Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The low washer fluid indicator is located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Ground is applied at all times from G100 through the windshield washer fluid level switch and the low washer fluid indicator signal circuit to the IPC. When the washer fluid is low, the switch opens and ground is removed from the low washer fluid indicator signal circuit to the IPC. The IPC then displays the Low Washer Fluid Level message.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Testing

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Inoperative
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the windshield washer fluid level switch.
2. Ignition ON, verify that the DIC displays the Washer Fluid Level Low message.

• If the message is not displayed, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the instrument panel cluster.

3. If all circuits test normal, replace the windshield washer fluid level switch.

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Always On
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the windshield washer fluid level switch.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.

• If greater than 1.0 ohm, repair the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
4. Ignition ON, verify the Washer Fluid Level Low message is not displayed.

• If the Washer Fluid Level Low message is displayed, test the signal circuit for an open high/resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the IPC.

5. If all circuits test normal, replace the windshield washer fluid level switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Windshield Washer Solvent Level Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for IPC replacement, setup, and programming