2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Windshield Wiper Replacement
Complete guide to 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan windshield wiper replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Windshield Wiper Replacement is one of the most common repairs for 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. This repair involves replacing the damaged maintenance component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 10-15 min and requires easy skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement maintenance part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Parts and Tools
First you’ll need the spark plugs. I recommend searching Auto Zone or Amazon for the right plugs. You can get them cheap on Amazon. A set of 4 should cost you around $50.
If you want to replace the ignition coils as well, you can find some on Amazon for around $50.
You’ll need a deep 16mm spark plug magnetic socket to 3/8 drive. They’re between $10-$20.
3/8 rachet, extensions, and a metric socket set. Pliers and metric wrench set.
Have a small flat head screwdriver on hand
3/8 torque wrench if you want to tighten the spark plugs correctly
Step 2: Remove the Grounding Wires
Open the hood and remove the dust cover on top of the engine.
Remove the 4 grounding wires w/ nuts from each. Should be 10mm. You may need a wrench or needle nose pliers to hold the nut below the wire and use the socket to remove the top nut.
Step 3: Disconnect the Sensors
Look all around the ignition coils wiring and find the tiny connectors that branch off. Disconnect all of them. There should be about 3.
Some have a gray lock tab you have to pull like in the photo and then it slides right out. Others may need a screw driver to pry the black tab on the side gently till you hear a click and then slide off. Be very careful.
Step 4: Remove Ignition Coil Wire Harness
Removing the wiring harness can be a pain, but it’s very straightforward. You have to press in the tabs till you hear it click. Then carefully jiggle the 4 connections out. There should be enough slack in the wire to pull them out.
Once you have all 4 loose, you can move around the wiring while you remove ignition coils. Don’t bend the wire back as you may kink the wire resulting in a short.
Step 5: Remove the Ignition Coils
Take your 10 mm wrench or socket and remove the bolts holding the ignition coils in. Should be 4 of them.
Pull out the ignition coils. They should just slide out easily. It’s just a rubber boot with a metal coil inside.
Step 6: Change Spark Plugs
Look down the hole and you’ll see the spark plug way down in there. Take your deep socket with an extension and slide it down in there and loosen the plug with the rachet.
Note when removing the spark plug, you’re exposing the inside of the cylinder to the elements so don’t let anything fall in that hole. Immediately put in the new plug. You may want to put a little grease on the threads.
Note spark plugs get corroded, that’s okay.
Use the torque wrench to torque down the spark plug to 25 Nm.
Step 7: Install New Ignition Coils
Slide in your new ignition coils. And bolt down snugly.
Step 8: Reverse Steps Reconnecting Wires
Reverse the steps connecting all the wires back and ground cables.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $9-$24)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($15-$40)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5999 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan generates 6000 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 1 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
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