This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wiper motor assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 10 — 90467-09139 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Move wiper arms to upright service position by turning on wipers briefly and stopping them mid-cycle, or manually position them upward
4. Mark the position of both wiper arms on the windshield with tape or marker for proper alignment during reinstallation
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds minimum

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the protective cap covering the wiper arm nut. Use a 14mm socket to loosen and remove the wiper arm retaining nut on both driver and passenger sides. Rock the wiper arms gently while pulling away from the base to release them from the splined shaft. Remove both wiper arms completely.
2. 2

   Remove cowl panel weatherstrip
   Starting at one end, carefully peel back the rubber weatherstrip seal that runs along the rear edge of the hood opening above the cowl panel. Pull the weatherstrip completely free and set aside for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cowl panel end caps
   Remove the plastic end caps on both the driver and passenger sides of the cowl panel. These may be clipped or screwed in place. Use a trim removal tool to carefully pry them free if clipped, or remove screws if present.
4. 4

   Remove cowl panel screws and clips
   Locate and remove all screws securing the cowl panel. There are typically 6-8 screws along the panel. Use a 10mm socket for plastic cowl screws. After removing screws, use a trim removal tool to release the retaining clips along the bottom edge of the cowl panel. Work carefully from one end to the other to avoid breaking clips.
5. 5

   Remove cowl panel assembly
   Lift the cowl panel up and toward the rear of the vehicle to disengage it from any remaining clips. If equipped with washer nozzles integrated into the cowl, disconnect the washer hose connections before fully removing the panel. Set the cowl panel aside in a safe location.
6. 6

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the motor assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Ensure the connector is completely free and routed clear of the motor assembly.
7. 7

   Remove wiper linkage assembly mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the wiper motor and linkage assembly to the cowl panel frame. There are typically 4-5 bolts securing the assembly. Use a 10mm or 12mm socket with an extension to access all bolts. Remove all mounting bolts and keep them organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wiper motor and linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor and linkage assembly up and out of the cowl area. The assembly may need to be rotated or angled to clear the firewall and cowl structure. Once free, place the assembly on a clean work surface.
9. 9

   Separate motor from linkage (if reusing linkage)
   If only replacing the motor and reusing the linkage assembly, remove the bolts connecting the motor to the linkage bracket. There are typically 3 bolts securing the motor. Use a 10mm socket to remove these bolts. Disconnect the motor from the linkage arm by removing the retaining clip and sliding the motor shaft out of the linkage connection.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new wiper motor
    If replacing motor only, connect the new motor to the linkage arm by aligning the motor shaft with the linkage connection point and securing with the retaining clip. Position the motor on the linkage bracket and install the mounting bolts. Torque the motor mounting bolts to specification. If installing a complete assembly, proceed to next step.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wiper motor and linkage assembly
    Position the wiper motor and linkage assembly into the cowl area, angling as necessary to clear all obstructions. Align the mounting holes with the cowl frame mounting points. Install all mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Route the wiper motor electrical connector to the motor and press it firmly onto the motor terminals until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl panel
    If equipped with washer nozzles, reconnect the washer hoses before positioning the cowl panel. Position the cowl panel assembly over the wiper assembly area and align all mounting points. Press down firmly to engage the lower retaining clips. Install all cowl panel screws and torque to specification if torque-critical. Reinstall the end caps on both sides.
14. 14

    Reinstall cowl weatherstrip and wiper arms
    Press the cowl weatherstrip back into its channel along the rear edge of the cowl panel, ensuring it is fully seated. Position each wiper arm onto its splined shaft according to the alignment marks made during removal. Install the wiper arm retaining nuts and tighten securely with a 14mm socket. Install the protective caps over the nuts. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cowl panel clips are properly engaged before installing screws
2. Verify washer hoses are reconnected and not kinked or pinched
3. Double-check that the wiper motor electrical connector is fully seated and locked
4. Confirm wiper arms are positioned according to original alignment marks before final tightening

Verification

• Reconnect battery and turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
• Test wiper operation in all speed settings (intermittent, low, high) to verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise
• Verify wipers park correctly in the down position when turned off
• Test washer fluid spray function to ensure nozzles are working and properly connected
• Check for any fluid leaks at washer hose connections
• Verify wiper arms are properly aligned and blades make full contact with windshield throughout entire sweep
• Inspect cowl panel for proper fitment with no gaps or loose areas

More procedures for this vehicle