Is it better to replace wiper motor on 2002 dodge grand caravan or the whole wiper motor assembly?

My wiper motor has a dead spot so they dont work. Motor makes vibrating noise. Is it better to replace just the wiper motor or the entire assembly.

My car has 181000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
You should replace the entire wiper motor assembly since the assembly will have a new wiper transmission and parking sensor mechanism.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

There are two main types of windshield wiper motors: those that use a gearbox to spin the wipers at different speeds, and those that use a DC (direct current) motor to spin the wipers at one speed. Most modern cars use DC motors, although some older models still use gearbox-powered motors.
A windshield wiper system has two motors. Each propels its own wiper blade. A blade parking disk is attached to each motor and contains a conductive and a non-conductive segment.
Wiper motors are available as either rear or front windshield types. If replacing a front wiper motor, you need to buy a front wiper motor. The same applies to the rear wiper motor.
These include broken or frayed wires, clogged or loose connectors, and bad relay or blown fuse. It could also be a faulty wiper switch or wiper motor control module. Every component of the wiper motor wiring system performs a specific role. When it goes bad, the motor will not receive power.
Windshield wiper motors regularly last the lifetime of the vehicle.
There is an internal switch in the wiper motor that keeps the motor powered after you have shut it off to ensure the wipers park in the right spot. If that switch fails, the wiper motor must be repaired or replaced.
A new good set of wipers will improve your visibility, keeping you, your passengers, and other drivers around you safe. Here are our picks for the best wiper blades you can buy for your vehicle. Note: Each vehicle`s wiper blades will be different. Make sure to research which blades fit your vehicle.
The Average Cost of a Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Is $297- $352, Depending on Whether You DIY the Project or Take Your Vehicle to the Mechanic. This price range is based on the national average for all vehicles, regardless of make or model, and does not factor in additional fees or taxes.
Disconnect negative battery terminal before replacing wiper motor. Wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal to prevent airbag and seat belt pre-tensioner activation.
You may notice only one wiper working while the other stays at the bottom. If you have this issue, make sure the wiper pivot nuts are tight. Otherwise, have a professional mechanic from YourMechanic check your wipers and repair them.
How powerful is a windshield wiper motor? Car wiper motors are quite powerful. They draw a considerable amount of current and contain a set of gears to multiply torque. Typically rated 12V or 24V, wiper motors use around 5A when running freely and higher when under load.
Article-Windshield Wiper Motor Provides High Torque in Tight Quarters. High-strength composite gear train is smaller and lighter for use in heavy-duty vehicles where space is at a premium.
Before the wiper motor goes bad, you will probably experience a blown wiper fuse, which is intentional. The fuse is designed to be the circuits weak spot, which protects the wiper motor. Essentially, if your vehicle`s wiper motor is being overloaded, the fuse will blow to ensure the motor does not become damaged.
But the good news is, usually, replacing a broken wiper motor is relatively easy. On most vehicles, all you`ll need are basic hand tools, along with knowledge and determination. A faulty windshield wiper motor can cause inoperative wipers.
Natural rubber blades are used by the majority of wiper suppliers and are what you`ll find on virtually every new car and there`s a reason for this. They tend to cause the least streaky, squeaking or smearing, and clear water best. Natural rubber blades are the most durable and best-performing option available.
Experts say that, on average, windshield wiper blades should be replaced every ​6 to 12 months​, depending on several factors like material, use, and the climate in which you live. Even different brands have different lifespans and may last you as many as three years (under very unusual circumstances.)
The average cost for a Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement is between $319 and $376. Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $101 while parts are priced between $240 and $275.
If your wiper motor runs but the wipers don`t move it`s most likely a mechanical problem, so you should start by examining the wiper assembly. This might be a disconnected wiper motor link arm, a jammed transmission, or locked gear.
The OEM blades tend to fit better. The spring mechanism that keeps the rubber edge pressed against the windshield is of higher quality, and keeps the blades from streaking or hopping. The rubber composition also tends to be better, leading to a clearer windshield and longer life (longer life for the blades, that is.
And in terms of durability, a silicone wiper blade wears much faster than natural rubber blades due to silicone blades` inability to cope with fluctuating temperatures (a flaw that to us seems frankly unaustralian).
Overall, the cheaper blades should do as fine a job of cleaning your car windshield when new. The same applies to generic wiper blades versus well-known brand names. Differences in noise, streaking or cleaning ability has more to do with keeping your blades clean rather than what they`re made of.
Windshield wiper blades are not interchangeable between different makes and models of vehicles, so be sure to check with an employee at one of your local auto parts stores to ensure you have the right size blade.
Windshield wiper blades are not interchangeable between different makes and models of vehicles, so be sure to check with an employee at one of your local auto parts stores to ensure you have the right size blade.
Q1. What is the RPM of a wiper motor? A. The wiper motor rpm is usually for 45 rpm for normal speed and around 65 rpm when on the fast speed settings.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Is it better to replace wiper motor on 2002 dodge grand caravan or the whole wiper motor assembly?
ANSWER : You should replace the entire wiper motor assembly since the assembly will have a new wiper transmission and parking sensor mechanism.

