Checking the electric motor circuit
Caution! Before performing the test, study the relevant electrical diagrams (see Electrical Wiring Diagrams - General Information). The presence of voltage at the connector terminals is checked by testing them with the probe of a grounded test lamp. Turning on the lamp confirms the presence of voltage at the terminal. If the cause of the malfunction cannot be identified during the tests described below, the car should be taken to a service station for a more complete diagnosis of the system.
If the windscreen wipers are working too slowly, first check the battery charge level (see Chapter Routine maintenance). If the battery is in good condition, remove the windshield wiper drive electric motor (see below) and try to move the brushes manually, checking their freedom of movement. If necessary, make the appropriate repairs to the rods and lubricate the axle assemblies. Install the electric motor in place, turn on the ignition and start the brushes again. If the windshield wiper speed has not returned to normal after the corrections have been made, check the quality of the contact connections of the circuit and the reliability of the connector fixation, paying special attention to the condition of the grounding. If the circuit is in good condition, replace the electric motor.
If the wipers fail to activate, check the condition of the appropriate fuse. If the fuse is good, install a jumper wire between the drive motor ground terminal and chassis ground. Repeat the test. If the wipers now operate normally, restore the reliability of the ground terminals. If the motor still does not operate, set the wiper control switch to the maximum speed (HI) mode and check for voltage at the connector of the wiring connected to the motor. If the power supply is good. If voltage is present, test the motor by connecting directly to the battery using a fused jumper wire (see illustration below).
If the motor now functions, check the condition of the windshield wiper drive rods. If the motor does not start, replace it. If there is no voltage, check the power supply to the integrated control unit. If there is voltage at the integrated control unit but not at the motor, check the switch for proper operation (see Checking the proper functioning and replacing the steering column switches). If the switch is OK, most likely the built-in control unit has failed.
If the interval mode of the windshield wipers fails, check the condition of the circuit between the switch and the built-in control unit. If the wiring is OK, the built-in control unit should be diagnosed at a car service center.
If the brushes stop in the position they occupy when the switch is turned to the OFF position, check the power supply to the electric motor limit switch for proper operation. Voltage should be present on the corresponding wire of the motor connector with the switch turned to the OFF position and the ignition on (ON).
If the wipers stop only after the ignition is turned off, disconnect the wiring from the wiper control switch. If the wipers stop now, replace the switch. If the wipers continue to operate, then the electric motor limit switch is damaged, replace the motor.
If the brushes do not go under the hood line when stopped, check the drive rod for foreign objects underneath. If nothing prevents the brushes from going into the parking position, check the wiring in the section of the circuit between the switch and the motor. If there are no breaks, replace the motor.
Replacing the electric motor
Front windshield wipers
1. Remove the windscreen cleaner lever (leash).
2. Remove the front fairing cover (see Chapter Body).
3. Disconnect the drive motor connector.
4. Remove the windshield wiper drive assembly from the lower fairing cover (see accompanying illustration).
5. Remove the motor mounting bolts from the drive assembly (see accompanying illustration).
6. Remove the motor.
7. Installation is carried out in reverse order.
Rear wiper
1. Remove the rear wiper arm trim cover to gain access to the mounting nut. Loosen the nut and remove the arm from the spindle (see accompanying illustration).
2. Open the tailgate and remove the interior trim panel (see Chapter Body).
3. Disconnect the drive motor connector.
4. Loosen the mounting bracket bolts and remove the motor (see accompanying illustration).
5. Installation is carried out in reverse order.
(Refer to the original source on the website: HONDABOOK)