Windshield Wiper & Washer System Operation

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR- BAG, SEE SECTION - RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE CABLE FROM THE BATTERY BEFORE SERVICING COMPONENTS INVOLVING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG AND PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

The windshield wipers can be operated with the windshield wiper switch when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACCESSORY positions. The windshield wiper system is protected by a 40 amp fuse (9) located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. The windshield washer circuit is protected by a 6 amp fuse (9) located in the Junction Block. The wiper motor has permanent magnetic fields. The speeds are determined by current flow to the appropriate set of brushes inside the motor. The current flow is controlled by the multifunction switch stalk mounted wiper switch, high speed/low speed relays located in the PDC. The speed sensitive intermittent wiper is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). The intermittent mode, with the vehicle traveling greater than 10.4 mph, has a range of 0.5 to 18 seconds. With the vehicle traveling less than 10.4 mph, and the time delay is not adjusted, time delay doubles to a range of 1 to 36 seconds. The wiper arms will park at the base of the windshield just above the cowl cover after the wiper switch is turned OFF.

The windshield wiper motor and linkage is located in an integral wiper unit at the rear of the engine compartment. The wiper unit must be removed to gain access to the wiper motor.

The windshield wiper system operates in several modes:
- Low and high speed normal wipe
- Speed sensitive intermittent wipe
- Wipe after wash
- Pulse wipe
- Park (switch OFF)

The windshield wiper circuits are continuously monitored and controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). If a problem occurs in the electronic components, wiring, switch (except integral motor park switch) and wiper motor a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in the BCM memory. DTC's can be retrieved using a scan tool (DRB).

The windshield wiper park switch and circuit is monitored by the BCM. The park switch and circuit can be tested using the Wiper System Diagnosis chart.