4R‑Series Wiper Motors: Power & Wiring Guide

Power & Wiring Guide

The WEXCO/Autotex 4R‑Series wiper motors are self‑contained, heavy‑duty oscillating motors designed for reliable operation in commercial, industrial, and specialty vehicle applications. The following guide explains how to supply power, connect the switch, and properly ground the motor for correct operation.

This wiring guide applies to all 4R‑Series models - both switched and unswitched - including:
4R1, 4R2, 4R3 (12V and 24V), with or without 19S2 switch assemblies.

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1. Power Requirements

All 4R‑Series motors operate on either 12V or 24V depending on the model. Always verify the motor label before wiring.

Recommended Fuse Rating

• 12V motors: Use a 12A fuse (minimum)
• 24V motors: Use a 7A fuse (minimum)

Fuse requirements are based on engineering specifications for stall current and safe circuit protection.

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2. Power Input (B+ Terminal)

All 4R‑Series motors receive power through a B+ terminal located on the switch or motor’s blade‑terminal connector block.

To power the motor:

1. Run a battery positive (+) feed through an inline fuse.
2. Connect the fused line directly to the B+ terminal.
3. Ensure all terminals are fully seated on the ¼" male blade connectors.

This B+ feed energizes the switch and enables Low, High, and Park functionality.

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3. Grounding the Motor

4R‑Series motors do not use a ground terminal on the connector.
Instead, grounding is achieved through the motor housing.

Proper grounding:

• Attach the motor securely to a clean, bare-metal chassis surface, or
• Add a dedicated ground strap from the motor body to chassis ground.

A poor ground is the most common cause of non‑operation.

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4. Terminal Functions

Depending on the motor configuration (switched or unswitched), terminals may include:

All terminals are standard ¼" male blade connectors.

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5. Standard Wiring Procedure

Follow these steps for correct installation:

Step 1: Connect Power

• Battery (+) → Inline Fuse → B+ terminal

Step 2: Ground the Motor

• Motor housing → Vehicle chassis ground

Step 3: Connect Switch Outputs

If using an external switch or if the motor has a preinstalled 2‑speed switch:

• LOW → Low‑speed output
• HIGH → High‑speed output
• PARK → Park circuit (motor returns to park when switched off)

Step 4: Test Operation

1. Turn switch ON → motor should run in LOW or HIGH.
2. Turn switch OFF → motor should return to factory‑preset park position.
3. Verify sweep angle and park direction meet your application needs.

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6. Park & Wipe Angle Notes

All 4R‑Series motors:

• Come with a factory‑preset wipe angle (commonly 110°).
• Can be reconfigured internally by repositioning the gear plate (performed by WEXCO engineering).
• Support both CW and CCW park orientations depending on setup.

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7. Safety & Installation Best Practices

• Always use the correct fuse size to protect the motor.
• Ensure a solid chassis ground; paint, rust, or coatings will prevent grounding.
• Do not apply power directly to LOW or HIGH terminals: B+ must feed the switch.
• Avoid touching live terminals during testing.
• Confirm voltage before connecting (12V vs 24V).

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8. Summary

To power any WEXCO/Autotex 4R‑Series wiper motor:

1. Feed fused battery power to the B+ terminal.
2. Ground the motor housing to chassis.
3. Use LOW, HIGH, and PARK terminals according to switch type.
4. Verify operation and sweep/park behavior.

This general wiring standard provides a consistent, safe method to install any 4R‑Series motor across all applications.

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