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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim clips (if damaged during removal) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Ensure rear wiper is in parked position
3. Open rear liftgate fully and support if necessary
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from terminal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Remove the protective cap from the wiper arm base. Use a 10mm socket to remove the wiper arm mounting nut. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the splines for correct reinstallation. Carefully wiggle and pull the wiper arm off the splined shaft.
2. 2

   Remove interior trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the upper rear interior trim panel covering the liftgate. Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry and release the retaining clips starting from the edges. Work methodically around the panel to avoid breaking clips. Once all clips are released, lift the panel up and away to access the wiper motor area.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector behind the trim panel. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the liftgate. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the liftgate. The motor shaft will pass through the rubber grommet in the outer panel. Inspect the grommet for tears, cracks, or deterioration. If damaged, pry out the old grommet and install a new one before installing the new motor.
6. 6

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Remove the new wiper motor from packaging and verify it matches the original unit. Ensure the motor is in the parked position. Transfer any brackets or mounting hardware from the old motor if not included with the new unit. Clean the mounting surface on the liftgate with contact cleaner if present.
7. 7

   Install new wiper motor
   Guide the motor shaft through the grommet and rubber seal in the liftgate outer panel. Align the mounting holes and ensure the grommet seats properly. Hand-thread all three mounting bolts before tightening any of them. Torque the mounting bolts to 20 lb-ft in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Connect the electrical connector to the new wiper motor. Push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
9. 9

   Reinstall interior trim panel
   Position the interior trim panel back in place, aligning all mounting points. Press firmly on each clip location until you hear a click confirming the clip is fully seated. Ensure the panel sits flush with no gaps.
10. 10

    Reinstall wiper arm
    Align the wiper arm with the marks made during removal, ensuring proper spline engagement. Install the mounting nut and tighten finger-tight initially. Verify the arm is in the correct parked position before final tightening. Torque the nut to specification and reinstall the protective cap.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the battery terminal bolt to 4.0 lb-ft. Start the vehicle and test all rear wiper functions including low speed, high speed, and intermittent settings. Test the washer function if equipped. Verify the wiper returns to the correct park position when turned off.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify trim panel clips are fully seated with no gaps or loose areas
3. Check that wiper arm is properly aligned in park position before operating

Verification

• Test rear wiper operation in all available speeds and modes
• Verify wiper parks in correct position when switched off
• Check for unusual noise or vibration during operation
• Confirm no water leaks through the motor grommet area
• Inspect all trim panels for proper fit and secure attachment

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