Headlight wipers are known for jamming over time due to sand and salt. Removing the motors often requires removing the entire shroud to have enough working space.

Before disassembling anything else, remove the wiper arms themselves: Lift the plastic protective cap at the base of the arms. Open the underlying nut (usually 8 mm or 10 mm). Twist the arms off their shafts. Tip: If an arm is stuck, a small squirt of penetrating oil and a light tap help.

The motors are located directly under/behind the shrouds, so space needs to be cleared: Trim: Remove the trim (usually two plastic snap locks on the top edge). Turn signals: Remove the turn signal shrouds. They are held by one spring-loaded plastic tab or screw under the hood. Disconnect electrical connectors. Shroud bolts: Once the turn signals and trim are off, you see the headlight shroud bolts (10 mm socket). Shroud removal: Pull the shrouds out carefully and disconnect the electrical connectors behind them (H4/H1 and height adjustment).

Now that the shrouds are removed, the motors and washers hoses are visible: Washer hoses: Pull the hoses off the nozzles. Be careful so old plastic t-fittings don't break in your hands. Fastening screws: The motor is usually held in a metal bracket by two or three bolts. Electrical connector: Disconnect the motor's own three-pin electrical connector. Withdrawal: Pull the motor out of position.

The most common cause of malfunction is a thermal fuse (PTC resistor) inside the motor that cuts power if the mechanism becomes too heavy. Restoration: The motor's housing can usually be opened (it is held by clips or small screws). Clean out old, hardened vaseline, sand the shaft clean of rust, and lubricate it with new water-resistant grease. Testing: You can test the motor with direct 12V power. Remember that the motor will always complete a full cycle and return to idle position if the connections are correct.

If you don't want to repair the motors, they can be left out. Note: Remember to plug the washer hoses so the pump doesn't spray fluid into the empty space inside the bumper when you wash the windshield. Inspection: In Finland, washer nozzles are not mandatory in older cars (before 1995), but if they are installed, they should in principle work or be removed neatly.