Washer Malfunction
Washer Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (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 battery voltage 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.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Wiper/Washer Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation
Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation (Wiper/Washer System)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter while pressing and releasing the washer switch. The reading should change between Active and Inactive.
• If the reading does not change between the specified values, refer to the Windshield Washer Switch Circuit Test.
2. Connect a test lamp between the relay side of the WSW MTR fuse and ground.
3. Ignition ON, verify that the test lamp turns ON and OFF while pressing and releasing the windshield washer switch.
• If the test lamp does not turn ON and OFF while changing between the commanded states, refer to the Windshield Washer Pump Relay Control Circuit Test.
4. If the washer pump does not operate, refer to the Windshield Washer Pump Circuit Test.
Circuit/System Testing
Windshield Washer Switch Circuit Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal M and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
3. Verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Off.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal G for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal G and the B+ circuit terminal M. Verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch is On.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch.
Windshield Washer Relay and Pump Circuit Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the W/S WASH Relay.
2. Test for less than 5 ohm between the ground circuit terminal M7 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal K7 and ground.
• If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ terminal M8 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test the control circuit terminal K7 for a short to ground.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the Windshield Washer Fluid Pump.
6. Test for less than 5 ohm between the Windshield Washer Fluid Pump ground circuit terminal A and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
7. Connect the harness connector at the Windshield Washer Fluid Pump.
8. Connect a 3 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal M8 and the control circuit terminal K7. Verify the WASH function is activated.
• If it does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the Windshield Washer Fluid Pump.
9. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal K8 and the ground circuit terminal M7.
10. Command the WASH function ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the W/S Wash Relay.
Component Testing
Turn Signal Multifunction Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the turn signal multifunction switch.
2. With the wiper switch in the HIGH position, test for less than 2 ohms between the low reference terminal M and the signal terminal K.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the windshield wiper washer switch.
Important: If the switch tests open in any switch position other than Off, test the signal circuits for a short to voltage before replacing the switch.
3. While cycling the wiper switch through each delay and speed position, test for the specified resistance between the low reference terminal M and the signal terminal N.
If any switch position is not within the specified range, replace the turn signal multifunction switch.
Relay Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the W/S WSH Relay.
2. Test for 30-150 ohm between terminals 85 and 86.
• If not within the specified range, replace the W/S WSH Relay.
3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
* 30 and 86
* 30 and 87
* 30 and 85
* 85 and 87
• If not the specified value, replace the W/S WSH Relay.
4. Test for less than 5 ohm between terminals 30 and 87A.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the W/S WSH Relay.
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and B+. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 5 ohm between terminals 30 and 87.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the W/S WSH Relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Washer Pump Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement (Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup, and programming