Washer System

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative washer pump or wipe-after-wash feature. If the washer pump operates, but no washer fluid is emitted from the washer nozzles, be certain to check the fluid level in the reservoir. Check for ice or other foreign material in the reservoir, and for pinched, disconnected, broken, or incorrectly routed washer system plumbing.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Turn the wiper switch to the Low or High speed position. Check whether the wipers operate. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, see Wiper System in the Diagnosis and Testing.
2. Turn the wiper switch to the Off position. Depress the washer switch. The washer pump should operate and the wipers should operate for as long as the washer switch is depressed. The wipers should continue to operate for about three sweep cycles after the switch is released before they park. If the wipers are OK, but the washers are not, go to Step 3. If the washers are OK, but the wipers are not, go to Step 5.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Unplug the washer pump wire harness connector. Measure the resistance between the ground circuit cavity of the washer pump wire harness connector and a good ground. The meter should read zero ohms. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the circuit to ground as required.
4. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. With the washer switch depressed, measure the voltage at the washer switch output circuit cavity of the washer pump wire harness connector. The meter should read battery voltage. If OK, replace the faulty pump. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Access and unplug the wire harness connector from the intermitent wipe module (for vehicles without the optional Vehicle Theft Security System [VTSS], or access and unplug the 14-way wire harness connector from the Central Timer Module (CTM) (for vehicles with the optional VTSS). See Intermittent Wipe module in the Replacement, or refer to Central Timer Module in the Replacement of Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. With the washer switch depressed, check for battery voltage at the washer switch sense circuit cavity of the intermittent wipe module wire harness connector or the 14-way CTM wire harness connector. If OK, see Intermittent Wipe Module (without VTSS) or Intermittent Wipe Relay (with VTSS) in the Diagnosis and Testing. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.