How to Install a Wiper Motor on a 1996 Explorer

The windshield wiper motor on a 1996 Ford Explorer is on the driver-side firewall. The air intake cowl does not need to be replaced. There is an access panel on the firewall through which the wiper linkage can be disconnected. This is a simple process that can be accomplished with a minimum of common tools. Remanufactured wiper motors usually have a core charge, so keep the wiper motor to return it for a core refund.

Instructions

1

Turn the windshield wipers on with the ignition key off. Turn the key on until the wiper arms are at their highest point and quickly turn the key off. They will remain in this position.

2

Open the Explorer's hood and set the prop. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery with a wrench.

3

Place a small piece of tape on the windshield above each wiper blade to aid in reinstallation of the wiper arms. Remove the driver-side wiper arm by using the small flat-head screwdriver to pry the tab at the base of the arm outward. Lift the arm off the drive gear. Remove the nut securing the wiper drive gear to the cowl using a socket and a ratchet. Allow the gear to fall down into the cowl.

4

Remove the access cover on the firewall next to the windshield wiper motor using a socket and a ratchet. Reach in the access hole and remove the clip on the end of the wiper motor crank arm. One end of the clip has a downward bend that is designed to keep the clip from sliding off. Push the bottom of the clip to move the small bend away from the stud, then lift the bend up and over the end of the stud and push it off. Without doing this, the clip will break. Push the wiper linkage off the crank arm stud.

5

Disconnect the electrical harness connector to the wiper motor next to the motor. Remove the nut securing the wiper ground wire to the top left stud, then remove the three bolts securing the wiper motor using a socket and a ratchet. Remove the motor from the vehicle.

6

Install the new motor and torque the three bolts to 65 inch-pounds or 10 to 14 foot-pounds. Connect the electrical wiring harness connector to the wiper motor. Reach into the access hole and install the spring clip on the right wiper linkage, making sure it is fully seated.

7

Install the left wiper linkage on the motor crank arm pin. Install the right wiper linkage on the crank pin and pull it until the spring clip snaps into place. Lift the driver-side gear into the opening in the cowl and install the nut. Torque the nut to 115 inch-pounds.

8

Install the motor ground to the upper left stud and torque the nut to 65 inch-pounds or 10 to 14 foot-pounds. Install the access cover.

9

Connect the negative battery cable and tighten it with a wrench. Turn the ignition switch on so the wiper motor will return to the park position. Turn the key off.

10

Turn the wiper motor on. Turn the key on until the passenger wiper arm is aligned with the tape on the window and quickly turn the key off. Install the driver-side wiper arm to align with the tape on the window. Check the wiper motor for proper operation and wiper arm position. If the arm goes too far in either direction, turn the key off, remove and readjust the arm's position.