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Windshield Wiper System Malfunction




Windshield Wiper System 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 body control module (BCM) controls the wiper motor based on input from the windshield wiper/washer switch. The BCM monitors the wiper/washer switch through two separate signal circuits and a ground circuit. The windshield wiper switch high signal circuit is used to determine high speed wiper operation, the windshield wiper switch low signal is used to determine low speed, intermittent, and mist operation through the use of a resistor ladder, and the windshield washer switch signal circuit is used to determine washer operation.

The BCM controls the windshield wiper motor through two output controls, controlling two relays which determine the desired wiper speed, high or low.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics Electrical Diagrams

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly

Description and Operation

Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation Description and Operation

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 Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON.

2. Verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Inactive when the windshield wiper/washer switch is in the OFF position.

• If the parameter is not Inactive
Refer to Washer Malfunction Washer Malfunction.

• If the parameter is Inactive

3. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Switch parameter is Off when the wiper switch is in the OFF position.

• If the parameter is not Off
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test.

• If the parameter is Off

4. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper High Speed Switch parameter is Inactive when the wiper switch is in the OFF position.

• If the parameter is not Inactive
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test.

• If the parameter is Inactive

5. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Switch parameter is Low when the wiper switch is in the LO position.

• If the parameter is not Low
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test.

• If the parameter is Low

6. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper High Speed Switch parameter is Active when the wiper switch is in the HIGH position.

• If the parameter is not Active
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test.

• If the parameter is Active

7. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Switch parameter cycles from D1 through D5 while cycling through the INT delay adjustment positions with the wiper switch.

• If the parameter does not change from D1 through D5
Replace the S82 windshield wiper/washer switch.

• If the parameter changes from D1 through D5

8. Verify the wipers operate at low speed when the wiper switch is in the LO position.

• If the wipers are not operating at low speed
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper Motor Circuit Test.

• If the wipers are operating at low speed

9. Verify the wipers operate at high speed when the wiper switch is in the HIGH position.

• If the wipers are not operating at high speed
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper Motor Circuit Test.

• If the wipers are operating at high speed

10. Verify the body control module Wiper Park Switch parameter is Active when the wipers are parked and Inactive when the wipers are ON or out of the park position.

• If the parameter is always Active or Inactive or the wipers do not park
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Park Circuit Test.

• If the parameter changes between Active and Inactive and the wipers park

11. All OK.

Circuit/System Testing

Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S82 windshield wiper/washer switch. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.

2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

• If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

• If less than 10 ohms

3. Ignition ON.

4. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Switch parameter is Off.

• If not Off

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance, replace the K9 body control module.

• If Off

5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the low reference circuit terminal 2.

6. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Switch parameter is On.

• If not On

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

• If On

7. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper High Speed Switch parameter is Inactive.

• If not Inactive

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance, replace the K9 body control module.

• If Inactive

8. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 2.

9. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper High Speed Switch parameter is Active.

• If not Active

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

• If Active

10. Test or replace the S82 windshield wiper/washer switch.

Windshield Wiper Motor Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the KR12B windshield wiper relay. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.

2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.

• If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

• If less than 10 ohms

3. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 87A and ground.

• If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

• If less than 10 ohms

4. Ignition ON.

5. Verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 87 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is good

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the B+ circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, verify the fuse is good and there is voltage at the fuse.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is open

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the B+ circuit and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance, replace the KR12B windshield wiper relay.

• If the test lamp illuminates

6. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.

7. Verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when commanding the LOW speed wipers ON and OFF with a scan tool.

• If the test lamp is always OFF

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuit and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the control circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

• If the test lamp is always ON

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V, replace the K9 body control module.

• If the test lamp turns ON and OFF

8. Ignition OFF, disconnect the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay.

9. Test for less than 10 ohms between the control circuit terminal 30 of the KR12B windshield wiper relay and the control circuit terminal 30 of the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay.

• If 10 ohms or greater
Replace the X50A underhood fuse block.

• If less than 10 ohms

10. Connect the KR12B windshield wiper relay.

11. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 30 and ground.

• If 10 ohms or greater
Replace the KR12B windshield wiper relay.

• If less than 10 ohms

12. Verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate
Replace the X50A underhood fuse block.

• If the test lamp illuminates

13. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 30 and ground.

14. Verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when commanding the LOW speed wipers ON and OFF with a scan tool.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate
Test or replace the KR12B windshield wiper relay.

• If the test lamp illuminates

15. Connect a test lamp between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.

16. Verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when commanding the HIGH speed wipers ON and OFF with a scan tool.

• If the test lamp is always OFF

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V

3. Ignition OFF.

4. Test for less than 2 ohms in the control circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

• If the test lamp is always ON

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuit and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance, replace the K9 body control module.

• If the test lamp turns ON and OFF

17. Ignition OFF, connect the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay, disconnect the connector at the M75 windshield wiper motor.

18. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 4 and ground.

• If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

• If less than 10 ohms

19. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 5 and ground, ignition ON.

20. Verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when turning the LOW speed wipers ON and OFF with the S82 windshield wiper/washer switch.

• If the test lamp is always OFF

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuit and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the control circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay.

• If the test lamp is always ON

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V, replace the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay.

• If the test lamp turns ON and OFF

21. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 3 and ground.

22. Verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when turning the HIGH speed wipers ON and OFF with the S82 windshield wiper/washer switch.

• If the test lamp is always OFF

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuit and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the control circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay.

• If the test lamp is always ON

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V, replace the KR12C windshield wiper speed control relay.

• If the test lamp turns ON and OFF

23. Test or replace the M75 windshield wiper motor.

Wiper Park Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the M75 windshield wiper motor. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.

2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohmsor greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

• If less than 10 ohms

3. Ignition ON.

4. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Park Switch parameter is Active.

• If not Active

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal B and ground.

• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

• If infinite resistance, replace the K9 body control module.

• If Active

5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the ground circuit terminal 4.

6. Verify the scan tool Windshield Wiper Park Switch parameter is Inactive.

• If not Inactive

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.

• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

• If less than 1 V

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.

• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

• If Inactive

7. Test or replace the M75 windshield wiper motor.

Component Testing

Relay Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate relay.

2. Test for 60-200 ohms between terminals 85 and 86.

• If less than 60 or greater than 200
Replace the relay.

• If between 60-200 ohms

3. Test for infinite resistance between the terminals listed below:

* 30 and 86

* 30 and 87

* 30 and 85

* 85 and 87

• If less than infinite resistance
Replace the relay.

• If infinite resistance

4. Test for less than 5 ohms between terminals 30 and 87A.

• If 5 ohms or greater
Replace the relay.

• If less than 5 ohms

5. Install a 10 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 V. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground.

6. Test for less than 5 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.

• If 5 ohms or greater
Replace the relay.

• If less than 5 ohms

7. All OK

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.

* Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Service and Repair

* Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness)

* Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement Service and Repair

* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming and setup

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