2012-2019 Lincoln MKT Wiper Motor: Decoding the 2012 Date Split & Rain Sensor

Key Compatibility Warnings for 2012-2019 Lincoln MKT

Before purchasing a replacement wiper motor for your Lincoln MKT, you must verify two key details about your vehicle. Ordering the wrong part is a common and frustrating mistake.

Rain-Sensing Wipers Option

The Lincoln MKT was available with or without an automatic rain-sensing wiper system. These systems use a different motor logic. You must get a motor that matches your vehicle's original equipment. There are two ways to check if you have this feature:

• On the Wiper Stalk: Look at the control stalk on your steering column. If it has an "A" for "Auto" in the intermittent settings, you have rain-sensing wipers.
• In the SYNC System: Navigate through your vehicle's settings on the main touch screen. Go to Settings > Vehicle > Wipers. If you see a toggle for "Rain Sensing," your vehicle is equipped with this feature.

Symptoms of a Failing Wiper Motor

A wiper motor rarely fails suddenly. It usually provides several warning signs that it's wearing out. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to inspect the wiper system.

• Wipers Move Slowly: The most common early symptom is that the wipers move much slower than they used to, especially on higher speed settings. This indicates the motor is struggling to provide enough power.
• Wipers Only Work on One Speed: Often, the motor will fail in a way that only the highest speed setting works, while the lower or intermittent speeds do not function at all. This typically points to a failure in the motor's internal control board or resistor.
• Wipers Stop or Stall Mid-Wipe: The wipers may start to move across the windshield but then pause, stutter, or stop completely before finishing their cycle. This can be caused by internal wear or an electrical issue.
• Incorrect Parking Position: When you turn the wipers off, they should return to their designated "parked" position at the base of the windshield. A failing motor may cause them to stop in the middle of the glass or in a random spot.
• Humming or Grinding Noises: If you hear a distinct electrical humming, buzzing, or mechanical grinding sound when the wipers are turned on (even if they don't move), it's a strong indication the motor itself is failing internally.
• Wipers Don't Move at All: If the wipers don't respond at all, the first step is to check the fuse. If the fuse is good, but the motor makes no sound and the wipers don't move, the motor has likely burned out completely.

Buying a Used Wiper Motor: What to Check

A used OEM wiper motor can be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to an expensive new part, especially since this part is not prone to widespread premature failure. Here’s what to look for when buying a recycled part.

1. Verify the Part Number: This is the most important step. Match the OEM part number from the donor vehicle to the one required for your MKT. Remember the critical 2012 production date split (DE9Z-17508-A for Feb 2, 2012 and newer; AE9Z17508B for older models).
2. Inspect the Electrical Connector: Look closely at the electrical connector pins on the motor. They should be clean, straight, and free of any green or white corrosion. A corroded connector is a major red flag and can cause intermittent issues.
3. Check the Output Shaft: Examine the splined output shaft where the wiper linkage attaches. The splines should be sharp and well-defined. If they are stripped or worn down, the linkage will not engage properly, and the motor is useless.
4. Ask About the Donor Vehicle: If possible, get the mileage from the vehicle the motor came from. A motor from a lower-mileage vehicle is always preferable. Also, confirm the donor vehicle had the same rain-sensing option as yours.
5. Why Used OEM is a Good Choice: For a part like this, a used OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) motor is often a better choice than a cheap, new aftermarket part. The OEM motor is built to Ford/Lincoln's exact specifications for durability and, most importantly, for the correct electronic communication with the vehicle's body control module and rain sensor. Some aftermarket motors can have issues with speed control or rain-sensing logic.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

As of mid-2024, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a widespread failure of the windshield wiper motor on the 2012-2019 Lincoln MKT. While other Ford and Lincoln models have had recalls for wiper motor issues related to water intrusion or internal defects, the MKT was not included in those specific campaigns. Failures on the MKT are generally considered isolated incidents due to normal wear and tear over time.

Cost Comparison

Prices for a replacement wiper motor can vary significantly. A used OEM part offers a substantial savings over a new dealer part.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the wiper motor on a Lincoln MKT is a moderately difficult job that a DIYer with some experience can typically handle in 1-2 hours. The main challenge is removing the plastic cowl panel without damaging it.

1. Set Wipers to Service Position: Some models allow you to set the wipers to a vertical service position through the vehicle settings, making them easier to access. If not, you may need to cycle the power to stop them mid-wipe.
2. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety.
3. Remove Wiper Arms: Pry off the plastic caps at the base of the wiper arms and remove the nuts. The arms are pressed onto splined posts and can be difficult to remove. A special tool called a wiper arm puller is highly recommended to avoid damaging the arms or linkage.
4. Remove the Cowl Panel: Carefully remove the plastic clips and seals holding the large plastic cowl panel at the base of the windshield. This will expose the wiper motor and linkage assembly underneath.
5. Disconnect and Unbolt the Motor: Disconnect the electrical harness from the motor. Then, unbolt the motor from the wiper linkage (transmission). Finally, unbolt the motor from the vehicle's firewall and remove it.
6. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Before reattaching the linkage to the new motor, it's a good practice to briefly reconnect the battery and the motor's electrical plug, turn the ignition on, cycle the wipers once, and then turn them off. This ensures the new motor is in the correct "park" position before you bolt the linkage back on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)