Hi all, I am an extreme n00b when it comes to auto repairs, though I'd like to think of myself as somewhat handy (though the wife may differ) My question is I need to change out the wiper motor in my 93 F150, and was looking to see if there are any "gotcha's" when doing this.

From the reading on this site, here is what I assume needs to be done:
1. Remove wiper blades by pulling them straight off, perhaps use a hammer to "free" them up.
2. Remove the panel beneath the blades with the 4 bols holding it on.
3. Remove the plastic cover that lies over the wiper motor.
4. Remove wiper motor by pulling the 3 bolts and the 2 plugs goin to the motor.
5. Swap out and bolt everything back down.

Is this all there is to it? Or am I biting off more than I can chew? Thanks in advance guys, great forum!
-JS

 

Just a little tip: Before you reassemble everything, plug the motor in and try it out. Turn it on, make sure the motor moves, then turn it off and let the motor park. This does two things: 1) Makes sure the motor works. (duh) and 2) makes sure the motor is in the park position before you install the wiper arms.

Good luck!

-Joe

 

1. Do NOT use a hammer on or near the wipers. Lift the blade away from the glass, then slide the catch at the base of the arm sideways so the arm locks up. Then slide the arm straight off the shaft.

But the motor CAN be swapped without removing them.

2. There are no bolts - just ~12 phillips screws, but it's POSSIBLE to change the motor without removing any of them, either. Some of them are recessed in the top of the wiper valance, and they're easy to drop into the wiper box. But don't worry if they fall - they're easy to find later. If you remove the valance, don't forget to disconnect the sprayers' hose.

3. The cover over the motor is black-painted aluminum; not plastic. But again, it's possible to work around it.

4. I think there are 4 wiper motor screws, but in any case, you ALSO have to remove the clip from the end of the motor shaft to release the operating rods from it. It's a fairly simple keyhole spring clip, but you'll probably have to get a good look at it to see how to slide it off. It won't be easy with the wiper valance still in place, but I've done it a few times.

5. Before you buy a new motor, or do any R&R, try this:


Also:
If you buy a new motor from Ford, you'll need a wiring conversion kit since they changed to a single connector on the replacement motors.

6. If you have time, clean the leaves out of the rubber drain valves at each side of the cowl. Your truck will smell a lot better. If you find a lot, pull the resistor plate & blower motor, and clean off the evaporator core. Leaves around the resistors start fires.

. .

 

Following these instructions worked perfectly!! The only issue I had was with the washer hoses, as you cautioned. I tried removing the plastic squirter itself, when I should have removed the other end closer to the resovoir ( I believe). It snapped off and I used basic PVC glue to repair it, and it worked fine. So I should have used some more care during that step. But all-in-all, this allowed a n00b like myself to complete the repair in a little over an hour and I couldn't be happier!

Excellent forum! Thanks!
-JS

 

when you take off your wipers take a piece of cardboard put it on the windshield. ever have a wiper arm slip from your hand?? BANG there goes your windshield. i know i will probably get some ball breaking but word to the wise