Wiper Motor: Testing and Inspection

Current Draw Test

CAUTION: Do not handle the windshield wiper motor abusively when diagnosing the wiper operations. Failure to follow this caution may result in damage to the motor magnets and will make the windshield wiper motor inoperative. Rough handling of new replacement windshield wiper motors may also damage the motor magnets.

Use Alternator, Regulator, Battery and Starter Tester (ARBST) to test the windshield wiper motor on the vehicle.

To test the windshield wiper motor, disconnect the windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft from the windshield wiper motor.

Disconnect the windshield wiper motor connector. Connect the (A) green lead from the (B) Alternator, Regulator, Battery and Starter Tester (ARBST) to the battery negative (-) post. Connect the (C) red lead from the tester to the windshield wiper motor (D) common brush terminal (terminal 3).

Test the low speed mode by connecting a (E) cable from the battery positive (+) post to the (F) low speed brush terminal (terminal 4) and measure the current draw. If the current draw is greater than 3.5 amperes, replace the windshield wiper motor.

Test the high speed mode by connecting a cable from the battery positive (+) post to the (G) high speed brush terminal (terminal 5) and measure the current draw. If the current draw is greater than 5.5 amperes, replace the windshield wiper motor.