Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation
INTRODUCTIONWindshield Wipers And Washers
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAG, SEE 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.
Rear Wiper and Washer
When continuous rear wiper operation is required, the Body Control Module (BCM) will provide ignition ON voltage to the rear wiper motor. When the wiper switch is turned OFF, the BCM provides circuit ground to operate the motor until the wipe cycle is complete and the wiper arm returns to the base of the rear window.
When intermittent rear wiper mode is selected, the wiper motor will cycle every 7 seconds. The intermittent delay time is also adjusted based upon vehicle speed. With the vehicle traveling greater at 50 mph, the cycle changes to every 5 seconds.
SYSTEM OPERATION
Rear Window Wiper/washer Switches
The rear window wiper/washer switches are incorporated into the HVAC switch panel. Refer to Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators/Instrument Panel for proper service procedures.