Checking the windshield wiper motor (BMW 5 Series E39)

The windshield wiper motor is located near the windshield under the water drainage cover. To check it, the corresponding cover must be removed.

Terminal Designations

The electric motor terminals are unified:

• terminal 31 is used to connect ground (in all automotive electrical equipment);
• terminal 53 supplies voltage for the first speed of the windshield wiper;
• terminal 53a receives positive voltage (+) to reset the windshield wiper to its original position: after the driver turns off the windshield wiper, the motor receives voltage through the brush until the windshield wiper is in its lowest position;
• terminal 53b supplies voltage for the second speed of the windshield wiper (parallel winding);
• via terminal 53e the motor is braked during the reverse stroke after switching off, so that the windshield wiper does not go beyond its stop position.

Checking the windshield wiper motor

First of all, it is necessary to find out whether the electric motor is faulty or there is no supply voltage. To do this, proceed as follows:

Disconnect the multi-pin plug from the electric motor.

Connect positive (+) and negative (-) voltage from the battery to it using two auxiliary wires:

• connect the wire from the positive pole to terminal 53 or 53b;
• connect the wire from the negative pole to terminal 31.

Now the windshield wiper motor should operate at first or second speed depending on the terminals involved. If this is not the case, the entire motor or its corresponding winding is faulty. Removing the windshield wiper motor stated here.

(This article is based on data from the website: BMWMAN.ru)