Testing Windshield Wiper Motor

The windshield wiper motor has three voltage inputs. Terminal 53a is the main power input coming from the fuse panel. The other two inputs are from the wiper/washer switch or wiper/washer intermittent relay and provide signals to operate the motor on either low or high speed.

First test if power is reaching the motor. Disconnect the motor harness connector. With the ignition on, check the individual terminals of the harness connector for voltage at the various switch positions according to Table i. Also check the appropriate connector terminals for continuity to ground. If voltage is reaching the connector as described and the motor still fails to run on one or more speeds, then the motor is faulty and should be replaced. See Removing and Installing Windshield Wiper Motor.

Table i. Windshield Wiper Motor Voltage Tests

If voltage is not reaching the terminals as described above, check the continuity of the wires between the motor's harness connector and the connector for the wiper/washer switch on the steering column. See Fig. 8-1 or Fig. 8-2 for wiper switch terminal identification. Fix any breaks in the wiring. If the wiring harness between the motor and the switch is sound, continue testing the wiper/washer switch as described in Testing Wiper/Washer Switch.

Fig. 8-1.

Wiper/washer switch and terminals for Jetta models up to late 1989, and for 1985 through 1989 Golf and GTI models. Make tests of wiring harness continuity using corresponding sockets in harness connector.

Fig. 8-2.

Wiper/washer switch terminals for Jetta models from late 1989 and Golf and GTI models from 1990. Make tests of wiring harness continuity using corresponding sockets in harness connectors.