The windshield wiper motor on the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan is located on the firewall and under the cowl, and it can malfunction at the most inopportune times. Should the windshield wiper motor fail, it should be replaced immediately. Because it is a part that rarely breaks, you might not be able to find it at an auto parts store, unless the store special-orders the part. If the store has to order the part, compare the price with the dealership.
Install the wiper motor onto the mounting plate and tighten the bolts firmly. Install the plate and wiper linkage into the wiper unit, then tighten the attaching nuts firmly. Reinstall the cowl cover brackets on the wiper unit and tighten the nuts firmly. Reconnect the windshield wiper motor's electrical connectors.
Bolt the wiper unit onto the firewall by sliding it over the weld-studs. Install and tighten the attaching nuts with a socket. Install the attaching bolts that secure the wiper unit to the dash panel. Reinstall the sound absorbers on each end of the wiper unit.
Reattach the drain tubes to the bottom of the wiper unit. Reattach the windshield washer hose to the hose coupling, which is located inside the wiper unit. Reconnect the wiper unit wiring connector to the engine wiring harness.
Lay the cowl on the vehicle. Reconnect the right side windshield washer hose to the right washer nozzle, which is located on the bottom of the cowl cover. Press the cowl's retainers into the front edge on the firewall. Reinstall the wing nuts that secure the front of the cowl to the wiper motor.
Turn the quarter-turn fasteners to secure the outer ends of the cowl to the wiper module. Reinstall the screws that hold the lower area of the cowl cover to the wiper module and tighten them firmly. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Reinstall the wiper arm and blade assemblies. Try the wipers to ensure that the linkage is lined up properly and the wipers stop in the "Park" position.
