Toyota Camry 1997-2001: How to Replace Windshield Wiper Motor

Driving in the rain without working wipers is not a place most people want to be in. So, we've taken it upon ourselves to show how to replace the wiper motor in your Toyota Camry.

By Neftali Medina - July 22, 2015
Contributors: JustanAnswer

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2001).

Have you ever been stuck out in the rain without working wipers? It isn't a situation any driver wants to be in. The good news is that you can easily fix this problem by installing a new motor. The term easily is used simply because there isn't much work required to remove the old unit from your vehicle. The main components you have to deal with are the rubber hood cowl, the wipers themselves and the motor assembly. Instead of paying a few hundred dollars for this repair, follow the instructions below.

Materials Needed

  • Screwdriver
  • Pry tool
  • 10mm socket
  • Marker

Step 1 – Mark the location of the wipers

  • Remove the nut holding the windshield wipers in place.
  • Use a marker to mark the location at which the wipers are sitting.
  • Remove both wipers.
  • Figure 1. Mark the location of the wipers.
  • Figure 2. Remove the wipers.

Pro Tip

Marking the angle of the wipers prior to the motor removal is vital for aligning them into their proper place during re-installation. If you fail to mark the area off, there is a large chance that they will not sit properly when in use, and will fail to wipe off their required area on the windshield.

Step 2 – Remove the cowl

There are ten clips holding the cowl down in the engine bay. You have to carefully remove each one of these clips, otherwise they will break. Continue to lift the cowl up from all sides until you can completely remove it.

Figure 3. Remove the cowl.

Step 3 – Replace the windshield wiper motor

After removing the cowl, you'll see the motor bolted in place.

  • Unplug the motor.
  • Remove the 10mm bolt holding it in place.
  • Replace the motor.
Figure 4. Replace the windshield wiper motor.

Step 4 – Install the cowl and align the wipers

  • Install the cowl back in place. If you broke any clips during the removal process, then you will need to purchase some replacements from the hardware store.
  • Install each wiper arm according to the line that was marked on their mounting bolt.
  • Tighten the wipers in place.
  • Connect the battery and test the wipers!
Figure 5. Wipers installed.

Related Discussion