Washer Malfunction
Washer Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The windshield washer function is controlled by the body control module (BCM). When the washer switch is pressed, ground is applied through the switch contacts and the signal circuit to the BCM indicating the wash request. The BCM then applies ground through the control circuit to the coil side of the WSH relay energizing the relay. With the relay energized, battery voltage is applied through the switch contacts of the relay, the WSW/PUMP fuse and the control circuit to the windshield washer fluid pump. The windshield washer nozzles are heated to assist with fluid control in cold temperatures. The MIS IGN fuse in the underhood fuse block supplies ignition voltage to each heated windshield washer nozzle which are also supplied a chassis ground.
Circuit/System Testing
Washers Inoperative Starting Point
Ignition ON, with a test lamp connected to ground, probe each of the test points on the WSW/PUMP fuse while activating the washer switch. The test lamp should illuminate at one or both of the fuse test points.
If the test lamp does not illuminate at either test point, refer to the Washer Switch Test.
If the test lamp illuminates, refer to the Washer Fluid Pump Test.
Washer Switch Test
1. Ignition ON, verify that the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Active while pressing the washer switch.
• If not Active, test the following:
* Perform the multifunction switch component test.
* Test the windshield washer switch signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the washer switch and circuit test normal, test or replace the BCM.
2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the C2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the windshield washer pump relay control circuit terminal 13 and battery voltage while pressing the washer switch.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the washer relay control circuit terminal 13 for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the BCM.
4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the relay.
Washer Fluid Pump Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the windshield washer fluid pump.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
• If greater than 1 ohm, repair the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the washer pump control circuit terminal A and ground while pressing the washer switch.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the relay.
4. If all the circuits test normal, test or replace the windshield washer fluid pump.
Washers Always On
1. Remove the WSW fuse from the underhood fuse block. The washer pump should turn OFF.
• If the washer pump does not turn OFF, test the washer pump control circuit for a short to voltage.
2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not Inactive, test the following:
* Perform the multifunction switch component test.
* Test the windshield washer switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the washer switch and circuit test normal, test or replace the BCM.
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the C2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the windshield washer relay control circuit terminal 13 and battery voltage.
• If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the relay.
Heated Washer Nozzles Inoperative
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the windshield washer fluid nozzles.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
• If greater than 1 ohm, repair the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the washer nozzle control circuits terminal A and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the inoperative nozzle.
Component Testing
Multifunction Switch
1. With the ignition OFF, disconnect the C1 harness connector at the turn signal/multifunction switch.
2. Test the resistance between terminals H and L. Rotate the wiper switch and compare the resistance readings to the values in the Windshield Wiper Switch Values table below for MIST, each DELAY and LOW speed.
• If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
3. Test for infinite resistance between terminals H and K while rotating the wiper switch to MIST, each DELAY and LOW speed positions.
• If the less than infinite, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
4. Test for less than 5 ohms of resistance with the wiper switch in the High speed position.
• If greater than 5 ohms, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
5. Test for infinite resistance between terminals H and J while rotating the wiper switch to MIST, each DELAY and LOW speed positions.
• If less than infinite, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
6. Test for less than 5 ohms of resistance while pressing the WASHER switch.
• If greater than 5 ohms, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
Important: If the switch tests open in any switch position other than Off, test the wiper/washer switch signal circuits for a short to voltage before replacing the switch.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure. Verification Tests
* Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement
* Windshield Washer Pump Replacement
* Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)
* Windshield Washer Nozzle Replacement (Domestic) Windshield Washer Nozzle Replacement (Export RHD XA7)
* Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming, and setup. Programming and Relearning