2003-2012 Eclipse, Sebring & Stratus Coupe Wiper Motor: Failure Symptoms & Replacement Guide

Common Symptoms of a Failing Wiper Motor

When the wiper motor in your Mitsubishi Eclipse, Chrysler Sebring Coupe, or Dodge Stratus Coupe begins to fail, it will usually provide several warning signs. Ignoring these can leave you without working wipers in a sudden downpour. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

• Slow or Erratic Wiper Movement: The wipers may move much slower than usual, even on the highest speed setting. They might also seem hesitant or jerky as they travel across the glass. This often indicates the motor is getting weak or internal components are worn.
• Wipers Only Work on One Speed: You might find that the wipers only operate on the low or high setting, and you can't change the speed. This points to a problem within the motor's internal circuitry.
• Wipers Don't Park Correctly: When you turn the wipers off, they should return to the bottom of the windshield. A failing motor might cause them to stop in the middle of the glass or wherever they are when the switch is turned off. This is typically due to a faulty park switch inside the motor assembly.
• Humming or Grinding Noises: You may hear a distinct humming, buzzing, or grinding sound coming from the base of the windshield when the wipers are turned on. This can mean the motor is receiving power but its internal gears are stripped or damaged.
• Wipers Don't Work at All: The most obvious symptom is a complete failure to move when you activate the switch. While this could be the motor, it's important to check other potential causes first.

Diagnosing the Problem: Is It Really the Motor?

Before you replace the motor, it's crucial to confirm it's the actual source of the problem. A few simple checks can save you from buying a part you don't need.

1. Check the Fuse: The first and easiest step is to check the fuse for the wiper system in your vehicle's fuse box. A blown fuse will cut all power to the motor. If a new fuse blows immediately, it indicates a short circuit that needs further investigation.
2. Listen for the Motor: With the engine off but the key in the 'on' position, activate the wiper switch. If you hear a humming or clicking sound from the cowl area (at the base of the windshield), the motor is getting power, but the internal gears or the external linkage might be the problem. If you hear nothing, the issue is likely electrical.
3. Test for Voltage: For those comfortable with basic electrical diagnosis, you can use a multimeter to test for power at the motor's electrical connector. Disconnect the wiring harness from the motor. With the wiper switch on, check for approximately 12 volts at the connector's power pin. If you have 12 volts, but the motor doesn't run, the motor itself has failed. 🎬 Watch: A pro shows you how to test the motor. If there is no voltage, the problem lies upstream in the switch, relay, or wiring.

Buying a Used Windshield Wiper Motor: What to Check

A recycled OEM wiper motor can be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to an expensive new part. Here’s what to inspect to ensure you get a quality used motor.

• Verify Part Numbers: Check that the part numbers on the used motor match one of the known OEM numbers: 8250A057, 10388433, MR971984, or MR987767. While they may look similar, slight differences can exist between unrelated models.
• Inspect the Electrical Connector: Look closely at the electrical pins inside the connector. They should be clean, straight, and free of any green or white corrosion. Corrosion is a major red flag and indicates water intrusion, which can cause intermittent electrical problems.
• Check the Output Shaft: The metal shaft that the wiper linkage connects to should have clean, sharp splines (grooves). Worn or stripped splines can cause the wiper arms to slip and not move correctly.
• Look for Signs of Water Damage: Examine the motor's housing for any rust, water stains, or signs that the seals have failed. Water entry is a common cause of failure for wiper motors.
• Why Used OEM is a Smart Choice: For a component like a wiper motor, a used OEM part is often superior to a new, cheap aftermarket one. OEM motors are built to the manufacturer's exact specifications for durability, torque, and proper 'park' positioning. Aftermarket units can sometimes have lower-quality internal components, run slower, or fail to park the wipers in the correct location.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

While no recalls or TSBs were found specifically for the windshield wiper motor on the 2003-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse or the 2003-2005 Stratus/Sebring Coupes, related vehicles have experienced issues with water intrusion. Recalls on other Mitsubishi and Chrysler models show that water dripping from the cowl area onto the motor can cause corrosion and eventual failure. This highlights the importance of ensuring the plastic cowl cover at the base of the windshield is properly sealed after installation.

Replacement Overview & Difficulty

Replacing the windshield wiper motor on these vehicles is a straightforward job for a DIY mechanic with basic tools. The process generally involves removing the wiper arms, the plastic cowl cover, and then unbolting the motor from the firewall and disconnecting it from the wiper linkage.

• Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
• Tools Needed: Socket set, wrenches, trim removal tool, flathead screwdriver.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used

Choosing a used OEM part can offer significant savings over a new part from the dealer without sacrificing quality.

OEM Part Numbers

This motor is known by several part numbers across Mitsubishi and Mopar (Chrysler/Dodge). All of the following numbers are interchangeable for the specified vehicles:

• 8250A057
• 10388433
• MR971984
• MR987767

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)