Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on 2012-2017 Toyota Camry sedans equipped with a rear wiper system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wiper arm retaining nut × 1 — 90179-10162 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm wrench and secure cable away from battery post
3. Wait at least 90 seconds for electrical system to fully discharge
4. Open rear hatch or trunk lid fully and secure in open position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass to access the retaining nut at the base. Remove the protective cap if present. Use a 10mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut. Gently rock the wiper arm back and forth while pulling away from the glass to break it free from the splined shaft. Remove the wiper arm completely.
2. 2

   Remove interior trim panel
   From inside the vehicle, locate the interior trim panel covering the rear glass area. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry out the retaining clips starting from one corner. Work your way around the panel perimeter, supporting the panel as you release each clip. Disconnect any electrical connectors for lights or defrost grid if present. Remove the trim panel and set aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean the terminals with electrical contact cleaner.
4. 4

   Remove ground strap if equipped
   Check for a ground strap connected to the wiper motor mounting bracket. If present, remove the ground strap bolt and disconnect the ground wire. Clean the contact surface with a wire brush or sandpaper to ensure good electrical contact during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the wiper motor mounting bolts, typically three bolts securing the motor assembly to the rear hatch or liftgate structure. Use a 10mm socket with extension to remove all mounting bolts. Support the motor assembly with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the mounting surface. Guide the motor shaft through the hole in the outer panel. Remove the rubber grommet from the shaft hole and inspect for wear or damage. Replace the grommet if it shows cracking or deterioration.
7. 7

   Install new wiper motor assembly
   Install the rubber grommet onto the new wiper motor shaft if not pre-installed. Position the motor shaft through the hole in the outer panel, ensuring the grommet seats properly. Align the motor assembly mounting holes with the threaded inserts in the hatch structure. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening any of them.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect ground strap and electrical connector
   If a ground strap was present, reconnect it to the motor mounting bracket ensuring the contact surface is clean and free of paint or corrosion. Tighten the ground strap bolt to specification. Connect the electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall interior trim panel
   Reconnect any electrical connectors for lights or defrost grid. Position the trim panel and align all retaining clips with their mounting holes. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Verify the panel is flush and secure around all edges.
10. 10

    Install wiper arm
    Before installing the wiper arm, reconnect the negative battery terminal temporarily and cycle the wiper motor to its park position using the wiper switch, then disconnect the battery again. Position the wiper arm on the splined shaft in the correct park position. Install the retaining nut and tighten securely. Install the protective cap if equipped.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification
2. Verify all interior trim panels are properly secured with no loose clips
3. Ensure the wiper arm rests in the correct park position when off

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test wiper operation in all speed settings including intermittent mode
• Verify wiper arm returns to proper park position when switched off
• Check for smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise
• Spray windshield washer fluid and verify wiper clears fluid properly
• Inspect for any electrical warning lights on instrument cluster
• Check that interior trim panels are secure with no rattles or gaps

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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