How to Replace a Wiper Motor in a 2003 Chevy Malibu
by David Hill
There are several components to the windshield wiper assembly on a 2003 Malibu. One main component, however, is the wiper motor. The wiper motor on your Malibu is located under the driver's side of the hood and close the the windshield, and is easily accessible after removing the parts that hold it in place. You can do this job at home.
Step 1
Remove the wiper arms. Ensure the wiper arms are in the"Park" position, and then disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. Use a flat screwdriver to pry off the cover over the nut which holds the wiper arm on, then remove the nut with a socket and ratchet. Pull the wiper arms straight off of their splined shafts. Disconnect the windshield washer fluid hose from the washer tube, then move the washer tube away from the cowl cover.
Step 2
Remove the cowl cover. The cowl cover is only held on by five plastic push-pins that are located on it's bottom edge. Remove these pins using pliers.
Step 3
Disconnect the wiper transmission links from the wiper motor by using a flat screwdriver and pliers. Use the socket wrench and the appropriate sized socket to remove the two bolts holding the wiper motor in place. Remove the wiper motor from the drive system module. Remove the support bracket from the wiper motor.
Step 4
Install the new wiper motor. Place the wiper motor on the wiper drive system module, and position the spacer to the wiper drive system module. Use the socket wrench to replace the two bolts that hold the wiper motor in place. Use the torque wrench to tighten these bolts to 40 inch-pounds. Reconnect the wiper transmission links to the wiper motor crank arm. Re-install the wiper drive system module. Attach the cowl cover and put the push-pins back into place. Attach the washer fluid hose to the washer tube. Put the wiper arms back into place and ensure that they are aligned with the wiper dots on the shafts. Install the wiper arm nuts and tighten them to 25 inch-pounds, while keeping the wiper arms aligned with the wiper dot. Place the covers back over the wiper nuts. Reconnect the washer hose connectors to the cowl cover. Reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. Turn on the windshield wipers and ensure that they are working correctly.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual: Chevrolet Malibu (1997-2003)"; Jay Storer and John H Haynes; 2005
Tips
- Before you jump to the conclusion that you need to replace your wiper motor, make sure you have made the correct diagnosis. There are other reasons for wipers not working properly, such as a problem with the car battery or the wiper motor's fuse.
- Consider covering painted areas of your vehicle that you are working by with a tarp of something similar, to avoid scratches.
Things You'll Need
- Socket set
- Ratchet
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Torque wrench.
Writer Bio
David Hill began writing professionally in 2008. He has written for communities at Seneca College, where he studied the art fundamentals. Hill also studied art fundamentals at Sheridan College.
