Wipers not working, where is the wiper motor located?

KING GEORGE

MEMBER
2001 DODGE RAM
5.9L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My wipers aren’t working at all. I’ve checked the fuse at the end of my dash, it looks all right, and my wipers just aren’t working. I was wondering where the motor was and how I can get to the wiper motor and is there something else I need to check before I look at the motor? I do understand that the switch may be bad. Could you please tell me the easiest steps to take before I really tear into it?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

When you checked fuse 6 in the interior junction box, did you confirm there is power to and from it as well as inspect the fuse? If not, I need you to do that, so I know it has power.

Here is a link that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If the fuse is good, there is a wiper motor relay in the under-hood fuse box. Remove the relay and confirm there isn't corrosion where it connects. If that is in good condition, switch the relay with a different one in the box having the same part number to see if that allows it to work.

If there isn't a relay with matching part numbers, here is a link you may find helpful. It explains how to test a relay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

I attached a few pics below to help, including the fuse and relay locations.

Let me know what you find. Note: When you check the fuse for power, the key needs to be in the run position or the ACC position.

Also, the wiper motor is centered under the cowl at the base of the windshield. You need to remove the wiper arms and cowl to access it. I attached the directions below for replacement. See the last four attachments.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)