Principles Of Operation

Wipers and Washers

Principles of Operation

Windshield Wipers

When the wiper/washer switch is set to the LOW-speed or MIST position, it activates the front wiper relay which then supplies voltage directly to the windshield wiper motor low speed input. When the wiper/washer switch is set to the HIGH or INTERMITTENT position(s), it supplies ground input(s) to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) which then supplies power to the windshield wiper motor low or high speed inputs. When the switch is placed in the OFF position, the GEM supplies voltage to the low speed input of the wiper motor until the motor returns to the PARK position.

If the GEM fails, the wipers will only operate in low or mist mode(s) and will not automatically park when the wiper/washer switch is turned to the OFF position.


Rear Wipers (if equipped)

NOTE: Wipers may appear to be out of synchronization (right and left rear doors) while the wipers are operating. This is a normal characteristic due to the operation of two separate wiper motors.

When the wiper/washer switch is activated, it supplies a ground input to the GEM which then supplies voltage to both the rear door wiper motors. When the switch is placed in the OFF position, the rear wiper motors will continue to operate until the motors return to the PARK position.

Washer System

The windshield washer system consists of the washer reservoir and washer pump. When WASH is selected on the wiper/washer switch, the wiper/washer switch grounds the washer pump to direct fluid to the windshield glass. When the washer system is activated, the GEM will cycle the wipers several times to clear the window glass of any remaining fluid. If equipped with rear wipers, the washer pump reverses polarity to direct fluid to the rear door glass.