Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor on 2018-2024 Toyota Camry models equipped with a rear wiper system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wiper motor grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
2. Open the rear hatch or trunk to access the interior trim panels
3. Optional: Disconnect the negative battery terminal and secure away from the battery post
4. Allow the vehicle to sit for 2-3 minutes if battery was disconnected to allow capacitors to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Locate the small cap at the base of the wiper arm and pry it up with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the 10mm retaining nut securing the wiper arm to the motor shaft. Rock the wiper arm gently while pulling away from the glass to remove it from the splined shaft. Mark the position of the arm on the glass with tape for reinstallation reference.
2. 2

   Remove interior trim panel
   From inside the vehicle, locate the rear interior trim panel that covers the area behind the rear window. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry out the plastic clips securing the trim panel. Start from the bottom corners and work your way around the perimeter. Disconnect any electrical connectors for lights or speakers as needed. Set the trim panel aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove wiper motor cover
   Locate the plastic cover or access panel that protects the rear wiper motor assembly. Remove the screws or clips securing this cover. Keep all fasteners organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the rear wiper motor. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector has small screws securing it, remove them first.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove ground strap
   Locate the ground strap attached to the wiper motor or mounting bracket. Remove the bolt securing the ground strap. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean the contact surfaces on both the ground strap and mounting point, removing any corrosion or paint to ensure good electrical contact during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the body panel. Typically there are 3-4 bolts arranged around the motor housing. Use a 10mm socket with extension to reach all fasteners. Support the motor with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the mounting surface. The motor shaft will pass through a grommet in the body panel. Gently work the grommet out of the body panel hole along with the motor. Inspect the grommet for cracks or deterioration and replace if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor assembly
   Install a new grommet onto the new wiper motor shaft if replacing. Insert the motor shaft through the body panel hole from the interior side, ensuring the grommet seats properly in the body panel opening. Align the motor mounting holes with the body panel mounting points. Thread in all mounting bolts hand-tight before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect ground strap and electrical connector
   Attach the ground strap to the motor or mounting bracket and torque the bolt to specification. Ensure the contact surfaces remain clean. Plug the electrical connector onto the wiper motor until it clicks into place. Secure any connector screws if applicable.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wiper motor cover and trim panel
    Reinstall the wiper motor access cover and secure with screws to specified torque. Reconnect any electrical connectors for lights or speakers in the trim panel. Align the interior trim panel with the body and press firmly to engage all clips. Verify all clips are fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wiper arm
    If battery was disconnected, reconnect it now and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to ON and activate the rear wiper to allow the motor to cycle to its park position, then turn off. Align the wiper arm with the reference mark made during removal and press it onto the splined shaft. Install the retaining nut and tighten to approximately 15 Nm (11 lb-ft). Install the cap over the nut.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Check that the wiper motor grommet is properly seated to prevent water intrusion
4. Confirm all interior trim panels and clips are fully engaged

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON and test the rear wiper operation through all speed settings
• Verify the wiper arm returns to the correct park position when turned off
• Check for any unusual noises or vibrations during wiper operation
• Spray washer fluid (if equipped) to verify wiper clears fluid properly
• Inspect for any water leaks around the motor grommet area after testing
• Verify no electrical warning lights appear on the instrument cluster

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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