What is causing my wiper motors to go bad?

1999 JEEP WRANGLER
130,000 MILES
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WALTERWHITMYER
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a 99 Jeep Wrangler. I replaced a bad wiper motor recently. The new one worked when I put it in, and then when I used it the first time driving in the rain it stopped after about ten minutes. The fuse is good. The sprayer still works. Any idea what might be causing the motors to go bad?
Jul 23, 2012 at 6:39 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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are they new or used motors??

the area they are located is subject to all kinds of weather. make sure the drain is open for the water to drain from the area.

Roy
Jul 23, 2012 at 6:53 AM
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WALTERWHITMYER
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they are "new" ie, remanufactured motors. the boot that goes over the motor was dry rotted and unserviceable, so I covered the whole thing in electrical tape. I'll check to see if the area is draining. thanks.
Jul 23, 2012 at 6:58 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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i wonder with all that tape that the motor is overheating from no air at all.

Roy
Jul 23, 2012 at 7:15 AM
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WALTERWHITMYER
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don't know! the boot was very tight, and the installation guide said it must be in place.
Jul 23, 2012 at 7:19 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,411 POSTS
Hi guys. There is a real common problem with the ground straps. Next time it "fails", either push on the motor to see if it starts running or better yet, measure the voltage on the case with a test light or voltmeter. If there's any voltage there look at the brass strap riveted to the mounting plate and attached under one of the bolt heads. It burns away under the bolt head. The permanent fix is to add a ground wire from the mounting plate to the body sheet metal.
Jul 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM
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