Checking windshield wiper elements (cars after 08.2001)

Windshield wiper motor

• Turn off the ignition.
• Disconnect the connector.
• Using the connecting wire, prepare the testing procedure according to the following description.
• Use an external 12V continuous current source capable of handling 10A minimum, or use battery voltage with a fuse.

1. Check the wiper motor in LOW SPEED mode.

• Connect the positive terminal of the power source to the positive terminal of the digital multimeter.
• Connect the negative terminal of the power source to pin 1 of the wiper motor.
• Connect the negative terminal of the digital multimeter to pin 5 of the wiper motor. The wiper motor will operate in low speed mode.

Measure the current

Is the reading on the digital multimeter close to 1.5A? If so, proceed to step 2.
If not, INSTALL a new windshield wiper motor.

2. Check the wiper motor in HIGH SPEED WIPER mode (Figure VFE0002216)

• Connect the positive terminal of the power source to the positive terminal of the digital multimeter.
• Connect the negative terminal of the power source to pin 1 of the wiper motor.
• Connect the negative terminal of the digital multimeter to pin 4 of the wiper motor. The wiper motor will operate in high speed mode.

Measure the current

Is the reading on the digital multimeter close to 2.2A? If so, proceed to step 3. If not, INSTALL a new windshield wiper motor.


3. Check the wiper motor in the OFF position



Measure the resistance at the windshield wiper motor, between pin 2 and the wiper motor housing.

Is the resistance less than 2 ohms? If so, proceed to step 4.

If not, GO to step 4 and REPEAT this inspection step (If still not, INSTALL a new windshield wiper motor).

4. Check the OFF POSITION function of the wiper motor.

• Connect the positive terminal of the power source to pin 5 of the wiper motor.
• Connect the negative terminal of the power source to pin 2 of the wiper motor.
• Connect the jumper wire to the windshield wiper motor, between pin 1 and pin 3.

Determine the state

Does the wiper motor move to the OFF position?

If yes, the windshield wiper motor is good.

If not, INSTALL a new windshield wiper motor.