3-second answer: Slow/weak wipers = worn motor brushes (or a binding linkage — lube the pivot points first, free). Wipers stop mid-sweep or park mid-windshield = the motor's internal park switch — motor swap time (~$80-120). Completely dead = fuse, switch, or motor. The motor lives under the cowl, driver's side — cowl panel off, 3 bolts, unplug, done.
Diagnose
- Slow but works — lube the linkage pivots + check the ground. If still slow, motor brushes (rebuild kit ~$20 or new motor).
- Stops in the middle, won't park — park switch in the motor (new motor or rebuild).
- Dead + no sound — fuse/relay/switch first (test power at the connector), then the motor.
- Single speed only — the switch or the resistor/module (intermittent + low speeds).
The swap
- Cowl cover off (the plastic under the windshield edge — clips + screws).
- Unbolt the wiper arms (pull them, note position).
- Unplug + unbolt the motor, disconnect the linkage.
- Reverse. The motor parks on its own — align the arms in the park position.
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Threads
- FTE search: wiper motor · wipers