Difference between a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan SE and 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan C/V besides the seating? Chassis & suspension diff?
ANSWER : The C/V version is rated for 1,500 pounds of cargo and 300 pounds of passengers (1,800 pounds combined). All other versions of this vehicle, including the SE, have a suspension rated for 1,150 pounds max, passengers and cargo combined. Obviously, if you take the seats out of an SE you will reach your minimum required payload of 1,200 pounds. To determine the exact load carrying capacity of a vehicle simple view the certification placard on the door pillar which will contain the GVWR (subtract curb weight to get cargo capacity) but note that ratings per axle which must be observed to avoid overloading and dangerous operating conditions. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Can I put parts from a 2003 Dodge Caravan on a 2002 Dodge Caravan?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I am sure many of the parts from the 2003 Caravan will fit the 2002 Caravan fine, if not perfectly. However, I cannot give you a solid answer without knowing specifically which parts you are talking about. I hope this helps and let us know if you need anymore assistance.

Trying to change 2002 Dodge ram 1500 5.9 ltr engine with 2000 Dodge ram 1500 5.9 and motor mounts don’t line up
ANSWER : Hi there. Although the engines are the same size internally, it is very common for manufacturers to change the location of engine mounts both on the engine and the interior of the engine compartment. Unfortunately, this type of swap would require some fabrication of the motor mount location in order for it to fit correctly.

Do i need to replace the receiver drier and/or the expansion valve when replacing the condenser assembly?
ANSWER : Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser. To justify replacing the expansion valve, there would have to have been a diagnostic performed which proved a fault. If no diagnostic was performed, and there is no evidence of a fault, then it is pointless to replace the valve. But, again, drier replacement is absolutely essential. To add the drier to your order, you can simply add a note to the mechanic in your order and/or add it as a service (you will see a link that you can click on to "add services" or write in specific services). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

My wind shield wipers wont work but i hear the motor but the wipers wont move
ANSWER : You can try to use a heat gun (REALLY carefully though, unless you intend to scrap your car) to melt any ice on the linkages to ensure that the linkages are not mechanically binding anywhere (due to ice; they can, of course, bind due to other causes). Of course, if it’s REALLY cold out, even that strategy is going to be problematic because whatever you unfreeze could instantly re-freeze. You just have to judge your circumstances or put the car in a warm garage for a short while. Heat gun or no heat gun, if you judge that there are no mechanical blockages, and you can SEE the motor turning, and yet the wipers aren’t moving, you could have stripped (broken) linkages.
If you cannot see what the motor is doing, the noise you are hearing could be the "humming" of a stuck motor, as opposed to an actually functioning motor. If you desire that the issue be diagnosed and the root cause(s) repaired simply request a non working wiper diagnostic and a certified mechanic will come right to your location and get this resolved for you. Please let us know if you have additional or followup questions.

Does the whole steering column need to be replaced in order to replace a fried steering column module?
ANSWER : I would ask the mechanic for the exact part number of the electronic component that he believes has failed. Or, at least have him "name" the part and indicate where in the column assembly the part resides. The steering column is made up of many parts, most of which are separately serviceable. As discussed below, limp mode (reduced power) has many, many causes. Consequently I would also ask the mechanic to explain to you EXACTLY how he arrived at his diagnosis and ALSO have him show you the exact test results, on a diagnostic tool, multi-meter, or scope, that has led him to conclude that the particular "module" has to be replaced. With no evidence and no intelligible confirmation you would be taking a risk.

YourMechanic does offer a reduced power (limp mode) diagnostic. If you request a reduced engine power diagnostic the responding certified mechanic will give you confirmation of the cause of the issue in your case. Typically, a vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) will have stored one or more diagnostic trouble codes that will identify the "general area" in which the fault lies in the engine management controls. Although the throttle control system is a common trouble area with reduced power, there are quite a few other components and systems that could come into play and, of course, there is always the possibility of multiple, or "coincident", faults. Here are some of the possibilities that YourMechanic dispatched technicians would consider:

Defective throttle position (TP) sensor
Defective oxygen sensor
Defective accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor
Loose or damaged wiring
Defective throttle body
Defective powertrain control module (PCM) (not typical; ONLY if a long, long list of other possibilities is ruled out)
Any fault/error that will affect drivability function
Any fault/error that will affect vehicle performance
A fault/error in the emissions system
A fault/error in the throttle control system
A fault/error in the transmission control system

If you request the recommended diagnostic the mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

If I get my blower motor replaced, do I also have to have my Ac recharged after replacing blower motor?
ANSWER : The blower motor on this vehicle is a simple removal and installation and does not require anything to be touched on the A/C. The refrigerant does not have to be removed. The only component that has to be removed is the glove box under cover to get to the blower motor.