Service Procedure
The following procedure provides instructions for inspecting the windshield wiper module, installing a breathable seal to the vent on the wiper motor cover if applicable, or if necessary, installing a new windshield wiper module.INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Using a flashlight, look down through the air inlet screen (1) at the location shown.
^ If the color of the can (2) on the wiper motor is SILVER, no repairs are required on the vehicle.
^ If the color of the can (2) on the wiper motor is BLACK, proceed to the section below titled, REPAIR PROCEDURE.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify that all of the functions of the wiper system (low, high, delay, etc.) operate properly.
2. Turn the key to the OFF position.
3. Open the hood.
4. Remove the three push-in retainers that attach the air inlet grille (leaf screen) to the plenum sheet metal.
5. Lower the hood to the secondary latch.
6. Using a suitable marker or masking tape, mark the location of both wiper blades on the windshield.
7. Remove the covers from the nuts that attach the wiper arms.
8. Remove the nuts from the wiper arms.
Important
If the rocking action in the next step fails to loosen the wiper arm, it may be necessary to use a standard top-post battery cable terminal puller to remove the wiper arm.
9. Rock the wiper arms back and forth to loosen and remove them from the wiper transmission shaft.
10. Remove the antenna mast.
11. Remove the 10 mm hex head nut that attaches the left and right ends of the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
12. Remove the air inlet grille and reposition it up to the windshield. It is not necessary to disconnect the washer hose.
13. Remove the two 10 mm hex head bolts that attach the wiper module to the plenum sheet metal.
14. Disconnect the electrical connector.
15. Remove the wiper module and place on a suitable work surface.
16. Inspect the inside of the electrical connector on the wiper motor for moisture or water. If no moisture or water is found, continue inspecting for evidence or signs that moisture or water was present at some earlier time. Indicators include water stains, dried dirt, etc. (1).
^ If moisture or water is found in the electrical connector, or if there is evidence that there was moisture or water present at an earlier time, the complete wiper motor module (including the motor) MUST be replaced. Obtain a new wiper module and proceed to Step 20. The new wiper modules already have a different style of breathable seal on the wiper cover. DO NOT install the breathable seal described later in this recall on new wiper modules.
^ If there is no moisture or water found in electrical connector, or if there is NO evidence that moisture or water was present at an earlier time, a breathable seal must be installed over the vent in the wiper motor cover. Proceed to the next step.
17. Clean the exterior surface of the wiper motor cover thoroughly (1). It must be free of dirt, grease, oil, and other contamination.
Important
To ensure good adhesion of the seal being installed in the next steps, make sure that your hands are clean and free of oil and grease before proceeding.
18. Using the alcohol wipe included in the kit, wipe the complete exterior surface of the wiper cover thoroughly. Allow the surface to dry approximately 30-45 seconds before proceeding.
Important
When using the adhesion promoter in the next step:
^ DO NOT open the adhesion promoter until you are ready to apply it.
^ Use the complete contents of the packet as soon as it is opened.
^ If the packet is dried-out when opened, obtain another sealer kit or use P/N 12378462 (4 oz. can of adhesion promoter).
^ Do not allow the liquid to "spill" inside of the vent opening on the wiper motor cover when applying.
^ Allow to dry 30-90 seconds before applying the seal.
19. Carefully apply the adhesion promoter that is included in the kit.
Important
The seal must be inspected before installing. If there are any creases in the seal or backing material, the seal must NOT be used. Obtain another sealer kit.
^ If you are unable to remove the backing material from the seal in the next step, the seal is beyond its shelf life of one year. Obtain another sealer kit. Do NOT touch the adhesive surface on the seal when removing the backing material.
20. Remove the backing material from the seal, align it over the wiper motor cover so that it completely covers the vent (2), and press it firmly into place as shown in the above illustration. Apply firm pressure across the entire surface of the seal and around all outside edges. Continue applying pressure a second time to the edges to assure full adhesion.
21. Position the wiper module to the vehicle and connect the electrical connector.
22. Install the wiper module in the plenum sheet metal.
23. Install the two 10 mm hex head bolts that attach the module to the plenum sheet metal.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 8 N.m (71 lb in).
24. Install the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
25. Install the 10 mm hex head nut that attaches the left and right ends of the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
26. Install the antenna mast.
Important
If installing a NEW wiper module, you must verify that the new wiper motor and transmissions are in the PARK position before installing the wiper arms.
27. If installing a NEW wiper module, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, turn the wiper switch ON, and visually verify that the wiper transmissions operate. After visually verifying operation, turn the wiper switch to the OFF position and allow the wiper transmissions to stop moving before turning the ignition switch to the OFF position. The wiper motor will now be in the PARK position.
28. Using the marks or masking tape that were placed on the windshield, align and position the wiper arms on the wiper transmission shafts.
29. Install the nuts on the wiper transmission shafts.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
30. Install the covers on the wiper arm nuts.
31. Remove the marks or masking tape from the windshield.
32. Open the hood.
33. Install the three push-in retainers that attach the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
34. Close the hood.
35. Verify that all functions of the wiper system (low, high, delay, etc.) operate properly.