Removing/replacing/repairing the Saab 9000 headlamp wiper motors

Note

This procedure was carried out on a 1996 Saab 9000 Aero. I expect there will be no differences between this and other CS-bodied 9000s, and probably later CDs with the CS-style front end. This procedure may not apply to pre-'91 hatchbacks or pre-'95 CDs without the CS-style front. The earlier models have a different wiper motor and the mounting details of these and the headlamps are different.

Introduction

The Saab 9000 is equipped with headlamp wash/wipe. The headlamp wipers on my 1996 9000 Aero had for some time been parking erratically. The final straw came one evening when I switched on the ignition, the windscreen washer pump started running and wouldn't stop until I switched off the ignition. Pulling various fuses isolated the problem to the headlamp wipers (the windscreen washer pump stopped running when the headlamp wiper fuse was removed). I removed both wiper motors to investigate and in the process, found that the right-hand headlamp wiper motor was the culprit.

Time required

Once you've fetched the tools, expect to spend 5-10 minutes to remove each motor. Refitting them should take around the same length of time.
How long the repair job in between takes will depend on the fault(s) discovered.

Tools required

Torx® keys

• T-25

Sockets

• 8mm
• 10mm

Procedure

1. Remove the headlamp wiper arm(s) by removing the 8mm nut(s) under the plastic cap on the end of the spindle and working the arm off the splines. The best way to do this is to move the arm outwards until it locks perpendicular to the headlamp and move it gently side-to-side until it comes free. Remove the washer hose from the jet.
   
   
2. Remove the front grille by unscrewing the two Torx® T-25 fixing screws and unhooking the locating lug from its slot in the car body.
   
   
   
   
3. Remove the indicator lens adjacent to the headlamp wiper by unclipping the spring clip from the body. It is not necessary to disconnect the cables.
   
   
   
   
4. Remove the two T-25 screws from the top of the headlamp
   
   
   
   and the 10mm bolt on either side..
   
   
   
   ... then remove the headlamp. It is not necessary to disconnect the cables.
   
   
5. Disconnect the connector on the headlamp wiper harness, then remove the two 10mm bolts securing it to the body and remove it.
   
   
   
   
6. Take the wiper motor(s) away for examination. Here is how I examined mine and what I found (and how I fixed it).
   
   
7. While I was at it, I serviced the wiper arms.
   
   
8. Refit the wiper motor and reconnect the wiring harness.
   
   
9. Refit the headlamp.
   
   
10. Refit the indicator.
    
    
11. Refit the grille.
    
    
12. Turn on the ignition and operate the wash/wipe system to return the wiper spindles to their parked position.
    
    
13. Refit the wiper arm(s). Since there is some backlash in the mechanism, I had to alternately operate the wipers and re-position the arms several times before they parked satisfactorily (just at the bottom of the headlamps).