cowl cavity.
5. 5

   Remove the wiper motor / linkage assembly mounting bolts
   Locate the assembly's mounting fasteners (typically three bolts securing the linkage frame to the body). Support the assembly with one hand and remove the bolts. Carefully lift the entire wiper motor and linkage out as a unit through the cowl opening, taking care not to scrape paint on surrounding panels.
   ℹ️If the assembly will not lift free, check for hidden ground straps or harness clips still attached.
6. 6

   Transfer components if required
   If the replacement part is the motor only (not full assembly), transfer the linkage to the new motor according to the manufacturer-specified procedure. Note the index/park position of the motor crank arm before disassembly so the new motor is installed in the correct phase. If the replacement is a complete assembly, no transfer is needed.
   ⚠Installing the linkage at the wrong crank angle will cause wipers to park in the wrong position or strike the A-pillar trim.
7. 7

   Install the new wiper motor / linkage assembly
   Lower the new assembly into position and align the mounting holes. Hand-thread all bolts before torquing. Torque the assembly mounting bolts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector and any ground straps
   Reconnect the wiper motor harness connector — listen/feel for the locking tab to engage fully. Reattach any harness retainers. If a ground strap was disturbed during removal, ensure clean metal-to-metal contact and torque per spec.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the cowl panel: align tabs into the windshield-base channel first, then press clips home along its length. Reconnect any washer hose or sensor connectors before fully seating.
2. Reinstall the wiper arms onto the motor splines aligned with the tape marks made earlier. Hand-thread the retaining nuts.
3. Torque the wiper arm retaining nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Close the hinged caps over the nuts.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal. Torque the battery terminal bolt to spec.
5. Close the frunk and remove the windshield protector.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and exit Wiper Service Mode if it was enabled.
• Spray washer fluid and run the wipers through low, high, and intermittent speeds — confirm smooth, full-sweep travel with no chatter or binding.
• Confirm the wipers return fully to the park position at the base of the windshield (matching the original tape marks) and do not strike the A-pillar trim.
• Inspect the cowl panel — verify it sits flush with no raised edges or unseated clips.
• Check for any wiper-related fault messages on the touchscreen.
• Top up windshield washer fluid if low (Tesla-spec windshield washer fluid; reservoir capacity ~3.5 qt).
• While in this area, this is a good opportunity to note service intervals: cabin air filter every 2 years and brake fluid every 2 years per Tesla's published recommendations.

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