Wiper Motor Current Draw Test

NOTE: Electric wiper motors contain permanent magnets made of ceramic. This is a hard glass-like material that can shatter or crack if the motor receives a severe physical shock.

CAUTION: Do not handle any windshield wiper motor abusively when diagnosing wiper operations, because it will damage the magnets and make the motor inoperative. Rough handling of new replacement motors may also damage the magnets.

Disconnect the linkage from the motor and disconnect the electrical plug to test the motor on the vehicle. Connect the green lead from the test equipment, such as Rotunda 078-00005, Start and Charging Tester or equivalent, to the battery positive (plus) post. Connect the positive (red) lead from the tester to the common brush terminal. Attach a ground first to the low-speed connection and then to the high-speed connection at the connector plug as shown. In either case, the current draw should not exceed 3.5 amperes.