Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM

WARNING: VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN AIRBAG, REFER TO AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIRBAGS FOR STEERING WHEEL OR COLUMN SERVICE PROCEDURES.

The windshield wipers will only operate when the ignition switch is in the ACCESSORY or IGNITION run position. Fuses, located in the instrument panel fuse block protect the circuitry of the wiper system and the vehicle.

The wiper motor has permanent magnet fields. The speeds are determined by current flow to the appropriate set of brushes.

The intermittent wiper system, in addition to low and high speed, has a delay mode.

The delay mode has a range of 0.5 - 18 seconds. The wiper delay times will double to a range of 1 - 36 seconds when the vehicle speed is less than 10 mph. The delay is done by a variable resistor in the wiper switch and a relay. The relay is used for intermittent wiper function only.

The wiper system completes the wipe cycle when the switch is turned OFF. The blades park in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern.

When using the DRB III scan tool, refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures.

WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM
The windshield washer pump is electrically operated. The wash function can be accessed in the OFF position of the wiper control switch. The electric pump assembly is mounted with a grommet directly to the reservoir.

Wash switch must be pressed for at least 0.5 second to get the wipe after wash. Holding the wash button depressed when the switch is in the OFF position will operate the wipers and washer motor pump continuously until the washer button is released. Releasing the button will stop the washer pump but the wipers will complete the current wipe cycle. Followed by an average of two more wipe cycles (±1) before the wipers park and the module turns off.

Fluid is gravity fed from the reservoir to the motor. The fluid is forced by the pump through rubber hoses to the wiper arm mounted nozzles which direct the fluid streams to the windshield. The hose assembly has two one way flow check valves located in each hose line. The purpose of the check valves is to improve fluid flow response time and to prevent excessive washer fluid staining the surface of the hood. The wiper arm mounted nozzles evenly distribute washer fluid across the surface of the windshield. The pump and reservoir are serviced as separate assemblies.

Multi-Function Switch:

MULTI-FUNCTION WIPER SWITCH
The windshield wiper and washer switches are contained in the multi-function switch assembly. The multi-function switch assembly is secured to the left side of the steering column.

The multi-function switch contains circuitry for the following functions:
- Turn signals
- Hazard warning
- Headlamp beam
- Headlamp optical horn
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield washers.

The information contained addresses only the switch functions for the windshield wiper and washer systems. However, the multi-function switch cannot be repaired. If any function of the multi-function switch is faulty, or if the switch is damaged, the entire switch assembly must be replaced.

WIPER BLADES
The wiper blades are a rubber element with a steel vertebrae that are mounted on the end of the windshield wiper arm and sweep across the front windshield to clear it of water, snow, and debris.

When the wiper blade rubber element is exposed to the weather for a long period of time, it tends to lose wiping ability. Periodic cleaning of the wiper blade element is suggested to remove the accumulation of salt and road film. The wiper blades, arms, and windshield should be cleaned with a sponge or cloth and a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner. If the blades continue to streak or smear, they should be replaced. The driver blade element is 600 mm in length and the passenger blade element is 550 mm in length.